The Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs of 2025

If you’re looking to build a future in a blue-collar industry, then look no further. The list below includes the job title, median annual salary, and number of jobs for each of the top ten highest paying blue-collar jobs in the US.

1. Elevator technicians

Median annual salary: $102,420
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 24,400

Job responsibilities for elevator technicians

The highest-paying job on our list, elevator and escalator installers and repairers can expect to work full-time in elevator shafts or small, cramped machine rooms. Overtime is common, and some may be on-call 24 hours a day, which makes this job as demanding as it is financially rewarding.

In addition to a high school diploma, elevator technicians usually undergo an apprenticeship to learn the necessary skills, and must be licensed in most states.

2. Power plant operators

Median annual salary: $100,890
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 47,400

Job responsibilities for power plant operators

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers work full time controlling the systems that generate and distribute electricity, on either 8-hour or 12-hour rotating shifts.

After being hired, power plant workers receive extensive on-the-job training, and nuclear power reactor operators need to be licensed to do their work.

3. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Median annual salary: $85,420
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 123,400

Job responsibilities for electrical power-line installers and repairers

One of the more physically demanding and hazardous jobs on our list, power-line installers and repairmen often work at great heights with high-voltage electricity. They frequently work in challenging weather conditions and must be available for emergency repairs after storms or other power disruptions.

To enter the occupation, workers typically complete an apprenticeship program combining technical instruction with paid on-the-job training.

4. Aircraft mechanics and technicians

Median annual salary: $75,400
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs: 163,300

Job responsibilities for aircraft mechanics and technicians

Aircraft mechanics and technicians maintain and repair aircraft engines, electrical systems, and other avionics equipment and components. These professionals require precise attention to detail, as even small errors can have serious consequences for flight safety.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians need to attend an FAA-approved program and pass FAA exams. Some programs are affiliated with community colleges and allow students to earn an associate’s degree.

5. Railroad workers

Median annual salary: $73,580
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 83,000

Job responsibilities for railroad workers

Railroad workers include train conductors and people who coordinate rail networks, and control signals and switches.

A high school diploma is required, as well as several months of on-the-job training.

6. Boilermakers

Median annual salary: $71,140
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 11,300

Job responsibilities for boilermakers

Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels that contain gasses or liquids. The work is physically demanding and may require travel to worksites for extended periods.

Most boilermakers learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship program that combines technical training with paid on-the-job experience.

7. Construction and building inspectors

Median annual salary: $67,700
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 142,600

Job responsibilities for construction and building inspectors

Construction and building inspectors make sure that construction projects meet building codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. They inspect work sites and may be required to crawl into tight spaces.

Most inspectors learn on the job and must obtain state or local licenses. Several years of construction-related experience is typically required before becoming an inspector.

8. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

Median annual salary: $67,640
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 35,500

Job responsibilities for stationary engineers and boiler operators

Stationary engineers and boiler operators operate, maintain, and repair stationary engines, boilers, and mechanical equipment in buildings, factories, and other industrial facilities. The work often involves monitoring multiple systems simultaneously and can require shift work, including nights and weekends.

Most learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, and some states and local jurisdictions require licensing for high-pressure boiler operators.

9. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

Median annual salary: $67,220
Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
Number of jobs: 119,600

Job responsibilities for electrical and electronics installers and repairers

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers work with industrial controls and household appliances, and must be able to use wireless networks, sensors, and smart diagnostics. The job requires strong problem solving skills and attention to detail.

Employers prefer applicants who have taken electronics courses that offer hands-on experience, either at a technical school or community college. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers may also develop their skills in apprenticeships.

10. Wind turbine technicians

Median annual salary: $61,770
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs: 11,400

Job responsibilities for wind turbine technicians

Wind turbine technicians, also known as wind techs, install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This job is the fastest-growing job on this list, and is expected to grow 60% between 2023 and 2033.

These professionals regularly work at heights of 200 feet or more and must be comfortable climbing tall ladders and working in confined spaces. The job often requires travel to remote locations and work in various weather conditions.

Most wind techs complete a technical training program at a community college or technical school, followed by extensive on-the-job training. The field is growing rapidly as wind energy becomes more prevalent.

Tips for applying for blue-collar jobs

If you’re ready to apply for a blue-collar job, these tips should help you get started:

1. Research the specific trade you’re interested in

Each specific industry has its own training programs and requirements, so it’s important to thoroughly research the trade you’re interested in before applying. You can search the job description on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook website for information on training and education requirements.

Also, social media is a great way to find out what people in blue-collar jobs are doing day-to-day: search for the position on video platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram to see first-hand accounts from people in the industry you’re interested in.

2. Look into different apprenticeships or training programs

If your chosen trade requires training certificates or an apprenticeship, you can search for these near you, including on the US Government website apprenticeship.gov, or your state’s Department of Labor website.

Many trade unions also offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You can also check community colleges in your area for work-study programs in your field.

3. Take advantage of your network

Getting a referral to a position from someone you know personally is an effective way to get your foot in the door to a blue-collar job. Often, employers prefer personal references since there’s a greater chance that the candidate will stay at the company for longer.

Ask your friends and family members if they know anyone working in a skilled trade who can put in a good word for you at their company.

Local trade-specific Facebook groups often share job opportunities before they’re publicly posted, so join as many as you can.

Frequently asked questions about blue-collar jobs

If you’re still curious, here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about blue-collar jobs:

1. What are blue-collar jobs?

Blue-collar jobs are jobs that involve manual labor, and which require a high level of skill in a particular craft or trade which is often gained through on-the-job training. Blue-collar roles are different from white-collar jobs, which usually refer to office jobs.

Common blue-collar industries include:

• construction
• farming and fishing
• mining and drilling
• transportation and material moving
• energy generation and infrastructure

2. What blue-collar jobs pay the most?

The five highest paying blue-collar jobs on our list are:

1. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
2. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers
3. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians
5. Railroad workers

3. What blue-collar jobs are in demand?

According to growth estimates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technicians will be the most in-demand blue collar job over the next decade, since it’s expected to grow by 60%.

The blue-collar field with the highest number of jobs is aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, numbering 163,300 workers and rising.

Methodology

We sourced data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to find the highest-paying occupations for blue-collar workers. Our primary objective was to identify high-paying, easily accessible occupations.

To identify which jobs were qualified as blue-collar, we looked through Construction and Extraction Occupations; Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations; Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations; Production Occupations; Transportation and Material Moving Occupations sections in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Our selection was based on three criteria: a minimum U.S. median annual salary of $48,060, an estimated job growth rate above -10% for the 2023–2033 period, and a maximum entry-level education requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. We then ranked these occupations in descending order according to their median annual wage, as reported in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. We selected the highest-paying occupations that met our criteria from this list for further analysis.

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