The Best Blue Collar Jobs in America

If you like getting your hands dirty or enjoy working outside, you might consider a "blue-collar" profession. While no specific category exists for these occupations, they are frequently associated with certain practical features that some believe to be associated with this preconception. Blue-collar professions exist in many sectors and provide unique prospects.

In this post, we go through some of the best blue-collar occupations in depth. Learning more about these occupations might help you discover appropriate employment for your talents and interests.

The Types of Blue Collar Jobs

The five blue-collar job categories are:

• Operators, such as power plant operators and gas plant operators.
• Technicians, like nuclear technicians and computer repair technicians.
• Public Service occupations, including police officers and firefighters.
• Skilled Trades, e.g., plumbers and carpenters
• Laborers, like warehouse workers and janitors.

Many of these occupations have been disregarded and unappreciated in the past, but ironically they can pay more than a typical college graduate makes. The following are some of the top blue-collar professions:

Electrical Installers

If you don't mind heights and like working outside, then an electrical power line installer might be the career for you. With this job, you'll primarily install telecommunications cables. Training includes a three-year apprenticeship as well as some on-the-job experience.

Although power-line installers and repairers have a higher median annual salary, the job entails risks, such as working with high voltages and at great heights. Electrical power-line installers and repairers are also frequently on call, which means that if there is a storm and lines go down, you might get a call in the middle of the night to fix them.

Aircraft Mechanics

This is a fantastic career for people who enjoy aviation. Aircraft mechanics and service techs maintain and repair airplanes, jets, and helicopters regularly. To be certified, most individuals in this field attend technical school. Some simply acquire knowledge through on-the-job training, while others go to technical school first. To become certified, you'll need to pass an FAA written test.

While you're most likely to be employed by an airline as an aircraft mechanic, you may find yourself working for the government, the military, or a private business. You may choose to work on several sorts of aircraft or specialize in just one depending on your employment and where you reside.

Elevator Installers

You will need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program, which requires you to possess a high school diploma, to become an elevator installer or repairer.

Being an elevator installer or repairer mostly entails reading blueprints, finding glitchy components, and repairing cables and motors. If you're the type that enjoys problem-solving, then this line of work is definitely for you. Also, it's worth noting that elevator installers and repairmen have the highest median annual salary out of all the other options on this list.

Pile Driver Operators

Pile drivers are used to pushing piles into the ground for a variety of structures like bridges, buildings, and more. Although you don't need an education for this job, some form of training is essential. For most people, that means being a heavy equipment operator apprentice for around three to four years.

Maintaining your equipment, performing inspections, and keeping records are all part of being a pile driver operator - not just operating the machine. You may also have to supervise other workers as well. The job usually has you working outdoors, which can be great or terrible depending on the weather conditions that day.

Petroleum Pump Operators

A petroleum pump system operator is responsible for the setup, maintenance, and control of refining units at an oil refinery or large ship pumping station. Most employers require a high school education, but some may be willing to train experienced workers with on-the-job training.

This is a stressful task that involves manually manipulating oil flow with handwheels. You'll also have to notify other team members when to start and stop valves and check the flow rates. The position is physically demanding because the equipment will need to be installed and relocated from place to place continuously.

Police Officers

This field of work certainly isn't suitable for everyone, but if you're dedicated to keeping your community out of harm's way, then a career in law enforcement might be right for you. The requirements include having at least a high school diploma, being no younger than 21 years old, meeting specific physical qualifications, and attending a police academy.

Police officers conduct many responsibilities, including responding to emergencies, apprehending offenders, gathering evidence, and testifying in court. It should go without saying that this career carries with it significant risks. However, it can be quite gratifying work if you're up to the challenge.

Inspectors for Construction and Buildings

If you want to become a construction or building inspector, holding, at minimum, a college diploma in engineering, architecture, or construction is required. Additionally, experience working in trades such as plumbing or carpentry would be beneficial.

As a construction and building inspector, you'll be in charge of allowing any construction plans before work may start. You'll also conduct on-site inspections while projects are underway to ensure everything is done correctly.

Telecommunications Installer

A telecommunications equipment installer may be the best career for those interested in technology and IT opportunities. Requirements vary, but most people in this industry have a two-year degree or certificate in electronics or computer science. Some technical institutions offer courses that are geared exclusively toward this area of study.

Most of your time will be spent helping people in their homes and businesses to set up equipment for communication purposes. And because things have a tendency to break at the most inopportune moments, you should be prepared to work nights and weekends every once in a while.

Powerhouse and Relay Repairer

Repairers at Powerhouses maintain and repair equipment in generating systems and service relays. Most of those working in this field have a community college or technical school degree. Hands-on training is required to acquire the necessary knowledge.

People who like resolving issues and working with their hands will enjoy this job. You will spend the majority of your time looking for, identifying, and fixing electrical problems. You'll have to keep records and document your activities to let others on the team know what work has been done.

An Operator at a Power Plant

Operators in power plants are responsible for controlling the equipment that generates electricity. The fuel source depends on the type of plant: coal, natural gas, or a nuclear power reactor. Although no formal education is required, most employers prefer applicants who have some post-secondary education and a strong math foundation.

Power plant operators keep track of the equipment that generates electricity, conducting regular inspections for faults, regulating power flow, and shutting and starting devices as needed. Because this profession has a high median annual salary, it is frequently regarded as one of the more attractive blue-collar jobs.