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 in the U.K. for 2025:
01. Construction Inspector
Construction inspectors earn up to £50,000 per annum. The construction inspector job outlook and career path includes becoming a building site supervisor or commercial site inspector.
02. Landscaper
The average annual salary for a landscaper is around £26,000. The job outlook and career path for landscapers includes becoming a landscape gardener or designer.
03. Firefighter
Experienced firefighters earn around £42,000 per year. The job outlook and career path for firefighters include becoming crew, brigade, or watch manager.
04. Boilermaker/Welder
Qualified boilermakers or welders earn around £45,000 per year. The boilermaker job outlook and career path includes becoming a supervisor, working in welding inspections, or specializing in underwater welding.
05. Train Conductor
The average salary for an experienced train conductor is around £36,000 per annum. The job outlook and career path for a train conductor include becoming a train crew, train guard, and train inspector.
06. Police Officer
The average annual salary for a police officer is £46,000. The job outlook and career path for electronics technicians includes becoming a team leader or investigator.
07. Gas Installer
The average annual salary for a gas installer or service technician is around £38,000. The job outlook and career path for gas installers include moving on to supervisory roles or setting up a gas fitting business.
08. Plumber
The average salary for a plumber is around £40,000 per annum. The job outlook and career path for a plumber include starting a business, becoming an HVAC technician, or moving into renewable technologies.
09. Aircraft Mechanics and Technician
Professional aircraft mechanics and technicians earn an average annual salary of around £45,000. The aircraft mechanic job outlook and career path includes becoming an aerospace engineering technician.
10. Electrician
Qualified electricians earn up to £44,000 per year. The electrician job outlook and career path include starting a business or becoming an electrical design engineer.
*Salary information is based on U.K. data and subject to regular change.
