Blue-collar work has historically been less reputable and desired, but many jobs pay more than the typical college graduate makes. Blue-collar workers in the logistics industry are in high demand. The talent shortage in the logistics industry, combined with the e-commerce boom in recent years, makes it crucial to seduce, train, and retain qualified logistics workers to ensure warehouses can keep up with consumers.
What is a Blue-Collar Worker?
The blue-collar industry consists of people performing manual labor. A blue-collar worker may be an employee in a manufacturing or processing facility or a warehouse worker in logistics. Physical work such as farming, landscaping, construction, and waste removal are also part of this industry. Though often blue collar workers are confused with unskilled laborers, they are in fact some of the most skilled manual workers, including certified electricians and plumbers.
What is a Blue-collar job?
Blue-collar jobs usually involve manual labor physical work done using your hands and muscles. In the 1900s, workers in physically demanding jobs used to wear dark blue uniforms. These dark blue materials were more resistant to dirt and didn’t need daily washing. This is where the name blue-collar came from. Some examples of blue-collar industries are manufacturing, repairs, mining, construction, agriculture, aircraft mechanics, and law enforcement. These types of jobs usually receive an hourly wage, rather than an annual salary.
Electrician
Electricians work with electrical wiring on household and commercial projects. They understand how to install electrical details safely and can help maintain them. Electricians are in demand, with the job outlook for the next ten years sitting at a projected 8% increase. Electricians can work in different residential, industrial, structure, and government settings. There is an opportunity for career progression, as electricians can become managers or start businesses. This job may require overtime, night, and weekend shifts. The median wage for an electrician is $56,180. Those with experience can earn up to $73,940.
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Police officer
The roles of police officers vary, but they must protect life and serve the community. Responsibilities include:
There are different fields police officers can work in. For example, police officers can become detectives, FBI agents, patrol officers, and federal wildlife officers. The salary for police officers varies depending on your state. The average salary is $67,600.
Building Inspector
Building inspectors oversee the safety of building sites and bridges. They need to ensure building codes are followed and the work is of a high standard. They manage plans, prepare reports, issue stop-work notices, inspect work carried out by contractors, and use equipment to check for faults. Building inspectors regularly visit each site to make sure the standards are maintained. The demand for building inspectors is expected to rise by 3% in the next ten years. The median annual salary is currently $63,860.
Plumber
Plumbers install and keep pipes and fittings in domestic and commercial properties. They’re responsible for testing and planning systems, performing plumbing repairs, reading plans, and choosing materials. Plumbers can progress in their careers by starting their businesses. In 2019, there were 490,200 positions for plumbers. This job may require overtime, night, and weekend work. The median yearly salary for plumbers is $56,330. A pipefitter has the same salary as a plumber.
Electrical power-line installer
Electrical power-line installers make repairs to power lines and telecommunication systems. The role is physical, and workers need to be comfortable with heights. Electrical power-line installers must take precautions due to the hazardous nature of electricity. Work hours can include night shifts and weekends, and installers may need to be on call in case of an outage. The median annual salary is $68,030. Job growth is stable but needs to be set to improve as technology changes how energy is used.
Bottom Line
Blue-collar work may not be for everyone, but it could be a good option if you’re ready to change careers. Learn whether you need training at a trade school or you can learn on the job through apprenticeship programs in your area. If you land one of these lucrative positions, you can eliminate money stress and progress toward a brighter future.
