I am a Machinists (Blue collar trade) at a Company and I make $45,ooo with unlimited overtime. Some people I work with make between $60,000 - $70,000 per year. I put myself through college and got an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Technology. What an absolute waste of time. I am still machining because I cannot get a decent job in this field and they all pay much less than what I currently make. I spent roughly $9,000 on this 2 year degree. I spent $150 for an 8 week certificate in machining. If I relied on my computer degree I would need to wait tables on the side to make it.