news
The Hattiesburg American reports that the weak job market is prompting many young adults to pursue careers as skilled laborers — jobs that pay well and don't need a four-year degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2010 and 2020, jobs for stonemasons will grow 40 percent, those for plumbers by 26 percent and construction equipment operator jobs by 23 percent.
It says annual median pay for stonemasons is about $45,400; for plumbers between $28,300 to $82,300; and about $39,500 for equipment operators.
They're among many jobs requiring only vocational-technical training or a two-year degree.