Are you fed up with stuffy office jobs?
Not afraid of getting your hands a little dirty?
The good news! A blue-collar job could be perfect for you.
After all, there’s something incredibly rewarding about doing something practical. Manual labor can be tough, but for many people, it’s also extremely enjoyable. For some, that feeling of satisfaction cannot be found in a white-collar position.
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So, where do you start?
It’s difficult to choose the best industry for you, as there is a huge range of options out there. Well, don’t worry! Here is a list of the Best Blue-Collar jobs to help you find your perfect vocation.
What Exactly is a Blue-collar Job?
Generally speaking, we can divide occupations into two rough categories: white-collar and blue-collar. White-collar jobs are those which take place in an office-type environment. Blue-collar jobs involve more hands-on work, such as maintenance, construction, or repair.
Does that mean the pay is low?
No, it doesn’t! There are some extremely high-paying blue-collar jobs. Blue-collar does not equal unskilled, so workers can make a very good salary in one of these positions.
Do you need any qualifications?
Well, that’s a tricky one to answer. On the plus side, you probably won’t need a college degree. So, there’s no need to stack up all of the student debt!
However, that doesn’t mean blue-collar jobs require no qualifications at all. Most will insist on a high school diploma or a G.E.D. In addition to that, many high-demand blue-collar jobs are only available to candidates with certain specialized certifications and skills. So, be prepared to work your way up from the bottom and gain valuable experience along the way.
What Are The best Blue-Collar Jobs?
OK, you’ve decided that office life isn’t for you. That’s great! Now you need to choose which field to go into.
To do this, it’s important to consider what you’re good at. Are you strong and love using your muscles? Are you mechanically-minded and enjoy solving puzzles? Think about your strengths when applying for a role.
So, with that in mind, let’s check out the best blue-collar careers on offer…
Plumber
A plumber is someone who deals with the plumbing system in a home or workplace. They might spend one day fitting a faucet and drain, then the next repairing leaking pipes. A plumber is responsible for recognizing issues, solving problems, and providing routine maintenance of pipes and bathrooms.
Let it sink in…
A good plumber should be calm, level-headed, and unflappable when faced with problems. They need to have a logical way of thinking and be able to work methodically to fix issues. They will usually start the job as an apprentice or helper, then will gain various qualifications and skills as they progress over time.
Interested?
Then it’s time to apply! An online agency such as SimplyHired. Just type in the job title and location for immediate access to job prospects in your area. Also, take a look at my in-depth feature on How to Become a Plumber.
Electrician
Enjoy working with your hands? An electrician’s job often involves working on lots of fiddly little projects. They have to install, repair, and design wiring systems, as well as perform inspections and keep things up to code.
Danger! High Voltage!
Dealing with electricity is tricky! It involves taking a lot of precautions and putting safety first, as it can be dangerous. That means this job would suit those who like following rules, as well as having a practical way of thinking.
No experience?
No problem! Explore The Trades is an organization that can help you on your journey. Its talented staff can provide resources, offer advice, and help candidates link with potential new employers.
Interested? Then find out more in my in-depth look at How to Become an Electrician.
Mechanic
Calling all petrol-heads! This one is for you.
Mechanics take care of cars and motorcycles. They provide repairs, general maintenance, and modifications to all kinds of vehicles. They’re expected to have an in-depth knowledge of a whole range of engines and to understand how all motor systems work.
Baby, you can drive my car…
This is often a position where you’ll learn on the job. It helps if you have a bit of basic knowledge before you start, though – you should at least understand how to change engine oil and brake fluid! If you think that this is one of the top blue-collar jobs, then ask at your local garage for any employment or apprentice opportunities.
For more info, check out our Mechanic Job Description and our Deisel Mechanic Job Description.
Construction Worker
Get ready for some heavy lifting! Construction is backbreaking work! However, it’s often physically and financially rewarding.
Construction workers answer to the foreman, also known as the site manager. They might spend the day digging, laying concrete, loading equipment, or building up high on scaffolding. It’s a tiring job, and you’ll need to be fit to do it.
You live, you learn…
This is one of the blue-collar careers that pay well. But you’ll need to learn, get some qualifications, and gain experience behind you to start making serious dough. Take every opportunity to get certified on the various pieces of machinery, and you’ll soon be a high-in-demand employee.
Build me up buttercup…
If you think you’ve got what it takes, then Construction Jobs is the place to start looking. Applicants can search by location and job title to find a suitable role. They can also upload their resume to make it easier for employers to find them.
Find out more by checking out our Construction Worker Job Description as well as our Construction Laborer Job Description.
Foreman
Those who already have experience working on a construction site may want to consider becoming a foreman. This is who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the site. They’re also responsible for worker safety, one of the most important things in any construction workspace.
From start to finish…
While a foreman spends less time building things than a construction worker, that time isn’t spent relaxing. This is an extremely demanding job. It requires first-rate organizational skills to ensure the smooth running of the site, from calculating costs to ensuring the project is finished in a timely manner.
Oil Rig Worker
Get ready to start counting those dollar bills! When it comes to blue-collar careers that pay well, it doesn’t get much better than this!
That’s because an oil rig is a dangerous place. There’s no denying it. But that risk comes with a high salary and usually great benefits as well.
There are all kinds of positions available on the rigs. You might find yourself working as a driller or a derrickman, and be responsible for getting that oil out. There are also plenty of other roles too, such as providing medical assistance or cooking for the crew.
When the going gets tough…
This is a highly demanding workplace, not just physically but mentally as well. Often, employees are expected to spend three to four weeks permanently onsite, before getting the next three to four weeks off. The shift patterns are generally tough, too, lasting 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Police Officer
A police officer is often considered to be one of the best blue collar jobs. It’s a great thing to make sure that citizens are well-protected and can live their lives without fear. Officers must ensure that local laws are followed and provide help and assistance where needed too.
Your country needs you!
Police officers have to be cool, calm and collected. They often have to deal with difficult, hazardous situations and may have to make decisions at a moment’s notice. A level head is crucial for performing this job to the highest possible standard.
To become a police officer, candidates need to pass a few tests before enrolling in a training program at their local police academy. So, this isn’t a job you can just walk into and does require a bit of effort to get started. But once you have your foot in the door, there are almost endless opportunities for advancement and promotion.
For more information, take a look at my in-depth look at How to Become a Police Officer.
Looking for More Great Best Job Options?
Then check out the Best Jobs for High School Dropouts, the Best Jobs for Introverts, the Best Remote Jobs that Pay Well, the Best Jobs for College Students, 20 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 20 per Hour, the Best 6 Figure Jobs, as well as the 15 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 40 per Hour you can get in 2023.
Or, if you have a criminal record, take a look at the Best Jobs for Felons, the Best Medical Jobs for Felons, and the Best Part Time Jobs for Felons.
And if your next interview is soon, you can’t go wrong by investing in a great book to ensure you land the job, such as Answering Tough Interview Questions For Dummies or the superb Interview Like A Pro.
Conclusion
Blue-collar jobs are perfect for those who like variety in their life. While the duties and expectations of each position stay the same, every day is different. And for people who can adapt well and continue to follow the rules despite difficult changes, these careers are ideal.
No, blue-collar jobs aren’t for everyone. They often require a certain level of physical strength, as well as a practical, logical mind. But for those who are well-suited to this path, it can be a fantastic way to earn a high salary while performing a rewarding, satisfying job.
So, happy job hunting, folks!