11 Best Paying Blue Collar Jobs in the US

Here’s a list of the best paying blue collar jobs in the US for those who are looking for a bright career out of office. Not all of us are cut-out for the nine-to-five white-collar jobs inside closed cabins dealing with endless paperwork. And, sometimes, getting a college degree is not always an option we can avail, with the fee structures always on the climb. But, contrary to popular belief, your career path might not always be set up for doom if you fail to bag those white-collar jobs.

Some manual jobs are quite high paying, even at par with administrative jobs. All you need is to learn the skills of the trade and chances are you will be earning some big bucks! The list has been compiled by considering the average annual salaries of the different blue collar jobs and the sheer number on some of those paychecks might really surprise you. With some of these jobs a person can earn as high as $70,000 or more in a year. And at a time when unemployment rates among graduates are soaring, it might be a reasonably good idea to look for alternate options.

On the other hand the demand in the blue collar sector is also quite high, and it is easier for aspirants to get employed. The vocational training generally required for these jobs to learn the necessary skills are relatively short term and generally less expensive. Hopefuls can well make a career in the field with ample opportunities for growth and earnings.

Also, check out the 11 Best Paying Jobs for Doctors in the US, to learn who is making the most amounts of cash in medicine. You might be surprised to see the salary figure your general surgeon is earning.

Let’s dig into our list of the best paying blue collar jobs in the US and discover how impressive their salary figures can be!

11. Aircraft Mechanics and Technicians

Average Salary: $ 50,810

An Aircraft Mechanic’s job includes working closely with other aircraft staff to constantly keep the status of flights updated. They are also in charge of repairs and maintenance of the aircraft and also keep a check on important parts to track when they require changing. The pay in this sort of job increases with experience.

10. Underwater Welders

Average Salary: $ 54,750

Making a career in Underwater Welding and Commercial Diving requires intense training in the development of skills. The job description covers a wide area, not only in the off-shore oil industry, but also inland in the repair of waste treatment plants, bridge inspections and nuclear plants.

9. Boilermakers

Average Salary: $ 57,920

Boilermakers essentially work with metal appliances that contain liquids and glasses. They assemble, install and repair boilers. A high school degree is recommended but not necessary as most of the work can be learned through on-site training.

8. Signal-track Switch Repairers

Average Salary: $ 60,640

Signal Track Switch Repairers, also known as Electric Track Switch Maintainers or Third Rail Installers, are responsible for installing, maintaining, inspecting and repairing electric gate crossings, track switches, signals, signal equipments and section lines. The job challenge levels are high, but employees with just high school certificates may also be recruited.

7. Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators

Average Salary: $ 61,110

Oil drilling plans might be designed by petroleum engineers but they are actually put to action by the operators. Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators control the whole process of drilling oil. The high compensation which makes it a best paying blue collar job in the US is mostly due to the high risks involved and hopefuls of joining trade are required to have prior good health and pass a drug test.

6. Subway and Streetcar Operators

Average Salary: $ 62,130

They are in charge of the operation and smooth running of a subway or elevated suburban trains or electric powered streetcars in passenger transport. They are the ones behind the safe and on-time running of the subway that millions of commuters depend on.

5. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators

Average Salary: $ 62,830

Petrol Pump System operators are required to operate petroleum refining or processing units which might include gauging and testing oil in storage tanks or controlling the flow of oil into pipelines. Usually, there is a one-year training period where employees are taught to deal with the potentially hazardous material.

4. Electric Power Line Installers

Average Salary: $ 65,930

Electric Power Line Installers install, repair, test and maintain power line and distribution systems. The job also includes erecting poles and or transmission towers. To make a career in the field one might be required to undergo vocational training or get an associate degree.

3. Locomotive Engineers

Average Salary: $ 66,100

With just a month of training a person can start his career as a full-time locomotive engineer. The job entails driving steam, electric, diesel-electric, or gas turbine electric locomotives for passenger transport. They are required to figure out train orders and be well versed with railroad rules and regulations.

2. Electrical/ Electronic Repairer, Powerhouse, Substation and Relay

Average Salary: $ 71,400

The average wage for the job can be as high as $34.33 per hour. The employees are required to install, repair, maintain and test electrical hardware in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

1. Elevator Installers

Average Salary: $ 76,650

The main task undertaken by elevator installers in to install, repair and maintain elevators, escalators and other lifts. The work can prove to be stressful with 24-hour on-call duties and requires quite a bit of skill and knowledge which is precisely why it is one of the best paying blue collar jobs in the US.