Blue-collar jobs are professions that involve manual labor and physical work, often in fields like transportation, manufacturing, and maintenance. They are the opposite of white-collar jobs, which are focused on information, administration, and management, and are usually performed in an office.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the best blue-collar jobs for women and men, explain how to apply for one and write your resume, and point out some common mistakes you should avoid.
Key Takeaways
Blue-collar jobs are occupations that involve physical labor and working in the field, particularly in manufacturing, maintenance, transportation, and mining.
Examples of blue-collar jobs include police officers, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, power line installers, truck drivers, welders, and more.
To get a blue-collar job, you should attend a vocational school or get certified, find an apprenticeship, apply for entry-level positions, and rely on your network.
When writing a resume for a blue-collar job, make sure to personalize it and use a functional resume template.
The most common mistakes when applying to a blue-collar job are failing to emphasize your soft skills and awareness of safety protocols, and forgetting to proofread your application.
What Are Blue-Collar Jobs?
Blue-collar jobs involve physical labor, in contrast to white-collar jobs, where employees work at a desk in an office. Typically, blue-collar workers occupy different roles in manufacturing, maintenance, transportation, mining, and more.
Today, blue-collar workers make up about 27% of the U.S. workforce, and they are, on the whole, happy with their jobs. More precisely, according to the Pew Research Center, 14% of these workers are extremely satisfied, 29% are very satisfied, while 42% describe themselves as somewhat satisfied. These numbers only grow with the workers’ age.
Unlike white-collar jobs, which usually require higher education, blue-collar jobs are open to those without a university degree. However, you are expected to possess a specialized skill or expertise, which is usually obtained through an apprenticeship.
Here is a brief comparison between blue-collar and white-collar jobs:
| Blue-Collar Jobs | White-Collar Jobs |
|---|---|---|
Industry | Manufacturing, transportation, maintenance, machinery | Administration, management, information processing, planning |
Environment | On-site, factories, outdoors | Offices |
Compensation | Hourly wages | Monthly salaries |
Requirements | Apprenticeships, trade-specific skills and expertise | University degree |
11 Blue-Collar Jobs With Salaries and Requirements
Now, we will explore some of the most in-demand blue-collar jobs that pay well and their requirements to help you choose the field that suits you best.
#1. Power Line Installer
Average salary: $92,560/year
Projected employment growth: 7% by 2034
Power line installers set up, repair, and maintain power lines that move electricity from plants that generate it to consumers. Due to the exposure to high voltages and great heights, this occupation is considered dangerous and physically demanding, so it is one of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs.
These are some of the skills power line installers must possess:
Knowledge of electrical systems
Cable installation and repair
Blueprint reading
Physical strength
Ability to work at heights
Equipment operation
Most power line installers can get hired with a high school diploma alone, though attending vocational programs or community colleges is a plus. However, it’s practical experience that counts the most; you’re expected to complete an apprenticeship (up to 3 years) before you can work in this occupation.
#2. Police Officer
Average salary: $77,270/year
Projected employment growth: 3% by 2034
Police officers’ primary duty is to enforce the law and protect people and property from crime. As part of that, they respond to calls, collect and secure evidence, arrest individuals suspected of committing crimes, and prepare cases for legal proceedings. Generally speaking, it’s a dangerous and physically demanding job with a high risk of injury or even death.
Taking that into account, police officers must have these skills:
Ethics and integrity
Physical fitness
Decision-making
Emotional resilience
First aid
Although a college degree isn’t a must for police officers, many do obtain them from community colleges or even graduate from criminal justice programs at universities. However, a high school diploma is sufficient, too.
Police officers must also attend a training academy before they become officers, to learn more about laws, firearms use, self-defense, first aid, and traffic control.
#3. Plumber
Average salary: $62,970/year
Projected employment growth: 4% by 2034
Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes and appliances used for water, gas, or waste disposal in residential and commercial buildings. Due to the nature of their job, they are often on call for emergencies, so their work hours may vary and encompass evenings and weekends.
These are some of the skills every plumber should possess:
Technical knowledge
Dexterity
Tool usage
Physical strength
Troubleshooting
Communication
Safety compliance
Most plumbers complete 4- or 5-year apprenticeships before becoming workers in their own right and taking on independent tasks. However, they are also required to obtain the appropriate licenses and may need to possess a driver’s license, too.
#4. Electrician
Average salary: $62,350/year
Projected employment growth: 9% by 2034
Electricians are always in high demand, as they install, repair, and maintain various electrical, lighting, and communication systems. Like plumbers, they are often expected to work in the evenings or at weekends, and overtime is common, especially during emergencies.
Electricians should possess the following skills:
Installation of electrical systems
System maintenance and repair
Blueprint reading
Safety compliance
Color vision
Customer service
Physical stamina
Most electricians learn their trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program, where they learn both the theory and the practical aspects of their profession. Aside from the apprenticeship, they typically must obtain a license to be able to work, but the specific requirements vary by state.
#5. HVAC Technician
Average salary: $59,819/year
Projected employment growth: 8% by 2034
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in homes, schools, hospitals, and other residential or commercial buildings. They, too, can have unpredictable work hours, depending on emergencies and customer demands.
An HVAC technician should have the following skills:
Mechanical skills
Refrigeration and HVAC systems
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Blueprint reading
Safety compliance
Physical strength
Customer service
HVAC technicians typically obtain these skills during their postsecondary education at a community college or a technical or trade school. However, high school graduates also have a chance, as long as they are ready to go through an apprenticeship or take vocational courses in physics and math.
Furthermore, since HVAC technicians must handle refrigerants, they are required to obtain the certification issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
#6. Carpenter
Average salary: $59,310/year
Projected employment growth: 4% by 2034
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials, typically when building houses alongside construction workers. They often work on a project basis or as independent contractors instead of having a fixed schedule.
To become a carpenter, you should develop the following skills:
Tool proficiency
Blueprint reading
Dexterity
Physical strength
Problem-solving
Safety compliance
Carpenters learn the trade through apprenticeships, which allow them to observe more experienced carpenters and gradually undertake more challenging tasks. Though there is no specific license for this occupation, all carpenters should pass the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour safety course.
#7. Truck Driver
Average salary: $57,440/year
Projected employment growth: 4% by 2034
Truck drivers transport goods from one location to another, typically over great distances. As a result, they spend plenty of time on the road, away from their home and families, and must be physically and mentally ready to drive long hours with unwavering focus.
A truck driver needs the following skills:
Driving
Excellent hand-eye coordination
Vehicle inspection and maintenance
Navigation and route planning
Cargo management
Traffic law knowledge
Resilience to stress
Typically, truck drivers are hired with a high school diploma, but they need to attend a professional truck driving school to learn to maneuver large vehicles. They also must obtain a commercial driver’s license to be allowed to operate trucks, which requires passing specific tests. However, details vary depending on the state.
#8. Welder
Average salary: $51,000/year
Projected employment growth: 2% by 2034
Welders use specialized equipment to join and cut metal parts for structures and machinery. They do this to create new products according to a blueprint or repair tools as part of the maintenance process.
If you want to become a welder, you should work on the following skills:
Material knowledge
Blueprint reading
Dexterity
Attention to detail
Geometry and measurements
Spatial orientation
Safety compliance
Problem-solving
Communication
Welders typically have a high school diploma and hone their skills in apprenticeships, though some also go through training programs at vocational or technical schools. They may also need additional certification in some states, but these requirements vary.
#9. Automotive Service Mechanic
Average salary: $49,670/year
Projected employment growth: 4% by 2034
Automotive service mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain cars and light trucks, using computerized diagnostic equipment as well as traditional tools and parts. Most of these mechanics work in repair shops, either their own or someone else’s, but their work hours are heavily dependent on the demand.
This profession requires the following skills:
Diagnostic proficiency
Car knowledge
Tool proficiency
Dexterity
Physical strength
Customer service skills
As for educational requirements, most automotive service mechanics become that after attending community colleges or technical institutes that offer the programs of their interest. However, this isn’t necessary; service mechanics who only have a high school diploma can be successful, too, as long as they are ready to learn on the job.
#10. Construction Worker
Average salary: $46,050/year
Projected employment growth: 7% by 2034
Construction workers perform a range of tasks on the construction site, such as cleaning and preparing, loading and unloading building materials, and operating tools and machinery. Since they are quite versatile, they’re often hired for building, renovating, repairing, and similar projects.
A construction worker should have the following skills:
Tool and machinery operation
Blueprint reading
Safety compliance
Material handling
Physical strength
Dexterity and coordination
Construction workers don’t need any particular education, although a high school diploma is a plus when hiring. They typically learn either through apprenticeship programs or by shadowing more experienced workers on the job and slowly undertaking small tasks.
#11. Assembly Line Workers
Average salary: $43,570/year
Projected employment growth: -1% by 2034
Assembly line workers work in manufacturing plants, where they build finished products from various parts and components. Their job can be repetitive, but it requires excellent concentration to perform tasks in a specific sequence and uphold quality and safety standards.
If you want to be an assembly line worker, you need the following skills:
Blueprint reading
Technical proficiency
Tool operation
Quality control
Precision
Physical stamina
Speed and efficiency
Like construction workers, assembly line workers don’t require any particular education, though a high school diploma is preferred. They learn much of their job during new-hire onboarding, which introduces them to the specific protocols and safety measures their company follows.
However, some assembly line workers may need vocational education and apprenticeship, depending on the industry they’re working in. For example, if they’re working for a car or aircraft manufacturer, they should possess more specialized mechanical knowledge.
How to Get a Blue-Collar Job
To get one of the blue-collar jobs on this list, you should first research the specific field you’re interested in and find out what roles are available and which skills are required. Then, consider doing the following:
Attend a vocational school or get certified. Explore local vocational schools and their programs to see if anything would set you on your desired path. For example, if you want to become an electrician, you should look for one that offers practical training in wiring, blueprint reading, and safety. Alternatively, you can look for specific certifications that can boost your resume, such as the Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate Program.
Find an apprenticeship. The best way to obtain the necessary practical skills is to find an apprenticeship for the role you’re interested in. This is quite easy if you use the official U.S. Apprenticeship Finder, but you can also check for any offers locally.
Apply for entry-level positions. Every blue-collar employee must start somewhere before they can earn six figures, and that usually means applying for entry-level positions first. Look for blue-collar jobs that require no experience, like helpers and laborers, and connect with people who work in the field of your choice.
Rely on your network. Your friends and family can be immensely helpful when you’re looking for a blue-collar job, as they can bring opportunities or introduce you to relevant people. For instance, maybe your relatives know a good plumber who could use an apprentice, and they can recommend you.
How to Write a Resume and a Cover Letter for a Blue-Collar Job
To write a resume and a cover letter for a blue-collar job, you should focus on your skills and professional competencies rather than your education. As a result, consider using a functional resume template instead of a chronological one. This type of resume prioritizes your skills and keeps the work experience and education sections brief.
Resume for Blue-Collar Job
If you need help writing an impactful resume for a blue-collar job, use Resume.co’s builder. You can create one from scratch or optimize your existing one. Our AI-powered resume builder suggests professional summaries and relevant hard and soft skills, so you're never staring at a blank page.
Once your content is ready, you can choose from multiple resume templates and customize the design to get a polished, professional resume that gets you noticed.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Blue-Collar Job
Once you have your resume, you can easily write a cover letter for a blue-collar job with it. Just go to our cover letter generator, upload your resume, and let our AI generate a highly professional cover letter for you.
However, remember to go through all content generated by AI and personalize it to avoid sounding generic. This is an important step, as employers sometimes receive dozens of resumes and can only truly pay attention to those that stand out.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Blue-Collar Jobs
Common mistakes to avoid when applying to blue-collar jobs include the following:
Overlooking the importance of soft skills. Although hard skills are the main focus of a blue-collar job resume, you shouldn’t completely disregard soft skills. Make room on your resume for communication, conflict resolution, time management, and similar competencies that are useful when working with clients or in a team.
Not emphasizing your awareness of safety protocols. Due to the physical nature of many blue-collar jobs, workplace injuries are common, and employers constantly work on minimizing them. That’s why they want to hire employees who are already aware of standard safety protocols and know how to implement them in practice.
Forgetting to proofread your application. Even if your writing skills won’t be of the utmost importance at your job, you still need to sound like a professional in your application. Run the text through a grammar checker to find any typos and misspellings, or let another person read your resume before submitting. A second pair of eyes may spot issues you couldn’t.
Apply for a Blue-Collar Job Today!
Generate a resume for a blue-collar job with our resume builder.Closing Thoughts
Blue-collar jobs are an excellent choice for those who don’t want to pursue a university degree, yet still want to earn decently; with experience and effort, you can make just as much, if not more, than white-collar workers. Plus, working outside the office can be exciting, as your work environment constantly changes and brings unexpected demands.
So, once you’ve decided what you want to do, impress the employers and get into your desired field using our resume builder. Alternatively, you can take a look at one of our resume examples to inspire you to write your own application.
Blue-Collar Jobs FAQs
#1. Do blue-collar jobs require a degree?
No, blue-collar jobs don’t usually require a degree. Instead, they prioritize vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, hard skills, and hands-on experience.
#2. Can I get a blue-collar job without experience?
Yes, you can get a blue-collar job without experience. However, you’ll usually have to start from an entry-level position, such as a helper, laborer, or apprentice. Once you build the necessary skills, you’ll be able to undertake more demanding tasks and ask for a higher wage.
#3. Is there career growth in blue-collar jobs?
Yes, there is career growth in blue-collar jobs. Specifically, you can reach supervisory roles or even start your own business with the knowledge and experience you’ve obtained.
