TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the looming future of AI taking over job markets, the highest-paying blue-collar jobs shine as a beacon of hope. Rooted in manual labor, these professions continuously prove that human touch can’t be entirely erased. If you are looking for the best blue-collar positions, this article will help you shape out a career path meticulously.
List of the Highest Paying Blue Collar Jobs
Across many industries, the highest-paying blue-collar jobs can offer up to six-figure salaries, immediate opportunities for advancement, and promised strong job security. According to the US News, some of them are as follows:
1. Pilot - $219,140
Pilot is considerably the highest-paying blue-collar job currently, with a median payout exceeding $200,000 in the United States. They work to transmute passengers or cargo from point A to point B, all while performing safety measures in the sky. In order to attain this job position, individuals must attend the requisite training that costs around $100,000.
2. Air Traffic Controller - $137,380
In the second place, air traffic controllers take home more than half of a pilot’s salary. These workers are responsible for the safe and efficient takeoffs as well as landings. For most companies, a position of air traffic controller requires an associate's or bachelor’s degree through an FAA-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program.
3. Construction Manager - $104,900
Despite the physically demanding nature of tasks on sites, quarries, and open-pit mines, workers in this sector report notable fulfillment. As a construction manager, you will mostly work overseeing the building projects from start to finish. Aside from coordinating permitting issues, this position also ensures budgeting is in line with both the crew's schedule and project timelines.
4. Facilities Manager - $102,340
For many years, it's been universally known that a facilities manager is among the blue-collar jobs that pay well. Their main job is to keep the maintenance of an organization’s buildings in stake. Notably, they can work well in various settings of retail stores, universities, hospitals, and even residential complexes.
5. Aircraft Mechanic - $75,020
Aircraft mechanic apprenticeships are often cited as one of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs offering valuable experience in aviation safety. Duties range from troubleshooting mechanical issues and performing repairs to testing gauges, all under the system of accurate recordkeeping.
6. Flight Attendant - $68,370
Unlike many top blue-collar jobs, becoming a flight attendant doesn’t require a college degree, making it an appealing option for those seeking good jobs without one. Instead of academic qualifications, airlines prioritize skills, personality, and adaptability in candidates. However, aspiring attendants must complete extensive training and seminars before officially taking on their in-flight duties.
7. Construction and Building Inspector - $67,700
Despite ranking among the highest-paying blue-collar jobs, the position of construction and building inspector is expected to have weaker progress than the rest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the growth of this career path is expected to stay at 0.007% between 2023 and 2033.
8. Structural Iron and Steelworker - $62,760
Due to the nature of physically demanding jobs, structural iron and steelworkers are one of the blue-collar jobs that pay well. Every day, these workers operate around heavy tools at staggering heights to assemble steel frameworks for buildings or bridges. That’s why an apprenticeship program is highly encouraged before taking on-the-job training.
9. Wind Turbine Technician - $61,770
The US News considers wind turbine technicians, also known as wind techs, as a good job without a degree. The profession has quite a high median salary recorded at $61,770 among 6,800 job openings. Those interested in the position will be employed to perform wind turbine maintenance that includes troubleshooting the turbine’s electrical system and replacing or fixing malfunctioning components.
10. Electrician - $61,590
Electrician jobs are one of the highest-paid blue-collar positions, owing to the global reliance on technology. These workers come to the on-site projects to solve maintenance and installation issues on electrical equipment. While testing and fixing are the standard work scopes, electricians are also expected to be able to handle orders, supply arrangements, and customers’ questions.
In today’s evolving workforce, the highest-paying blue-collar jobs continue to demonstrate that skilled labor remains both rewarding and indispensable. For anyone seeking a rewarding job, learning some high-income skills can also prepare them to launch into a lucrative career path.
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