Blue-collar jobs have long been the backbone of the workforce, offering individuals the opportunity to earn a steady income while working with their hands and honing valuable skills.
These occupations provide rewarding careers that not only offer job security but also boast competitive salaries.
In this article, we present a comprehensive list of the 31 best blue-collar jobs available today.
From construction and manufacturing to transportation and maintenance, here are the top blue-collar jobs that are in high demand and offer promising futures.
Now, let’s begin!
Best Blue Collar Jobs
1. Electrician
Salary Range: $45,000 – $75,000 per year
Electricians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems.
With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and technological advancements, the need for qualified electricians is on the rise.
This field offers excellent job prospects and the potential for self-employment.
2. Plumber
Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
Plumbers play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of water and drainage systems.
Their expertise is in high demand, making it a stable and well-paying occupation.
From residential to commercial projects, plumbers work on various installations, repairs, and maintenance tasks.
3. Welder
Salary Range: $50,000 – $85,000 per year
Welders utilize their skills to join metal parts together, creating structures and products.
They work in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive.
As welding technology continues to advance, this profession offers excellent job opportunities and the potential for specialization.
Professional certifications can be acquired through the American Welder Association (AWS) to gain industry knowledge for a rewarding career path in Welding.
4. HVAC Technician
Salary Range: $50,000 – $75,000 per year
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing climate control systems.
With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and indoor air quality, skilled HVAC technicians are in high demand, offering stable careers and competitive salaries.
5. Heavy Equipment Operator
Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Heavy equipment operators work with machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and loaders to move materials and perform tasks on construction sites.
Their expertise is vital in infrastructure projects, land development, and mining operations.
This occupation offers hands-on work and the potential for career growth.
6. Diesel Mechanic
Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
Diesel mechanics specialize in maintaining and repairing diesel engines found in trucks, buses, and other heavy equipment.
With the increasing reliance on diesel-powered vehicles, skilled diesel mechanics are in demand, offering job security and opportunities for specialization.
7. Construction Manager
Salary Range: $75,000 – $105,000 per year
Construction managers oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects.
They work closely with architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
With experience and expertise, construction managers can earn lucrative salaries and enjoy rewarding careers in the industry.
8. Bricklayer
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
Bricklayers are skilled tradespeople who lay bricks, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials to construct buildings, walls, and structures.
This occupation requires precision and craftsmanship, and with the ongoing demand for new construction, bricklayers can find ample job opportunities and stable income.
9. Carpenter
Salary Range: $45,000 – $75,000 per year
Carpenters work with wood, constructing and repairing structures such as buildings, furniture, and cabinetry.
From residential to commercial projects, skilled carpenters are always in demand.
With experience, carpenters can progress to supervisory roles or even start their own businesses.
10. Elevator Technician
Salary Range: $65,000 – $95,000 per year
Elevator technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other vertical transportation systems.
With the continuous growth of urbanization and high-rise buildings, skilled elevator technicians are essential.
This occupation requires technical expertise and offers excellent earning potential, making it one of the best blue-collar jobs in 2023 and beyond.
11. Lineworker
Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000 per year
Lineworkers install, repair, and maintain electrical power systems, including overhead lines and utility poles.
They work in various weather conditions and often perform maintenance tasks at great heights.
Furthermore, there is currently a shortage lineworkers in the United States, making it a promising career path in an industry with sustainable growth.
Lineworkers play a critical role in ensuring a reliable power supply to homes and businesses making it one of the best in demand blue-collar jobs for 2023.
12. Aircraft Mechanic
Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 per year
Aircraft mechanics, also known as aviation maintenance technicians, inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft.
They work in airports, hangars, and maintenance facilities, ensuring the safety and functionality of airplanes and helicopters.
This occupation requires technical expertise and offers opportunities for specialization.
13. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
Industrial machinery mechanics are responsible for repairing and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing and production processes.
They diagnose problems, replace faulty parts, and ensure that equipment operates efficiently.
With the increasing automation of manufacturing, skilled mechanics are in demand to keep the machinery running smoothly.
14. Brickmason
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
Brickmasons, also known as bricklayers, construct walls, chimneys, and other brick structures.
They work with various materials, such as bricks, concrete blocks, and stones, using mortar to bond them together.
Skilled brickmasons can find employment in residential and commercial construction, enjoying stable careers and competitive salaries.
15. Boilermaker
Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, vats, and other large containers that hold liquids and gases.
They work in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and refining.
This occupation requires technical expertise and offers attractive compensation.
16. Machinist
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000 per year
Machinists operate and maintain various machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts.
They work in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. With the increasing demand for custom parts, skilled machinists can find plentiful job opportunities.
17. Masonry Worker
Salary Range: $45,000 – $75,000 per year
Masonry workers build and repair structures using materials like bricks, concrete blocks, and stones.
They work on projects ranging from residential homes to large commercial buildings.
This occupation requires physical strength and attention to detail, offering steady work and room for advancement.
18. Carpenter
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
Carpenter assistants support carpenters in various construction tasks, including measuring, cutting, and assembling materials.
They assist in building structures and installing fixtures.
This role offers an entry point into the carpentry profession and the opportunity to learn valuable skills on the job.
19. Construction Equipment Operator
Salary Range: $35,000 – $65,000 per year
Construction equipment operators handle machinery such as bulldozers, loaders, and excavators to move earth and heavy materials on construction sites.
They work closely with other construction professionals to ensure smooth operations.
This occupation offers hands-on work and opportunities for career growth.
20. Pipefitter
Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Pipefitters specialize in installing, assembling, and maintaining piping systems for various applications, including plumbing, heating, and industrial processes.
They work with different materials like steel, copper, and plastic, ensuring proper connections and efficient flow.
With the demand for infrastructure projects and new construction, skilled pipefitters can enjoy stable employment and competitive wages.
21. Construction Labourer
Salary Range: $40,000 – $55,000 per year
Construction labourers perform various physical tasks on construction sites, such as digging trenches, mixing concrete, and assisting skilled tradespeople.
They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth progress of projects.
This occupation requires physical strength and offers opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
22. Automotive Service Technician
Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Automotive service technicians, commonly known as mechanics, inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles.
They diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, perform routine maintenance, and replace faulty components.
With the increasing complexity of automotive technology, skilled technicians are in demand to keep vehicles running smoothly.
23. Lanscaper
Salary Range: $35,000 – $55,000 per year
Landscapers design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, such as gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes.
They work with plants, trees, and hardscape elements, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functionality.
This occupation offers a balance between physical work and creative expression, with opportunities for entrepreneurship and specialization.
24. Concrete Finisher
Salary Range: $40,000 – $55,000 per year
Concrete finishers are responsible for pouring, levelling, and finishing concrete surfaces.
They work on projects such as sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations, ensuring a smooth and durable finish.
With the continued growth in medium to large scale construction projects, skilled concrete finishers can find ample job opportunities and stable income.
25. Painter
Salary Range: $35,000 – $50,000 per year
Painters apply paint, stains, and coatings to various surfaces, including buildings, structures, and equipment.
They prepare surfaces, select appropriate materials, and ensure a high-quality finish.
Skilled painters are in demand in both residential and commercial sectors, offering steady work and opportunities for specialization.
26. Glass Installer
Salary Range: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
Glass installers, often referred to as glaziers, cut, install, and replace glass in windows, doors, and other structures.
They work with different types of glass, including safety glass and insulated glass units.
With the need for energy-efficient buildings and modern architectural designs, skilled glaziers can find steady employment and competitive wages in this field.
27. Crane Operator
Salary Range: $45,000 – $95,000 per year
Crane operators are responsible for operating cranes and other lifting equipment to move heavy materials and objects on construction sites.
They follow safety protocols, interpret signals, and ensure precise positioning.
This occupation requires specialized training and certification, offering attractive compensation and opportunities to work on large-scale projects.
28. Sheet Metal Worker
Salary Range: $40,000 – $75,000 per year
Sheet metal workers fabricate, install, and maintain sheet metal products and systems, such as ductwork and roofing.
They work with various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper, using specialized tools and techniques.
Skilled sheet metal workers can find employment in construction, manufacturing, and HVAC industries.
29. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.
They work with electrical components and perform wiring connections.
With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, skilled solar PV installers can enjoy job security and opportunities for specialization.
30. Locksmith
Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Locksmiths install, repair, and maintain locks and security systems for residential, commercial, and automotive applications.
They assist with key cutting, lockout situations, and security consultations.
This occupation requires technical skills and provides flexibility, as locksmiths often work independently or as part of a specialized team.
31. Upholsterer
Salary Range: $35,000 – $55,000 per year
Upholsterers specialize in repairing and reupholstering furniture, such as chairs, sofas, and cushions.
They work with different fabrics, foams, and frames, restoring furniture to its original condition or giving it a fresh look.
Skilled upholsterers can find employment in furniture manufacturing, restoration businesses, or establish their own workshops.
Best Blue Collar Jobs: Wrapping Up
Blue-collar jobs provide an excellent pathway to rewarding careers with competitive salaries for skilled workers.
These 31 best blue-collar jobs mentioned in this list offer a diverse range of opportunities across various industries, from construction and manufacturing to transportation and maintenance.
Whether you are interested in working with your hands, solving technical challenges, or creating tangible products, these blue-collar jobs present viable options for long-term career growth and financial stability.
With the right training, dedication, and commitment to honing your skills, you can embark on a fulfilling journey and start earning money sooner rather than later.
