Not all trades require additional backbreaking labor in order to make top rates. Some of these trades have specialties that require a great deal of training, s

Not all trades require additional backbreaking labor in order to make top rates. Some of these trades have specialties that require a great deal of training, skill, and experience, and pay is commensurate. For example, telecom, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work is frequently not backbreaking work but still great rates. There are probably many more jobs in unionized or defense (or both) which have great salaries or rates, but without a lot of backbreaking work involved. As a bonus, once you've learned the ropes and gain more experience, you are well on your way to becoming a foreman or even entrepreneur, if so inclined. As a college student without any experience, it makes sense that you would end up trading your young and fit body for higher pay, but that isn't always the case. Experience in that individual industry will help you see what the possible upgrade paths are.