10 Highest Paying Blue Collar Jobs

1. General contractor

A general contractor manages residential or commercial construction projects from start to finish. Their responsibilities include:

• Hiring and coordinating subcontractors 
• Scheduling work and deadlines
• Ordering materials and supplies
• Applying for permits
• Conducting inspections
• Communicating progress with clients

For example, a general contractor could oversee a home remodel or the construction of a new commercial building.

2. Elevator installer and repair technician

An elevator installer or repair technician installs, maintains, and repairs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. They’re responsible for: 

• Running tests for safety and efficiency
• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues
• Performing inspections and preventative maintenance

Salary and earnings

The median annual salary for an elevator installer is $106,580, and the average median hourly wage is $51.24. The highest 25% of elevator installers make $127,310 a year. 

Training requirements

To become an elevator installer, you will need to: 

• Have a high school diploma
• Complete a four-year apprenticeship sponsored by an employer or union

In most states, you’ll also be required to obtain a license, and some employers may request additional safety and compliance certifications. 

Job demand

There were 24,400 elevator installer and repair technician jobs in 2024, which is predicted to grow by 5% over the next decade. 

Working conditions

To be an elevator installer or repair technician, you’ll need to be comfortable with:

• Working at heights
• Physically demanding work
• Completing dangerous tasks

Why it pays well

Being an elevator installer usually pays well because it’s high-risk, specialized, and often unionized.

3. Power plant operator

A power plant operator controls and monitors machinery that generates electricity. Their most common tasks include: 

• Starting and stopping generators, turbines, and other equipment
• Regulating voltage and power output
• Paying attention to gauges, meters, and computer systems to identify issues
• Performing maintenance
• Ensuring safety compliance

Salary and earnings

The median salary for a power plant operator is $103,600 annually, or $49.81 hourly. The top 25% of power plant operators make $104,720 a year. 

Training requirements

To become a power plant operator, you will need: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Several years of on-site training and experience

Nuclear power reactor operators must also be licensed through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

While not required, you can also get a two-year degree in power plant technology, energy production technology, or electrical or mechanical engineering technology. 

Job demand

Current demand is low, with a predicted 10% decline by 2034. However, 46,600 were employed as power plant operators in 2024, so positions do exist. 

Working conditions

As a power plant operator, your typical working conditions mean: 

• Shift work, including nights and weekends
• Safety risks, such as hazardous materials and high voltages

Why it pays well

Working as a power plant operator pays well because:

• You’re in charge of critical infrastructure, like city-wide power grids
• It requires a high level of skill to manage and oversee power systems
• It comes with significant risks, especially if you’re working in a nuclear facility

4. Stationary engineer

A stationary engineer operates and maintains large mechanical systems, like boilers, turbines, and HVAC systems. 

On a daily basis, they may: 

• Monitor performance and adjust controls
• Conduct inspections and preventative maintenance
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance

5. Boilermaker

A boilermaker constructs, assembles, and repairs boilers and storage tanks for oil, gas, and chemicals. 

Their main responsibilities include: 

• Reading blueprints and technical drawings
• Building, repairing, and maintaining industrial boilers and vats
• Using welding tools
• Checking for leaks and corrosion
• Ensuring safety compliance

Salary and earnings

In the US, the median salary for a boilermaker is $73,340 per year and $35.62 an hour. The top 25% of boilermakers earn $85,270 a year. 

Training requirements

To become a boilermaker, you will need to: 

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete an apprenticeship (usually four years) 

It’s also helpful if you already have experience as a welder, pipefitter, sheet metal worker, or millwright, but it’s not required. 

Job demand

While jobs for boilermakers are expected to decline by 2% over the next decade, there will still be about 800 open jobs each year. 

Working conditions

Boilermakers often work: 

• On indoor and outdoor industrial job sites, like shipyards, refineries, and factories
• In confined, high-heat environments
• At heights 
• In noisy, dirty settings
• Variable hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Boilermakers may also need to travel to get to job sites in different cities or states. 

Why it pays well

Boilermakers work in high-risk environments and require specialized knowledge to do their job. Many are also unionized. 

6. Millwright

A millwright installs, repairs, and maintains industrial equipment and machinery, like conveyor systems, pumps, turbines, and assembly lines. On a daily basis, they may: 

• Align, measure, or calibrate machines to improve performance
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues
• Perform preventative maintenance
• Read schematics and technical manuals

Salary and earnings

Millwrights in the US make a median salary of $63510 a year, or $30.53 an hour. The top 25% earned $76,350 in 2023.

Training requirements

To become a millwright, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a four-year apprenticeship. 

Some millwrights also obtain an associate’s degree in industrial maintenance, but it’s not required. 

Job demand

Demand for millwrights is on the rise, with projected growth of 13% in the next decade. That means about 54,200 job openings are expected each year up to 2034.

Working conditions

As a millwright, you will have to: 

• Work in industrial environments like manufacturing plants, factories, and construction sites
• Be able to lift heavy equipment and parts
• Wear PPE to prevent exposure to chemicals, dust, and noise
• Travel to different locations and job sites
• Do shiftwork and overtime

Why it pays well

Millwrights earn high wages because their roles require specialized knowledge, precision, and risk. They also need to be able to work outside of regular hours.

7. Plumber

A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains pipes and plumbing systems for residential and commercial clients. On a daily basis, they may:

• Install pipes, fittings, and fixtures
• Fix leaks or clogs
• Respond to emergency calls
• Install appliances, such as dishwashers
• Test plumbing systems

Salary and earnings

Annually, plumbers in the US make between $52,000 and $93,000. By starting a plumbing business, you can make between $50,000-$200,000+ per year. 

Training requirements

To become a plumber, you will need to have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship. 

Most states also require you to have a plumbing license. 

Job demand

Jobs for plumbers are expected to grow by 4% over the next decade, with about 44,000 openings projected each year.

Working conditions

As a plumber, you’ll need to be open to: 

• Varied environments (indoors, outdoors, in clients’ homes, and at commercial job sites)
• Lifting heavy pipes and fixtures
• Being exposed to hazards, like sewage, hot water, and gas lines
• Working on weekends, evenings, and holidays

Why it pays well

Plumbing pays well because it requires specialized skills, safety knowledge, and the ability to handle emergency repairs. Many plumbers are also unionized. 

READ MORE: 6 different plumbers, services, and salaries

8. Wind turbine technician

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Their regular tasks include: 

• Inspecting turbines for mechanical, electrical, and safety issues
• Completing maintenance on blades and generators
• Troubleshooting problems
• Monitoring turbine performance
• Replacing or upgrading parts

Salary and earnings

The median annual salary for a wind turbine technician is $62,580, or $30.09 per hour. The top 25% of wind turbine technicians make $74,940 per year. 

Training requirements

To become a wind turbine technician, you’ll need to: 

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete a certificate program in wind energy technology or a 2-year associate’s degree

You’ll also need to complete safety training for climbing, rescues, first aid, and CPR. 

Job demand

Jobs for wind turbine technicians are expected to grow by 50% over the next decade, with about 2300 openings each year. 

Working conditions

If you want to work as a wind turbine technician, you’ll need to: 

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Climb 100-300-foot towers
• Lift and carry heavy equipment, tools, and machinery at heights
• Travel to turbine sites
• Take on safety risks, such as electrical hazards and falls

Why it pays well

Being a wind turbine technician pays well because it’s a high-risk and high-demand field.

9. Electrician

An electrician installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems. On a daily basis, they may: 

• Install wiring, circuits, or lighting
• Troubleshoot electrical problems
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations
• Conduct electrical tests

They can work for both residential and commercial clients and often collaborate with other contractors on projects.

Salary and earnings

The median annual salary for an electrician in the US is $62,350, or $29.98 an hour. The top 25% of electricians earn $80,260 per year. If you start an electrical company, your salary could be between $60,000 and $150,000+. 

Training requirements

Besides a high school diploma, you’ll also need to complete an apprenticeship and obtain an electrician’s license.

Job demand

The demand for electricians is on the rise and is expected to grow by 9% by 2034. That means about 81,000 openings each year for the next decade. 

Working conditions

As an electrician, you can expect to: 

• Work in varied environments, like clients’ homes, commercial job sites, and in new construction
• Be exposed to hazards such as live wires, electricity, heights, and harsh weather
• Work varied hours, including evenings and weekends
• Be on call for emergency repairs
• Complete jobs both indoors and outdoors

Why it pays well

Being an electrician typically pays well because: 

• It comes with high risks
• It requires specialized training and skills
• Many electricians are part of a union

10. HVAC technician

An HVAC technician works with heating and cooling systems for commercial and residential clients. Their daily tasks can include: 

• Installing, repairing, and maintaining furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork
• Conducting inspections to check efficiency and performance
• Adjusting controls for airflow and temperature
• Ensuring safety and building compliance
• Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues

Salary and earnings

The median annual salary for an HVAC technician is $59,810, or $28.75 an hour. The top 25% of HVAC technicians earn $71,120 a year. HVAC business owners can make $100,000+ annually. 

Training requirements

Most HVAC technicians require a high school diploma and a certificate or an associate’s degree to enter the field. Many also complete an apprenticeship. 

Most states also require HVAC techs to obtain a license. 

Job demand

The demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 8% over the next ten years, leading to 40,100 openings per year.

Working conditions

If you want to be an HVAC technician, you’ll need to: 

• Work in varied environments, like client homes, commercial spaces, and indoors and outdoors
• Do physically demanding work, like lifting, climbing, and standing for long periods
• Risk exposure to hazards, like refrigerants, extreme temperatures, and electrical systems
• Be available on weekends, evenings, and as needed for emergencies

Why it pays well

Being an HVAC technician pays well because it’s in high demand, requires a license, and is considered a highly specialized skillset.

How to choose a blue collar job

Which blue collar job is right for you depends on a variety of factors. For example, consider: 

1. Your interests and skills

What do you like to do, or what do you already have skills in? If you’ve worked in a trade before, or you have a similar hobby you enjoy, think about whether you’d like to do it full-time. 

For example, if you enjoy managing projects and seeing building projects come to life, general contracting could be a good fit. Or, if you want an in-demand job and you don’t mind heights, you may decide to become a wind turbine technician. 

If you don’t have any experience in a field you’re interested in, do some research before jumping in by: 

• Talking to other people in the industry online or in person
• Checking out job postings to confirm responsibilities and demand in your area
• Reaching out to a vocational school, employer, or training program with questions 

This will help you get a feel for what it’s really like, so you can make an informed decision. 

2. Training requirements

Some blue collar jobs require you to complete a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship program, while others only need a high school diploma. 

You need to decide how much time and money you want to invest in a given trade before jumping in.

3. Earning potential 

Different trades come with different salaries. How much you make can vary depending on your location, experience level, and job demand. It’s important to consider the earning potential for the trade you’re interested in and whether it can support the life you want. 

4. Demand

The more in demand your trade, the more job security and earning potential you’ll have. You’ll also have more opportunities for advancement, leading to better positions with more perks. 

5. Work environment

Work environments vary a lot between trades. Think about how physically demanding you want your job to be, and which risks you’re OK with. 

For example, while a residential plumber can be exposed to hazards like sewage, it’s typically less dangerous than working as a boilermaker. 

6. Location

Some trades are in demand everywhere, while others are specific to certain areas. For example, power plant operators must be able to work where there are power plants, while an electrician can work in either urban or rural areas. 

Look into available opportunities where you live, and if there aren’t many, consider whether you’d be willing to move for work. 

If you are, review which cities or states have openings and what your lifestyle would look like there.

Which blue collar job pays the most?

Many blue collar jobs pay over $100,000 a year, such as: 

• General contractor
• Power plant operator
• Elevator installer

However, the earning potential for any blue collar job increases as you move up in the role. For example, if you supervise a project or manage a crew. 

Many tradespeople find that the biggest financial gains come from owning a service business rather than working as an employee.