Ford CEO warns America is ‘in trouble.’ Car giant has 5,000 mechanic jobs paying $120K/year unfilled. Why it’s a problem

Core Insights - The U.S. job market has a significant number of high-paying, unfilled positions, particularly in skilled trades, despite broader economic concerns about wage growth and layoffs in big tech [5][6]. Group 1: Job Market and Opportunities - There are over a million openings in critical jobs such as emergency services, trucking, and skilled trades, indicating a serious shortage of workers in these areas [2]. - Ford CEO Jim Farley highlights that many high-paying jobs, such as mechanics in Ford dealerships, offer salaries around $120,000 per year but require extensive training [4][5]. - Enrollment in trade schools has increased by 4.9% from 2020 to 2023, contrasting with a decline of approximately 1.4 million students in U.S. college enrollment from 2012 to 2024 [7]. Group 2: Economic Context - The median weekly earnings for full-time U.S. workers in Q2 2025 were reported at $1,196, translating to an annual salary of about $62,192, while many skilled roles pay nearly double this amount [3]. - Farley expresses concern that the U.S. may lack sufficient skilled workers to meet national defense needs, referencing Ford's historical role in producing military vehicles during World War II [6]. Group 3: Financial Implications - Many Americans are feeling financially strained due to rising living costs, which complicates their ability to pursue training for high-paying skilled jobs [8]. - The need for additional income streams is emphasized as a way for individuals to manage financial pressures and work towards long-term goals [10].