Jim Farley, CEO of Ford: “We have 5,000 mechanic jobs open, even though we offer a salary of $120,000”

The U.S. automotive industry is facing a shortage of skilled trades workers. That’s the warning from Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who spoke about the issue on the podcast “Office Hours: Business Edition.”

The lack of interest in hands-on jobs isn’t limited to auto manufacturing, Farley said. It’s a challenge across multiple sectors, from construction to plumbing to factory work. “We don’t talk enough about this,” he said, noting that Ford currently has 5,000 open mechanic positions.

Generous pay not enough to fill vacancies

Ford is offering $120,000 a year for these roles, yet the demand for applicants remains low. Farley sees this as a clear signal of a broader problem in skilled trades across the country. “It’s a very serious issue,” he said.

Back in July, Farley also warned about the impact of artificial intelligence on office jobs. “AI will replace half of the administrative workforce in the country,” he said. Still, he emphasized that technical trades remain largely irreplaceable, even as AI advances.

Trades could be the next path to millions

Farley’s views echo recent comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who said plumbers, carpenters, and electricians could become the next generation of millionaires because demand for these professions is expected to grow in the future.

With AI continuing to advance rapidly, discussions about the future of work are heating up. Yet some of the country’s most essential hands-on jobs may remain in high demand for decades.

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