It’s no secret that individuals with college degrees tend to earn more than their peers without college degrees.
But sometimes you don’t even need a college degree to earn a good living.
In fact, there are many blue-collar professions that actually pay considerably more than what most college graduates earn.
Of course, the tradeoff is that most blue-collar professions come with more physical labor, risk of injury, and less predictable hours. But for individuals who are willing to accept those drawbacks, there’s good money to be made.
To see just how much someone could earn without a college degree, I decided to dig into the employment and wage statistics provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In this article I share a list of 19 blue-collar careers that can outearn college graduates.
19. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
Median Annual Salary: $60,020
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $91,060
Coming in at number 19 on our list is wastewater treatment plant operators.
This job involves monitoring and maintaining equipment that removes contaminants from sewage and wastewater before it can be safely released into the environment.
This is a job that all cities need and it pays well for a job that doesn’t require a college degree.
18. Carpenters
Median Annual Salary: $60,580
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $99,910
Next up on our list is carpenters.
With a median annual salary of over $60,000, there’s basically an endless amount of work for people who know how to build, install and repair objects made of wood.
This is a job that does require plenty of on-the-job training and practice, but it’s another career that offers good earnings without a college degree.
17. Sheet Metal Workers
Median Annual Salary: $61,800
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $105,650
Coming in at number 17 on our list is sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal workers install, and repair metal ductwork, roofing, siding, and ventilation systems used in homes and businesses alike. Because of the amount of buildings that need this type of work done, this type of skill is always in demand.
Similar to other blue-collar jobs, this career path involves mostly hands-on training but for those who can do it well, it’s possible to earn well over six-figures per year.
16. Plumbers
Median Annual Salary: $63,010
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $106,970
Next up on our list is the profession that most people probably think of when they hear the term blue-collar.
Plumbers are needed in every neighborhood, in every city, in every state year-round across the U.S. and the maintenance and installation of new pipes in houses and businesses is a job that is always in demand.
For those who can climb to the 90th percentile of earners, it’s possible to earn well over six-figures per year as a plumber.
15. Electricians
Median Annual Salary: $63,190
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $108,510
Next up on the list is electricians.
As the name implies, electricians install and repair electrical wiring, lighting, and power systems in residential and commercial buildings.
This is another profession that is always in high demand and frequently offers six-figure incomes.
14. Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Median Annual Salary: $65,510
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $94,460
The next career on our list is heavy equipment mechanics.
These types of mechanics inspect and repair construction equipment, agricultural equipment and other heavy industrial equipment.
While the job doesn’t require a college degree, it often requires at least a year of on-the-job training and learning from more experienced mechanics. For individuals who like repairing machines and working with their hands, this is another blue-collar career that offers a good income.
13. Underground Mining Machine Operators
Median Annual Salary: $66,670
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $87,090
Coming in at number 13 on our list is underground mining machine operators.
Underground mining machine operators use specialized equipment to extract coal and minerals from underground mines.
As you can imagine, this job involves learning a very specific skillset, but it’s one that pays well with a median annual salary of over $66,000 and the potential to earn nearly $90,000 for those in the 90th percentile of earners.
12. Crane Operators
Median Annual Salary: $68,080
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $103,570
The next profession on our list is crane operators.
Crane operators use large cranes to lift, move, and position heavy materials and equipment on construction sites, ports, and industrial facilities.
To break into this industry, you typically need to complete a union apprenticeship and do plenty of on-the-job training to become certified, but for those who stick with the field there is good money to be made.
11. Commercial Divers
Median Annual Salary: $72,990
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $157,790
Next up is arguably the most unique profession on the entire list: commercial diver.
This job entails performing underwater inspections, repairs, construction, welding, and maintenance on bridges, pipelines, ships, and offshore structures.
Although this job requires a highly unique and specialized skillset, those who break into the top 90th percentile of earners can make over $157,000 per year.
10. Control and Valve Installers
Median Annual Salary: $74,340
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $112,500
Coming in at number 10 on our list is control and valve installers.
Control and valve installers set up, maintain, and repair the automated valves and control systems that regulate industrial equipment and pipelines.
The median annual salary for this profession is over $74,000, but it’s not uncommon to earn well over six-figures in this career especially if you’re in the oil and gas industry.
9. Boilermakers
Median Annual Salary: $76,410
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $110,370
The next profession on our list is boilermakers.
Boilermakers install and repair large boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels used in factories, power plants, and refineries.
This is a highly in-demand job that isn’t going away anytime soon and it’s another blue-collar job where you can earn a six-figure income.
8. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Annual Salary: $78,000
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $109,770
Next up on our list is railroad conductors and yardmasters.
If you thought that railroads were a thing of the past, think again. Railroads are still heavily used across the U.S. to transport a variety of goods simply because it’s a cheap form of transportation.
And all those railroads need railroad conductors and yardmasters to ensure that the trains get to where they need to be safely and on time.
This is a job that often involves long hours but it offers excellent pay for those who are willing to put in the work.
7. Chemical Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary: $78,120
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $111,930
The award for the number 7 spot on our list goes to chemical plant operators.
Chemical plant operators monitor and control equipment that manufactures chemicals, fuels, plastics and other industrial products.
This is another job that isn’t going away anytime soon and it’s one that pays very well – with a median annual salary of over $78,000.
6. Aircraft Mechanics
Median Annual Salary: $79,870
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $128,890
Coming in at number 6 on our list is aircraft mechanics.
As the name implies, aircraft mechanics inspect and repair various parts of airplanes and helicopters to ensure that they meet safety standards needed to fly.
Most of these jobs require about 2-3 years of training to become certified and for those who can break into the 90th percentile of earners they can earn over $128,000 per year.
5. Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Median Annual Salary: $92,460
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $119,550
Next up on our list is signal and track switch repairers.
Signal and track switch repairers install and maintain railroad signaling equipment and track switches that help direct train traffic safely.
The median annual salary for this type of job is over $92,000 and the top earners in this field often make well over six-figures per year.
4. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Median Annual Salary: $95,320
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $128,690
Coming in at number 4 on our list is electrical power-line installers and repairers.
This is a job that does come with safety risks but it’s one that is always in demand in every state of the U.S. around the year.
And for individuals that are willing to be on-call and work extra hours, this is a profession where it’s not uncommon to earn over $130,000 per year.
3. Petroleum Pump System Operator
Median Annual Salary: $96,710
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $115,880
Next up on the list is petroleum pump system operators.
Petroleum pump system operators control pumps and pipeline systems that transport crude oil, gasoline, natural gas liquids, and other petroleum products.
This is another blue-collar job that isn’t going away anytime soon and for individuals who are willing to work in more remote areas that have pipelines, it’s a job that offers plenty of money.
2. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Median Annual Salary: $109,910
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $158,890
The number 2 spot on our list goes to elevator and escalator installers and repairers.
Elevators and escalators are everywhere. And they break down frequently, which creates constant demand for this type of profession.
With a mind-boggling median salary of over $109,000 and a 90th percentile salary of over $158,000, this is a blue-collar career that pays better than most college degrees.
1. Nuclear Power Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary: $122,890
90th Percentile Annual Salary: $149,310
The blue-collar career that earns the number one spot on our list is nuclear power plant operators.
As the name implies, nuclear power plant operators monitor and control reactor systems and power-generating equipment to produce electricity from nuclear energy.
While this job does involve passing rigorous aptitude tests and certification programs, it’s one that pays incredibly well with a median annual salary of over $122,000.
Closing Thoughts
That wraps up our list of 19 blue-collar careers that can outearn many college graduates.
As we saw, most of these professions do not require any formal schooling but they do require plenty of on-the-job training and the ability to pass different technical exams.
In a world where artificial intelligence is threatening to steal many white-collar jobs, many of the jobs shared in this article are highly resistant to being automated by software.
For those who are willing to work with their hands and acquire the necessary training, there are plenty of blue-collar jobs that offer excellent salaries.
Full Disclosure: Nothing on this site should ever be considered to be advice, research or an invitation to buy or sell any securities, please see my Terms & Conditions page for a full disclaimer.
