Blue-collar jobs have traditionally provided workers with a number of benefits, but a top salary wasn’t one of them. Historically, those who chose “blue-collar worker” as their profession typically accepted that they would never earn the same amount as their white-collar counterparts, who benefited from their college degrees.
But recent developments in the labor landscape are bringing changes to the blue-collar sector, especially in the area of compensation. As a result, some believe it may be time to rethink the necessity of college.
“The idea of a six-figure job without a college degree used to be almost mythical,” says licensed electrician and construction coordinator Carl Murawski. “Today, however, earning $100,000 per year or more doing blue-collar work is quite possible if you know where to look.”
Murawski, a lifelong blue-collar worker, works for a major electrical contractor handling field-level problem solving, AutoCAD, and QA/QC. He also hosts a YouTube channel that shares firsthand workplace wisdom with those who wear blue collars. Murawski’s mission is to mentor the next generation of tradesmen and help those in the blue-collar workforce build a solid and satisfying blueprint for their lives.
“For a long time, we were sold a lie: borrow your way to a degree and earn plenty of money afterward,” Murawski says. “But the expanding costs of universities, predatory student loans, and disappointing wages have left a lot of students disillusioned and disappointed. A 25-year-old with $250,000 in debt from a college education who earns $60,000 a year and sees a welder making $100,000 per year with little to no student debt is going to take notice. That kind of contrast can’t be ignored for long.”
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Where are the best opportunities for blue collars?
While a shift is occurring in the blue-collar world that is creating higher earning potential, simply committing to a career as a handyman or construction worker isn’t all it takes to earn six figures a year. High salaries are typically reserved for a specific type of work.
“The trades that can realistically regularly pay six figures include plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs, which are often the ones with the most bodies on a job site,” Murawski explains. “But there are many other trades that can offer those kinds of wages, including equipment operators, elevator technicians, and iron workers.”
Murawski also explains that the potential for high income will often depend on skill level and location, with work in more densely populated cities usually paying more than work in rural areas. In addition, some may require specialized training, licensing, or certification.
What are the downsides blue-collar workers must consider?
A recent survey found that a majority of those in white-collar jobs would switch to manual labor if the move increased their pay and job stability. The rise of AI, which promises to impact the security of a wide range of white-collar occupations, was one of the chief motivators mentioned by respondents.
While many blue-collar jobs can promise to be AI-resilient, those considering a switch should be aware that blue-collar workers often need to endure conditions that are not the norm for office workers. Blue-collar work may be more stable, but it can also be more physically demanding.
“You should know the good and the bad,” Murawski warns. “I see so many articles discussing the great wages, the job market, and the job satisfaction of the trades, but none discuss the downsides. The brutal commutes, terrible portable toilets, safety theater — all of these things need to be considered before choosing trade school over college.”
As the cost of college continues to rise, many are reevaluating the value of a career path that requires a four-year degree. As a result, blue-collar jobs are experiencing a renaissance that is inspiring a growing number of young people to choose vocational training over a college degree.
“I think the perception of blue-collar work has done a lot of damage to the trades, especially compared to the perception of white-collar work,” Murawski says. “We need to bring back dignity to work and a sense of pride. This is work that matters. It’s not the trades of 1950 anymore; it’s smart work that people can be proud to say they do.”
