“Offering Jobs Worth ₹1 Crore, but No One Wants Them,” Says US CEO; Here’s Why

In the United States, several sectors are facing a severe shortage of skilled workers. Surprisingly, even jobs offering high salaries are struggling to attract candidates.

High-Paying Jobs Remain Vacant
Imagine being offered a job with an annual package of ₹1 crore (around $120,000)—wouldn’t most people jump at the opportunity? However, the reality in the US is quite different. Many high-paying roles remain unfilled despite lucrative salaries, while traditional office jobs are seeing a decline and students are increasingly anxious about their career prospects.

Skilled Workers in Short Supply
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motors, recently highlighted the challenge his company faces. Ford currently has thousands of vacancies that remain unfilled because many positions require extensive training and hands-on effort. Speaking on a podcast, Farley explained that the demand for skilled trades such as mechanics and specialized technicians is growing rapidly, yet even generous salaries are not enough to attract workers.

Why Are These Jobs Avoided?
One major reason is the structure of trade jobs. Unlike regular office jobs with fixed hourly pay, many skilled positions operate on a flat-rate system, where workers are paid per task rather than per hour. As a result, beginners often face periods of low income while waiting for work.

For example, Ted Hamel, a 39-year-old technician from Ohio, specializes in transmissions—a complex and demanding area of auto mechanics. While he now earns $160,000 (approximately ₹1.44 crore) annually, it took him a decade to reach that level. Early in his career, each task would take him nearly 20 hours to complete. Today, his expertise allows him to complete the same work much faster, reflecting how experience directly affects earning potential in trade jobs.

Additional Challenges
Other factors deterring candidates include the physical risks associated with these jobs. Injuries on the job can result in long periods without work, making the career path less attractive to newcomers. Starting salaries are also relatively modest—for instance, initial pay for Ford mechanics is around $42,000 (approx. ₹32 lakh).

Conclusion
Despite requiring no formal degree and offering apprenticeship-based entry, trade jobs in the US remain undervalued in the eyes of many. While the long-term earning potential is high, the combination of early low pay, required skill-building, and occupational risks is discouraging prospective workers, leaving high-paying positions unfilled across key sectors.