Top 12 Blue-Collar Jobs In Demand With Strong Salaries

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Electrician

Electricians are responsible for the installation, connection, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Primary Duties

• Interpret blueprints and technical diagrams to determine wiring layouts.
• Install cables and wiring to connect lighting, switches, outlets, and other equipment.
• Inspect electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, and relays.
• Use testing equipment to identify issues with electrical circuits and systems.
• Ensure compliance of electrical systems with building codes and safety regulations.
• Upgrade older electrical systems to improve power distribution and efficiency.

Work Environment: Electricians operate in various settings, including construction sites, homes, and commercial buildings, where they install new systems, perform maintenance, and conduct repairs.

Salary: An electrician’s median annual salary is approximately $56,180, translating to about $27 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

02

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Plumber

Plumbers play a crucial role in the maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings by assembling, installing, and repairing water, drainage, and other pipe systems.

Primary Duties

• Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine the layout of plumbing and drainage systems.
• Measure, cut, bend, and install pipes, connectors, and fixtures.
• Join pipe sections and fittings using techniques such as soldering, brazing, cementing, and threading.
• Install and repair water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, sinks, and other fixtures.
• Locate and unclog blockages in drain lines.
• Conduct routine maintenance on plumbing systems and appliances.
• Adhere to plumbing codes and safety standards.

Work Environment: Plumbers operate in residential and commercial buildings. Some are employed by plumbing contractors, while others are self-employed.

Salary: Plumbers earn a median yearly salary of $55,160, which is equivalent to roughly $28 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

03

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HVAC Technician

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing climate control systems across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Primary Duties

• Install electrical components and wiring for HVAC systems.
• Assemble, install, and repair ductwork, ventilation fans, and air handling units.
• Install and connect heating equipment like furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers.
• Repair and maintain refrigeration systems and cold storage equipment.
• Perform scheduled maintenance on HVAC systems.
• Diagnose issues and replace defective parts like compressors, valves, sensors.
• Ensure HVAC systems comply with building codes and safety standards.

Work Environment: Many HVAC techs work for heating and air conditioning contractors, while some are self-employed.

Salary: The median yearly compensation for HVAC technicians is about $48,730, equating to nearly $23 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

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Welder

Welders use specialized equipment to permanently join metal parts together.

Primary Duties

• Review blueprints, specifications, or work orders for welding instructions.
• Prepare workpieces by cleaning, grinding, and clamping parts to ensure proper fit-up.
• Select the appropriate welding method and equipment for the materials being joined.
• Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal joints.
• Finish welds through grinding, cleaning, and visual inspection.
• Repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes in metal products.
• Ensure conformance to welding codes, specifications, and safety standards.

Salary: Welders typically receive a median annual salary of around $45,000, which corresponds to approximately $22 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers are responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.

Primary Duties

• Review project plans and installation sites to determine system requirements.
• Assemble racks, panels, inverters, and electrical components for complete systems.
• Mount and secure PV modules and equipment on rooftops, ground mounts, or other structures.
• Connect components and wire solar arrays together per electrical specifications.
• Perform maintenance and repairs like cleaning panels and electrical testing.
• Adhere to safety regulations, building codes, and solar standards.

Work Environment: Solar panel installers work primarily for solar contractors.

Salary: The median annual salary for solar panel installers is around $46,470, which is approximately $22 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

06

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Carpenter

Carpenters are skilled professionals who construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials.

Primary Duties

• Read blueprints and take measurements to plan projects.
• Select suitable lumber, materials, and hardware for each task.
• Cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, drywall, and other materials.
• Join materials with nails, screws, staples, adhesives, or other fasteners.
• Install windows, doors, stairs, molding, cabinets, and other fixtures.
• Finish surfaces through sanding, staining, painting, or varnishing.
• Check completed units to ensure quality workmanship.

Work Environment: Many carpenters work for residential and commercial construction firms while some are self-employed contractors.

Salary: Carpenters enjoy a median yearly pay of approximately $48,000, which translates to roughly $23 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

07

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Diesel Mechanic

Diesel mechanics specialize in inspecting, repairing, and overhauling buses, trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment.

Primary Duties

• Perform routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, and belt inspections.
• Use diagnostic software and testing equipment to identify issues.
• Disassemble engine components and examine parts for defects.
• Replace defective parts like gaskets, pistons, bearings, and transmissions.
• Test and adjust replaced components to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain detailed repair and maintenance records.
• Adhere to diesel service protocols for optimal performance and safety.

Work Environment: Diesel mechanics work in truck and bus maintenance shops, dealerships, and other diesel repair facilities.

Salary: Diesel mechanics receive a median annual salary exceeding $55,000, equivalent to more than $25 – $27 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

08

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Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines that generate electric power.

Primary Duties

• Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance on wind turbine equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with rotor blades, generators, brakes, gears, controllers.
• Replace or repair broken or malfunctioning component parts.
• Perform mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system repairs and upgrades.
• Document maintenance, repairs, and safety concerns thoroughly.
• Follow safety protocols for working at heights and confined spaces.

Work Environment: Technicians work at wind farms and travel between multiple turbine sites.

Salary: The median annual salary for wind turbine technicians is around $56,000, which equates to approximately $27 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

09

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy objects at construction sites and mines.

Primary Duties

• Operate equipment like excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, and graders.
• Move dirt, rocks, equipment, and materials around work sites.
• Finish grades and angles for trenches, slopes, roads, and structures.
• Check machinery before operation for safety and maintenance issues.
• Clean, lubricate, and perform basic maintenance on equipment.
• Follow site safety policies and procedures.

Work Environment: Many work for construction companies, mines, and on public infrastructure projects.

Salary: Heavy equipment operators typically earn a median yearly salary exceeding $50,000, which corresponds to over $24 – $25 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

10

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Mason

Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, and other materials to construct and repair walls, floors, walkways, and other structures.

Primary Duties

• Read blueprints and plans to calculate materials required.
• Lay out patterns and foundation forms to establish structure positions.
• Cut and lay bricks, blocks, and other masonry materials in rows and courses.
• Spread, level, and shape mortar, grout, or plaster to bind materials together.
• Finish surfaces through rubbing, grouting, or smoothing.
• Repair damaged masonry and replace deteriorated sections.
• Ensure all work complies with building codes and regulations.

Work Environment: Masons work on residential and commercial construction projects, usually for masonry contractors.

Salary: Masons receive a median annual pay exceeding $50,000, which is equivalent to more than $24 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Medium

11

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Boilermaker

Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large containers that hold liquids and gases.

Primary Duties

• Read blueprints and schematics to determine build and install plans.
• Cut, weld, rivet, and shape metal components as required.
• Assemble boiler frame, combustion chambers, valves, pipes, and other components.
• Install boilers, tanks, and vats according to code specifications.
• Test completed units for leaks or other defects.
• Repair and rebuild boilers using cutting torches, welding equipment, and hand tools.
• Maintain maintenance logs and inspection records.

Work Environment: Most boilermakers work for utility, manufacturing, or industrial companies, or as contractors.

Salary: Boilermakers enjoy a median annual compensation exceeding $65,000, translating to over $32 per hour.

Job Difficulty: Hard

12

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Railroad Worker

Railroad workers install, inspect, maintain, and repair railroad tracks and related infrastructure.

Primary Duties

• Inspect tracks and rights-of-way for damaged rails, unstable terrain, and unsafe conditions.
• Replace defective or worn-out rails, ties, switches, and other track components.
• Align, level, and anchor track to ensure smooth train passage.
• Install and repair communications signals, automated control systems, and other rail electronics.
• Operate equipment like tampers, front-end loaders, and track welders.
• Clear debris, vegetation, and other obstructions from rights-of-way.

Work Environment: Railroad workers are employed by railroad companies, contractors, and transit agencies.

Salary: Railroad workers earn a median yearly income of around $60,000, which is comparable to approximately $29 per hour.

Here, we’ve given you a table of all blue-collar jobs discussed above, ranked by median annual salary from highest to lowest. Also, We’ve included the hourly wage that you can bag on these jobs to give you a clearer idea.

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Conclusion

Well, The future looks bright for careers in the skilled trades. These essential blue-collar jobs offer stable employment and good salaries without the high cost of a 4-year degree. With training through apprenticeships or technical programs, workers can gain the specialized skills needed to install, maintain, and repair critical infrastructure and equipment for industries and communities.

Even if we take a look at job prospects, employment for most of these blue-collar occupations is projected to grow around 5-8% over the next decade, indicating healthy demand in the future.