probably the “labor” part

You’re comparing the bottom person at a restaurant with a mid level engineer. You should be comparing an engineering intern with a dishwasher or something. Both are somewhat replaceable (but try running anything without them).

Compare an actual engineer with a restaurant manager or head chef. Both of those require experience and education.

I don’t think the issue is with the term skilled, I think it’s with labor.

Unskilled labor is McDonald’s.

Skilled labor would be like a machinist or a plumber.

It takes a lot of training, maybe an apprenticeship, etc. maybe even vocational school.

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