Kevin O’Leary on Trade Careers: “Be a Plumber, They Get Rich.”

In a world where college debt keeps climbing and job security feels uncertain, a growing number of influential voices are pointing to something America has overlooked for too long: the trades are one of the smartest, most stable career paths you can choose. One of the most high-profile advocates of this idea? None other than Kevin O’Leary, entrepreneur, investor, and longtime host of Shark Tank.

In a now-viral interview with CNBC Make It, O’Leary laid it out plainly. If you want to earn good money, skip the soul-crushing debt, and actually build wealth?

“Be a plumber, they get rich.”

Watch the full clip here:

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Why the Trades Make Sense—Financially and Practically

O’Leary’s message wasn’t just a hot take. It was a reality check.

“Everybody has to have a plumber, even in a recession… Every single building on Earth wants to have electricity and plumbing working.”

In an economy that’s constantly shifting—with industries like tech and media seeing mass layoffs—O’Leary makes the case that skilled trades are recession-resistant. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and yes, plumbers—these careers don’t disappear when markets dip. They’re always in demand.

And while many four-year graduates are struggling to find jobs or pay off loans, trade professionals often skip college debt entirely and start earning income while they train. As O’Leary puts it:

“These are careers that actually can help you provide for your family forever.”

A Faster Path to Wealth

One of O’Leary’s most striking points came when he compared trade careers to more traditional college degrees:

“You get rich [through trades] a lot faster than [by] getting a history major.”

That line may sound blunt—but it’s backed by data. Many tradespeople start working and earning as early as 18 or 19, while their college-bound peers are still paying for tuition. By the time a university student graduates, a tradesperson could already be 4–5 years into their career, debt-free and saving.

Plus, with many skilled trades now offering starting salaries in the $60K–$90K range—and six figures within reach—it’s no wonder Gen Z is starting to reconsider the narrative they’ve been sold about success.

Why This Matters to Us at Collars

At Collars, we believe that trade careers deserve a platform—and a spotlight. When public voices like Kevin O’Leary, Mike Rowe, or others use their platforms to uplift the trades, it helps shift the outdated perception that college is the only path to a good life.

We’re here to help keep that conversation going—and to give tradespeople the tools they actually need to succeed.

Collars is the first hiring app built exclusively for the trades—construction, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and service. Instead of resumes, you can build a profile that shows your actual work. Upload videos, photos, certifications, and more. Show what you can do—don't let a paper resume speak for you.

Whether you're an experienced tradesperson or just starting out, Collars is here to connect you to the right opportunities—with companies that value real skill and real people.

Final Thoughts

Kevin O’Leary isn’t exactly known for sugarcoating things—and that’s what makes this message resonate. He’s not romanticizing trade work. He’s just calling it like it is: a practical, profitable, and deeply needed path—especially in a world where stability and purpose matter more than ever.

If you're thinking about your next move, or trying to convince someone that trade school isn’t “settling”—this is the kind of clip worth sharing.

And if you're looking for the right tools to build your career in the trades, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Join the waitlist for the Collars app at Collars.io
The future of the trades is bright—and we’re building the platform to match it.

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