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If you’re looking for the best blue collar jobs for high pay and high demand, then keep reading.
Here best-paying blue collar jobs that employers are looking for right now so you can target the top areas in your blue collar job search.
Then we’ll look at the median annual salary for these jobs so you’ll know exactly which ones pay the most.
Different Types of Blue Collar Jobs:
There are five blue collar job categories. These are:
- Skilled Trades (Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc.)
- Public Service (Police officers, detectives, firefighters, etc.)
- Technicians (Nuclear technicians, auto mechanics, computer repair technicians, etc.
- Operators (power plant operators, gas plant operators, subway operators, etc.)
- Laborers (Warehouse workers, janitors, construction laborers, etc.)
Operators, technicians, public service workers, and skilled tradespeople all require a good amount of training, which makes their earning potential a lot higher. However, most labor jobs don’t even require a high school diploma, so these are more entry-level positions.
Now that you know the general types of jobs you’ll encounter in your blue collar job search, let’s look at which ones are best for high pay and getting hired quickly (demand).
Best Blue Collar Jobs for High Demand and High Pay:
Blue collar work has historically been less respected and desired, but many of these jobs pay more than the typical college graduate makes. Below are the top blue collar jobs that are both in demand and pay a high median annual salary.
1. Electrical Installers and Repairers
If you like working outside and don’t mind heights then electrical power line installer and repairer might be the career for you. With this job, you’ll be installing and repairing telecommunications cables throughout your local area. Training includes a three-year apprenticeship as well as a good amount of work experience.
As far as jobs on this list go, power-line installers and repairers have a higher median annual salary. However, you will encounter some hazards on the job, including dealing with high voltages and working at great heights. Electrical power-line installers and repairers are also often on-call, meaning if there’s a storm and some lines go down you might get a call in the middle of the night to go fix them.
2. Elevator Installers and Repairers
Elevator installers and repairers To enter this field, you’ll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program which requires you to have a high school diploma.
Once you’re certified you’ll mostly be reading elevator blueprints, locating malfunctioning components, and repairing cables and motors. The job requires a lot of problem-solving, so if that’s something you enjoy you’ll likely excel in this line of work. Elevator installers and repairers also have the highest median annual salary on this list.
3. Petroleum Pump System Operators
A petroleum pump system operator sets up, maintains, and controls the refining units at an oil refinery or large ship pumping station. Most workplaces will want you to have a high school education. After that, it generally takes a year of work experience to be trained for the position.
This is a busy job and involves using handwheels to direct the flow of oil. You’ll also need to inform other team members when to open and close valves and check flow rates. The job is fairly physically demanding, as equipment will regularly need to be installed and moved from one location to another.
4. Construction and Building Inspectors
Construction and building inspectors review commercial and residential buildings to ensure they comply with building codes. A college diploma in engineering, architecture, or construction is required. It’s also a good idea to have experience in a trade, such as plumbing or carpentry.
As a construction and building inspector, you’ll be required to approve any building plans before construction can begin. You’ll also do on-site inspections while projects are being completed to ensure all the work is done properly. In most cases, you’ll be employed by the government, but in some instances, you might be hired by a construction company.
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