Blue Collar Jobs: Definition, Best Careers & How To Get One

When you think about high-paying jobs, you most definitely think about positions that require college degrees—those flashy office jobs high up in the skyscrapers, for instance.

But secretly, behind the scenes, blue-collar jobs bring in the bacon too.

For example, an elevator technician can earn up to an average of around $100,000 per year.

That’s way more than your average office worker.

Blue-collar jobs are the backbone of our nation.

And with the right certifications, technical skills, and hard work, you can join one of the strongest workforces in the world. 

Why is it the most resilient?

Skilled trades are in high demand, offer job security, and have a less volatile job market. 

But enough with the comparisons.

Today, we’ll help you understand what blue collar jobs really are, why they matter, and how to get started in this rewarding field.

What Are Blue Collar Jobs?

While many remote jobs and office work often steal the spotlight in career discussions, blue collar jobs keep the economy running—building, fixing, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our world moving.

From building towering skyscrapers to maintaining the electricity that powers our computers, these roles demand hands-on expertise and specialized skills.

Definition and History of Blue Collar Work

The term “blue collar” first gained traction in the early 1900s, when factory workers and laborers wore rugged blue denim or chambray shirts to endure tough job conditions.

What started as a practical dress code soon became a defining label for skilled trade workers, mechanics, and technical specialists.

Blue-collar jobs aren’t just about physical labor—they require precision, problem-solving, and increasingly advanced technical knowledge.

Whether it’s operating heavy machinery or installing complex electrical systems, these roles demand a skill set that goes far beyond brute strength.

Differences Between Blue Collar and White Collar Jobs

The distinction between blue-collar and white-collar work can be defined by these qualities:

• Work Environment – Blue collar jobs take place in factories, construction sites, or outdoor settings, while white collar roles are typically office-based.
• Education Requirements – Skilled trades often require apprenticeships, certifications, or vocational training, whereas white collar positions tend to demand college degrees.
• Pay Structure – While blue collar workers earn hourly wages with lucrative overtime opportunities, white collar professionals usually receive annual salaries.
• Skills Focus – Blue collar jobs emphasize technical expertise, craftsmanship, and physical ability, while white collar roles lean toward administration, strategy, and analysis.

Why Blue Collar Jobs Are Essential to the Economy

Without blue collar workers, modern life would grind to a halt.

Every paved road, functioning power grid, and stocked grocery shelf exists because of the labor that fuels infrastructure and supply chains.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored their importance.

While remote workers logged in from home, blue collar professionals remained on-site—keeping essential industries running, maintaining utilities, and ensuring logistics stayed on track.

Skilled trades also offer strong job security, with fields like construction and manufacturing experiencing a growing demand for workers due to projected shortages.

In a world obsessed with automation and digital transformation, blue-collar careers continue to prove that hands-on expertise is irreplaceable.

Types of Blue Collar Jobs

Blue collar professions encompass a wide range of roles that are essential to the functioning of society.

These careers often require specialized skills and offer opportunities for hands-on work.

Let’s explore them.

Skilled Trades Jobs

With technology evolving by the second, skilled trades have evolved significantly.

Electricians, for instance, are not just wiring buildings; they’re integrating smart home systems and renewable energy solutions. 

Plumbers manage complex, computer-controlled systems, and welders utilize robotics and advanced materials to enhance precision and efficiency.

Popular skilled trades include:

• Electricians: Responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The median annual wage for electricians was $61,590.
• Plumbers: Specialists in installing and repairing piping systems that carry water, gas, and other fluids. The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $61,550.
• Welders: Experts in fusing materials together, often working with metals to construct or repair structures and equipment. The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $48,940.

Source: BLS, May 2023

Manufacturing and Factory Jobs

The manufacturing sector has begun adopting automation and advanced technologies. 

Modern factories are equipped with sophisticated machinery, and workers are required to operate computer systems that control production lines, ensuring efficiency and quality.

Key roles include:

• CNC Machine Operators: Operate computer-controlled machines to produce precision metal parts.
• Quality Control Inspectors: Examine products for defects and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Production Supervisors: Oversee manufacturing processes and coordinate activities to meet production targets.
• Assembly Technicians: Assemble components to create finished products, often working with intricate parts.

Construction and Infrastructure Jobs

The construction industry is the bedrock of infrastructure development, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and sustainable practices.

From residential buildings to commercial complexes and public infrastructure, these professionals play a crucial role in shaping our built environment.

Common positions include:

• Carpenters: Construct, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials.
• HVAC Technicians: Construct, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to provide optimal indoor air quality and comfort.
• Heavy Equipment Operators: Handle machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators used in construction projects.
• Construction Managers: Plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring they’re completed on time and within budget.

Transportation and Logistics Jobs

With the surge in e-commerce and global trade, the transportation and logistics sector has become increasingly important.

Professionals in this field make sure goods and services are moving across various regions, using advanced tracking systems and logistics software.

Critical roles include:

• Commercial Truck Drivers: Transport goods over long distances, adhering to safety regulations and delivery schedules.
• Warehouse Managers: Oversee storage and distribution operations, managing inventory systems and personnel.
• Shipping and Receiving Coordinators: Manage the flow of goods into and out of warehouses, fostering accurate record-keeping and timely dispatch.
• Fleet Mechanics: Maintain and repair vehicles used in transportation fleets to help them remain in safe and operational condition.

Service and Maintenance Jobs

Service and maintenance professionals are the unsung heroes who keep various systems and equipment running smoothly.

Their expertise helps homes, businesses, and public facilities remain functional and safe.

Key positions include:

• Auto Mechanics: Diagnose and repair vehicle issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Maintenance Technicians: Perform routine maintenance and repairs on buildings and equipment, addressing issues proactively to prevent breakdowns.
• Equipment Repair Specialists: Handle the repair and upkeep of specialized machinery, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.

These blue collar careers not only offer stable employment opportunities but also provide the satisfaction of contributing tangibly to society’s daily functioning.

As technology continues to advance, these roles are evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation, making them both challenging and rewarding.

Best High-Paying Blue Collar Jobs

Blue-collar professions offer lucrative opportunities that rival traditional white-collar roles.

Let’s look into some of the top-paying blue-collar careers that provide substantial incomes.

Blue Collar Jobs That Pay Over $50K Per Year

Several blue-collar occupations offer annual salaries exceeding $50,000, reflecting the specialized skills and training they require.

Here are some notable examples:

• Elevator Installers and Repairers: These professionals ensure the safe and efficient operation of elevators and escalators. The median annual salary for elevator installers and repairers is approximately $99,000.
• Power Plant Operators: Responsible for controlling and maintaining machinery to generate electricity, power plant operators earn a median annual salary of about $100,890.
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: These workers install and maintain the networks that deliver electricity. Their median annual salary is around $85,420.

Highest-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs

Skilled trades require specialized training and offer competitive salaries.

Here are some of the highest-paying skilled trade jobs:

• Elevator Technicians: With a median annual salary of $102,420, elevator technicians top the list of high-paying blue-collar jobs.
• Power Plant Operators: Earning a median annual salary of $100,890, power plant operators manage the systems that generate and distribute electrical power.
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: These professionals, who install and repair electrical power systems, earn a median annual salary of $85,420.

Blue Collar Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Many high-paying blue-collar jobs do not require a traditional four-year college degree.

Instead, they emphasize hands-on training, apprenticeships, or vocational education.

Here are some examples:

• Elevator Installers and Repairers: This role typically requires a high school diploma and an apprenticeship and offers a median annual salary of $99,000.
• Power Plant Operators: With a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, individuals can earn a median annual salary of $100,890 in this role.
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: This position often requires a high school diploma and technical instruction, leading to a median annual salary of $85,420.

These careers demonstrate that with the right training and dedication, it’s possible to achieve financial success and job satisfaction without a traditional college education.

How to Get Hired for a Blue Collar Job

Landing a solid blue-collar job isn’t just about showing up and hoping for the best—it’s about strategy, skill, and leveraging the right tools.

Whether you’re starting with an apprenticeship or working toward a six-figure trade, following these steps will put you ahead of the competition.

Step 1: Choose the Right Trade or Industry

Not all blue-collar jobs are created equal.

Some demand more physical endurance, while others require fine-tuned technical expertise.

Before diving in, consider factors like job stability, salary potential, and whether you’d rather work with power tools or precision instruments. 

Construction and infrastructure jobs—such as electricians, HVAC technicians, and heavy equipment operators—are consistently in demand.

Manufacturing roles require an understanding of modern automation and quality control. 

Transportation and logistics careers continue to expand due to the rise of e-commerce, making truck drivers and warehouse managers more valuable than ever.

Meanwhile, skilled trades like plumbing, welding, and elevator installation provide strong earning potential without requiring a four-year degree.

Step 2: Gain the Necessary Skills and Certifications

Blue-collar jobs don’t always require a college degree, but they do demand technical know-how.

Whether it’s through an apprenticeship, trade school, or certification program, investing in training can fast-track your career. 

Apprenticeships allow workers to learn on the job while getting paid, while trade schools offer structured education in fields like electrical work, automotive repair, and carpentry.

Certifications can be essential, with OSHA safety credentials, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or industry-specific licensing setting candidates apart. 

Employers highly value hands-on experience, so volunteering for projects, shadowing professionals, or taking on entry-level roles can significantly boost employability.

Step 3: Build a Strong Resume for Blue Collar Jobs

Forget the generic resume. A blue-collar resume should highlight hands-on experience, certifications, and technical skills—not just job titles.

This is where Undetectable AI’s Resume Builder changes the game.

With AI-powered resume optimization, the tool analyzes your background and generates a tailored, keyword-rich resume that meets industry standards.

Key features include:

• Automated Skill Matching – Ensures your resume aligns with specific trade requirements.
• Pre-Written Bullet Points – No need to struggle with wording—the AI provides action-packed, results-driven statements.
• ATS Optimization – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. This tool formats your resume to pass automated screening and land on a hiring manager’s desk.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs Efficiently and Get More Interviews

Job hunting in the blue-collar world is about speed and volume.

Companies often hire fast, and the first qualified applicant in the door has the upper hand.

The Undetectable AI Auto Applier takes the grunt work out of job applications by automating submissions across multiple job boards.

Here’s how it boosts your chances:

• Bulk Applications in Minutes – The AI auto-fills job applications with your resume and details; no more filling out endless forms.
• Smart Filtering – Targets only relevant positions that match your skills and location preferences.
• Application Tracking – Keeps tabs on where you’ve applied so you can follow up and stay organized.

You can also test both our AI Detector and Humanizer in the widget below!

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews and Showcase Hands-On Experience

Interviews for blue-collar jobs are all about proof of skill.

Hiring managers don’t care about buzzwords—they want to know if you can use the tools, troubleshoot problems, and keep up with the demands of the job.

Tips to Ace the Interview:

• Bring Proof of Experience – Photos of past projects, trade certifications, or even references from previous jobs can set you apart.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills – Be ready to discuss how you handled a tough situation on the job.
• Showcase Reliability – Employers want people who show up on time, every time. Highlight your work ethic and commitment.
• Dress the Part – No need for a suit, but clean, professional attire (like work boots and a collared shirt) makes a solid impression.

If you really want to be more prepared for an interview, AI tools such as ChatGPT are your best friend.

Ready To Work?

Blue-collar careers offer financial stability, hands-on work, and high-demand opportunities, but getting hired takes more than just applying.

Choosing the right trade, gaining certifications, crafting a standout resume with Undetectable AI tools such as Resume Builder, automating applications with Auto Applier, and nailing the interview with real-world experience will set you apart. 

Whether you’re stepping into the workforce for the first time or making a career shift, following these steps ensures you land a blue-collar job that pays well and offers long-term stability.