[paulryanrogers]

Those jobs don't often pay well until you graduate out of journeyman / apprentice, or are a business owner. They usually require some training and testing ahead of time. They also carry a higher risk of serious injury or death.

[ddtaylor]

The average salary for a software developer in Montana is $88k/yr. The average salary for an HVAC technician in Montana is $58k/yr.

The average salary for a software developer in Oregon is $118k/yr. The average salary for an HVAC technician in Oregon is $74k/yr.

It's for sure less, but the gap is smaller than some might think. I think some markets (SF) distort the cost a bit.

[iberator]

you will not land job as plumber or HVAC without piór experience or similar experience. People shun software developers at once im because THEY KNOW that you simply don't fit as typical candidate.

Also: people doesn't want to hire someone who got 'better' education than them... :/