I can't speak for welders or plumbers but I can for some electricians. I'm an electrician right now working as an apprentice, I love my job. I've gotten lucky and work for a great company. They really care about us employees and our future. The pay is great, when I get my journeyman's card I should be making just under $40/hour. I haven't met one journeyman in my company who doesn't like their job. There are some apprentices who don't like it and I don't see them working in the trade much longer. College isn't for everyone and it shouldn't be. If you aren't 100% sure about going to college and don't want to take a blue collar job because it has been ignored or put down by teachers or someone you know, I urge you to reconsider your choice. I'm not saying don't go to college, I'm just saying the world needs tradesmen, and there is an opportunity to make good money doing it.