"Blue collar" does not mean "easy to get," or "low-paying." True, most blue collar jobs do not require a four year degree, but many of them do require specialized training, certification, or apprenticeship. Additionally, there are blue collar jobs that pay better than some "white collar" professions.
The well paid blue collar jobs are not as easy to get as they once were, so competition for them is stiff. Be prepared to spend some time looking for this type of work, and to be ready to compete for jobs and pounce on opportunities that arise. Of course this depends on you having the required skills and the physical condition necessary for any physical labor involved. You can keep up with which areas are experiencing growth and demand for workers by looking at The Occupational Outlook Handbook that is issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It can be found online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/.
Here are some of the top paying blue collar jobs, their salaries and lengths of the work week for each.
Elevator installers and repairers average a yearly salary of $87,500, which works out to an average hourly wage of approximately $42.00. This is for a 40 hour work week - a week that involves skilled physical labor. These jobs generally require at least four years in an approved apprentice program, plus differing levels of experience depending on the specific job requirements.
Electrical repairers for power stations, substations, and relays earn an average of $68,000 a year, which translates to approximately $32.75 an hour with a standard 40 hour work week. Electronics repairers for the expanding wireless industry are in demand, too. Engineering technician degrees will definitely help you compete for jobs like these.
Power plant operators, dispatchers, and distributors bring in an average of nearly $66,000 per year, or $31.50 per hour. These jobs require a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) and vocational training. Some jobs will require specific credentials like a high pressure boiler license.
Gas plant operators make almost $64,000 per year, or nearly $31.00 per hour. This job involves operation of compressors, motors, cooling equipment, valves, pipelines and other gas processing equipment. They also monitor plant operations, and perform maintenance and repairs.
Locomotive engineers earn over $63,000 per year, or just over $28.00 per hour. Their work weeks tend to be slightly longer than those for other blue collar professions, at 42.5 hours a week.
An electrical power line installer and repairer installs, inspects, and repairs various kinds of utility lines, like cable, phone, or electric lines. They average just over $60,000 per year, or $29.00 per hour for a 40 hour work week.
Structural iron and steel workers average $59,000 per year, or $28.55 per hour with a work week that comes in at just under 40 hours. These workers must know how to weld aluminum, steel, and stainless steel and usually need to have fabrication experience as well.
Construction and building inspectors make around $59,000 per year, or $28.30 per hour. They inspect buildings for compliance with building codes, approve permits, and perform field inspections. Associate's degrees in construction are generally required for jobs of this type, and state building code council registration is considered a plus when applying for jobs like these.
Riverboat pilots and ship captains earn nearly $58,000 per year, or almost $25.00 per hour. Their work weeks are long at nearly 52 hours. Captains oversee crew members, including deckhands, engineers, mates, and cooks, and must be well versed in vessel maintenance and other operational concerns. They are also charged with completing paperwork required by the relevant federal agencies.
As you can see, most of these occupations require training at a vocational school or community college, or else they require an apprenticeship. A really good blue collar job will have a lot of competition for it, and it may be worth your while to start at the bottom in a company in your preferred line of work and work your way up. Sometimes trade and vocational schools and community colleges have partnerships with local labor and service industries, giving you a way into the occupation when your training is finished.
