Keep reading if you're looking for high-paying blue-collar occupations that are in high demand.
There is a perception that blue-collar labor is a lower-paying option, but many of these positions actually pay more than the average annual salary for an American college dropout. When looking for a new job, it's important to focus on the best-paying blue-collar positions that companies are now seeking.
As a follow-up, we'll take a closer look at the median yearly wage for each of these positions.
Now, let's begin!
Installers and Repairers of electrical systems
Installing and repairing electrical power lines may be a good career choice if you enjoy being outside and don't mind working at heights. You'll be responsible for installing and repairing telecommunications wires in your local area as part of this position. A three-year apprenticeship is required, as is a significant amount of practical job experience.
There are more power-line installers and repairers on this list than any other job. However, you'll have to cope with high voltages and work at high altitudes on the job. Installers and repairers of electricity-power lines are often commonly on-call, so if a storm hits and some lines go down, you can be called to mend them in the middle of the night.
Mechanics and Service Technicians for Aircraft
Anyone with a passion for flying will enjoy working in this field. Technicians who work on planes, jets, and helicopters are known as aircraft mechanics and service technicians. Most persons in this line of business go to technical school in order to obtain their certification. On the other hand, other people simply learn on the job. To become certified, you'll need to take and pass an FAA written exam.
In addition to working for a commercial airline, you may also find yourself working for the government, the military, or a private corporation as an aircraft mechanic. As a pilot, you have the option of working on a variety of aircraft or focusing solely on one.
Installation and maintenance of elevators
Installation and repair of elevators There is a four-year apprenticeship program that needs you to have high school graduation in order to work in this industry.
The majority of your work as an elevator technician will involve analyzing blueprints, identifying problems, and fixing cables and motors. If you're good at figuring out solutions to problems, you'll do well in this field. The median yearly wage for elevator installers and repairers is also the highest on this list.
Operators of Pile Drivers
A pile driver is a piece of machinery that is used to drive piles into the earth to support constructions like bridges and buildings. For this position, you don't need to have a formal education, but you will require some sort of training. Heavy machinery operation apprenticeships often last between three and four years.
In the role of a pile driver operator, you'll be expected to do more than just run the machine. You'll also be responsible for maintaining the equipment, conducting inspections, and keeping records. It's possible that you'll also have to supervise other employees. Working outside for most of the time is a requirement of this employment, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the weather.
Operators of Pumping Stations
At an oil refinery or a major ship pumping station, a pump system operator sets up, maintains, and supervises the refining units. Having a high school diploma is required by most employers. The training period for the position typically lasts one year after that.
Inspectors of construction and building
Inspecting the construction and construction codes of commercial and residential structures is the job of construction and building inspectors. Engineers and architects must hold advanced degrees from accredited colleges and universities. A trade like plumbing or carpentry is a wonderful choice, as well.
Before construction can begin, you'll need to provide your approval to any building designs that have been submitted to you as a construction and building inspector. While projects are being finished, you'll also conduct on-site inspections to ensure that all the work is done correctly. However, it's possible that you'll be employed by a construction business in some scenarios.
An Installer of Telecommunications Equipment
A telecom equipment installer may be the right employment for those who are interested in technology and information technology. You'll be responsible for installing, repairing, and replacing telecommunications equipment in various locations around the country.. Electronics and computer science certificates and two-year degrees are the most common educational prerequisites for those in this field. This is a career path that can be studied at some technical schools.
Most of your time will be spent assisting individuals and businesses in setting up their communication systems. Repairs will also be necessary. It's not unusual for telecommunications equipment installers to work nights and weekends on occasion because of the nature of technology.
Expert in the repair of power substations and relays
Those who work in substation and relay repair at powerhouses are responsible for repairing and maintaining generating system equipment and service relays. Community college or technical school diplomas and certificates are common in this field. A combination of classroom and lab time is required to master the requisite abilities.
People who appreciate solving problems and working with their hands can thrive in this field. Finding, identifying, and resolving electrical problems will take up the majority of your workday. You'll also have to keep track of what you've done and document it so that others on your team can see what you've accomplished.
The operator of a power plant
In a power plant, the equipment that generates electricity is under the direction of the person in this position. Coal, natural gas, or a nuclear reactor may be used to power the equipment at your workplace. Employers typically prefer applicants with some post-secondary education and a basic grasp of math, despite the fact that no diplomas or credentials are required.
The job of a power plant operator is to keep an eye on the equipment that generates electricity, check for issues on a regular basis, regulate the flow of power, and restart the machinery when necessary. One reason it's considered one of the more desired blue-collar jobs is that the median yearly compensation for this position is quite high.
Final Note
There are a lot of high-paying blue-collar jobs available if you're willing to look. As we've learned, some of these jobs pay quite a little more than others. Finally, pick a career that you enjoy and that is a good match for your talents.