Blue Collar Jobs That Pay Over $60K a Year in 2025
Blue Collar Jobs That Pay Over $60K a Year in 2025: Blue-collar jobs, traditionally associated with manual labor and skilled trades, are experiencing a renaissance in 2025. As the demand for skilled workers grows in industries like construction, renewable energy, and transportation, many blue-collar roles now offer salaries exceeding $60,000 annually, often without requiring a four-year college degree.
These careers provide job security, tangible outcomes, and opportunities for advancement, making them attractive for those who prefer hands-on work over office-based roles.
The Appeal of Blue-Collar Jobs in 2025
Blue-collar jobs are defined by their reliance on manual labor, technical skills, or specialized trades, often in industries such as construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and transportation. Unlike white-collar roles, which typically involve desk work, blue-collar positions are hands-on, offering immediate, measurable results that many workers find rewarding. The low barrier to entry—often requiring only a high school diploma, trade school, or apprenticeship—makes these jobs accessible to those who wish to avoid the time and expense of a college degree.
In 2025, several factors are driving the appeal of these roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth in sectors like construction and renewable energy, fueled by infrastructure projects and the push for sustainable energy solutions. Worker strikes in 2023 and 2024 have also led to higher wages and better benefits, with unionized roles seeing salary increases of up to 6.3% annually. Additionally, the rise of “green-collar” jobs, such as wind turbine technicians, aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, offering both high pay and purpose-driven work. For Gen Z, who value flexibility and practical skills over traditional credentials, blue-collar jobs are increasingly seen as viable paths to financial stability.
Top Blue-Collar Jobs Paying Over $60K in 2025
Here are some of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs in 2025, based on median annual salaries from the BLS and other labor market sources, along with their primary duties and entry requirements:
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Median Salary: $99,000–$102,420
Duties: These technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, ensuring compliance with safety standards. They read blueprints, troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems, and perform routine maintenance, often in high-rise buildings in urban areas.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is typically required, followed by a 4–5 year apprenticeship. Most states mandate licensing, and knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is essential.
Why It Pays Well: The specialized nature of the work and the constant demand in cities with high-rise infrastructure drive high salaries.
Power Plant Operators
Median Salary: $100,890, with top earners exceeding $132,540
Duties: Operators control and maintain equipment that generates electricity, including in nuclear, coal, or natural gas plants. They monitor systems, adjust controls, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Requirements: A high school diploma is sufficient, though some roles require specialized training or an associate’s degree. On-the-job training is common.
Why It Pays Well: The critical role of power generation and the technical expertise required contribute to high wages, especially in nuclear plants.
Electricians
Median Salary: $122,500 for experienced or self-employed electricians
Duties: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work with wiring, transformers, and circuit breakers, adhering to strict safety regulations.
Requirements: A high school diploma, followed by a 4–5 year apprenticeship or trade school training, and state licensing are typically required.
Why It Pays Well: High demand in construction and maintenance, coupled with the risk of working with high-voltage systems, results in competitive pay.
Wind Turbine Technicians
Median Salary: $61,770–$80,000, with top earners nearing $100,000
Duties: Technicians maintain and repair wind turbines, inspecting towers, lubricating parts, and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues. The job often involves working at heights.
Requirements: A high school diploma and completion of a technical program or apprenticeship are needed. Certifications in renewable energy are a plus.
Why It Pays Well: The renewable energy sector’s 60% projected growth over the next decade drives demand for skilled technicians.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Median Salary: $102,350–$132,275
Duties: These workers install and repair piping systems for water, gas, or steam. They read blueprints, ensure system integrity, and comply with safety codes.
Requirements: A high school diploma and a 4–5 year apprenticeship are standard, with most states requiring licensing.
Why It Pays Well: The constant need for plumbing services and the potential for self-employment boost earnings, especially for specialized roles like steamfitters.
Construction Managers
Median Salary: $130,000
Duties: Managers oversee construction projects, coordinating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety and building codes.
Requirements: While some roles require a bachelor’s degree, many accept equivalent work experience or certifications from trade programs.
Why It Pays Well: The supervisory nature and responsibility for large-scale projects command high salaries.
Pathways to Success in Blue-Collar Careers
Entering these fields typically involves a combination of education, training, and networking. Most roles require a high school diploma or GED, followed by trade school or apprenticeships, which are often paid and combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Websites like apprenticeship.gov and state labor departments offer resources for finding programs.
Networking through personal referrals or trade-specific social media groups (e.g., Facebook or LinkedIn) can also provide a foot in the door. Certifications, such as those for electricians or wind turbine technicians, enhance employability and earning potential.
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Challenges and Considerations
While blue-collar jobs offer high pay and stability, they come with challenges. Many involve physically demanding tasks or hazardous conditions, such as working at heights or with high-voltage systems. Long or irregular hours, including nights and weekends, are common, which may impact work-life balance.
FAQs
What qualifies as a blue-collar job?
Blue-collar jobs involve manual labor or skilled trades, often in industries like construction, manufacturing, or maintenance. They typically require physical work and specialized skills, acquired through trade school, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.
Do blue-collar jobs require a college degree?
Most do not. A high school diploma or GED, combined with trade school or an apprenticeship, is often sufficient. Some roles, like construction managers, may benefit from a degree but often accept equivalent experience.
Which blue-collar job has the highest growth potential?
Wind turbine technicians are projected to see 60% job growth over the next decade due to the renewable energy boom.
Are blue-collar jobs safe?
Safety varies by role. Jobs like electricians and wind turbine technicians involve risks (e.g., electrical hazards or heights), but adherence to safety regulations, like the NEC, minimizes dangers. Inexperienced coworkers are a noted safety concern, emphasizing the need for proper training.