Blue-Collar Jobs

Information about blue-collar jobs.

By Toni Ross, Jan 8, 2025

Toni Ross is the Senior Editor of Betterteam. Her interests include developing resources that help build and grow value-oriented, connected teams, both personal and professional.

In the U.S., blue-collar jobs refer to occupations that generally involve some form of manual labor. Blue-collar workers use their hands and physical abilities to perform their duties. While blue-collar jobs often do not require formal education, they are highly specialized with skills obtained through apprenticeships or trade school.

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Origin of the Term "Blue-Collar":

The term "blue-collar" first appeared in the 1920s in reference to trade workers. The phrase comes from the image of tradesmen wearing blue denim or canvas shirts as part of their uniform. The idea is that the dark blue color would conceal dirt or grease, helping them appear cleaner.

Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Workers:

White-collar jobs usually require some sort of formal education with a bachelor's degree in a related field, in contrast to blue-collar jobs, which typically do not. Unlike blue-collar workers, white-collar workers don't do manual labor.

The Top 10 Blue-Collar Jobs for 2025:

01. Elevator Mechanic

The average annual salary for an elevator mechanic is around $102,000. The elevator mechanic job outlook predicts an employment growth rate of around 6% by 2033.

02. Power Plant Operator

The average annual salary for a power-line installer is around $100,000. The power plant operator job outlook predicts an 8% decline in employment by 2033.

03. Electrical and Electronics Repairer

Electrical and electronics repairers earn around $67,000 per annum. The job outlook for electrical and electronics repairers predicts a steady 1% employment growth by 2033.

04. Aircraft Mechanics and Technician

Aircraft mechanics and technicians earn around $75,000 per annum. The job outlook for aircraft mechanics and technicians indicates an employment growth of around 5% by 2033.

05. Railroad Worker

Railroad workers earn an average annual salary of around $73,000. The latest job outlook data for railroad workers indicates the employment rate is expected to grow 2% by 2033.

06. Boilermaker

Boilermakers earn an average annual salary of around $71,000. The job outlook for boilermakers predicts a decline in employment of 1% by 2033.

07. Construction Inspector

Qualified construction inspectors earn around $67,000 per year. The construction inspectors job outlook data indicates no employment growth by 2033.

08. Electrician

Electricians earn an average annual salary of $61,000. The job outlook for electricians predicts a healthy 11% growth by 2033.

09. Wind Turbine Operator

Wind turbine operators earn on average around $61,000 per year. The wind turbine operators job outlook data indicates an impressive 60% industry growth by 2033.

10. Automotive Technician

Experienced automotive technicians earn around $47,000 per year. The job outlook data for automotive technicians predicts a 3% industry growth by 2033.

*Salary and projected growth data are best practice estimates for the U.S.

The Best Blue-Collar Job Boards for Fast Hiring

A list of the best job boards for hiring blue-collar workers including detailed descriptions and FAQs.

FAQs:

What does the term blue-collar mean?

In the U.S., blue-collar refers to the working class who perform manual labor outside of an office environment.

What education is required for a blue-collar job?

Most blue-collar jobs require no formal education. However, training is required either through apprenticeship programs or via a trade school.

What is the difference between a blue-collar and white-collar worker?

Blue-collar workers perform manual labor outside of an office environment, while white-collar workers are office professionals who perform desk, administrative, and managerial duties.

What are some blue-collar jobs?

Blue-collar jobs include elevator mechanics, truck drivers, boilermakers, plumbers, and electricians.