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If you're looking for high-paying, fast-growing jobs, 10 blue-collar jobs (some with six-figures) are matching or surpassing the paychecks of four-year-degree, white-collar careers. For as long as many of us can remember, high-school graduates were encouraged to pursue a four-year-degree to be financially and psychologically secure. But the tide is changing. More business leaders are saying a four-year degree is no longer necessary for jobs that can earn top dollar. A new trend goes against the long-held tradition that college degrees are the only route to six-figure salaries, as fast-growing blue-collar jobs are offering big paychecks. 10 Highest Paying, Fast-Growing Blue-Collar Jobs Last year, I wrote a piece for Forbes.com on “new collar workers”—a new category in hiring that leaves college degrees in the dust and gives more attention to skilled employees with a nontraditional education. Now, there’s a trend of employees swapping white-collar for blue-collar jobs because they offer opportunities for advancement and higher pay. If you Google “blue-collar jobs,” you will find ads that have a ring of desperation like “Hiring Blue Collar Workers Now,” or “Blue-Collar Jobs--Hiring Immediately" or "Urgently Hiring Now.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that blue-collar jobs are in high demand . The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs—some yielding six figures—will be roles that won’t require a college degree. Predictions are that 35% of the fastest-growing jobs are blue-collar, with 1.7 million new jobs expected between now and 2032. According to Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius, the path to a six-figure salary is more accessible than you might think. Blue-collar workers are now matching, and in some cases surpassing, the paychecks of traditional white-collar professionals. Resume Genius recently released its 2025 Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Report. Blue-collar jobs are skilled manual labor, typically learned through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Examples of these industries are construction, energy, manufacturing and transportation. MORE FOR YOU The report sources data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Resume Genius researchers selected occupations with median annual salaries above the U.S. average of $48,060. They included only roles that require a high school diploma or equivalent, focusing on jobs projected to grow between 2024 and 2034. Each of the 10 top earning blue-collars jobs includes the salaries for the top 10% of earners, median annual and hourly wage for that job title, number of available jobs, estimated job growth from 2024 to 2034 and educational requirements. 1. Elevator and escalator technician ($149,250 top 10%; $106,580 median annual salary; $51.24 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 24,200; estimated job growth five percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 2. Electrical power-line installer and repairer ($126.610 top 10%; $92,560 median annual salary; $44.50 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 127,400; Estimated job growth seven percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 3. Aircraft avionics equipment mechanic and technician ($120,080 top 10%; $79,140 median annual salary; $38.05 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 160,800; Estimated job growth five percent. Post-secondary non-degree award (FAA-approved program) required. 4. Railroad worker ($100,130 top 10%; $75,680 median annual salary; $36.38 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 77,900; Estimated job growth one percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 5. Stationary engineer and boiler operator ($ 121,200 top 10%; $75,190 median annual salary; $36.15 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 33,300; Estimated job growth two percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 6. Industrial machinery mechanic ($85,970 top 10%; $63,510 median annual salary; $30.53 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 538,300; Estimated job growth 13%. High school diploma and apprenticeship required. 7. Plumber, pipe-fitter and steamfitter ($105,150 top 10%; $62,970 median annual salary; $30.27 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 504,500; Estimated job growth four percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 8. Wind turbine technician ($88,090 top 10%; $62,580 median annual salary; $30.09 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 13,600; Estimated job growth 50%. Post-secondary non-degree award required. 9. Electrician ($106,030 top 10%; $62,350 median annual salary; $29.98 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 818,700; Estimated job growth nine percent. High school diploma or equivalent required. 10. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installer ($80,150 top 10%; $51,860 median annual salary; $24.93 hourly wage). Number of jobs: 28,600; Estimated job growth 42%. High school diploma or equivalent required. As you can see from the analysis, elevator technicians top the list with six-figure salaries. Wind turbine technicians are the fastest-growing profession, set to grow by 50% in the next decade. And electricians have the most jobs available. “A four-year degree isn’t the only path to a high-paying and stable career,” according to Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius. “We’re seeing a surge in demand for skilled blue-collar professionals, and our data shows employers are willing to pay a premium for their expertise: for nine jobs on our list, the top 10% of earners make six figures a year. Many of these jobs only require a high school diploma, and all are expected to grow over the next decade." Tips To Apply For Fast-Growing Blue-Collar Jobs Skilled trade jobs offer stable, high paying careers with ongoing learning and development opportunities. They involve challenges that can keep people motivated to steadily accomplish more and get people away from the confines of a desk or computer. If you’re thinking about making the shift to skills-based work, Anne Marshall, CMO of Stronghouse Solutions and co-CEO of Marshall Building & Remodeling, shared with me five tips to keep in mind. 1. Conduct a self-assessment. Marshall advises that one of the most important exercises you can do before making this transition is to evaluate your own skills and interests. “Ask yourself which skills you already possess that are most transferable to skilled work, like communication and problem-solving abilities and which skills may need to be learned,” she suggests. “Ask yourself what you are truly passionate about—what will ignite that inner fire.” 2. Explore your options. Before making any big life decision, research is key, according to Marshall. She explains that the skilled trades landscape is vast—construction, carpentry, welding, plumbing, electric, auto care and more. Marshall recommends that you take time to see what’s out there and then talk to people who are doing these jobs to find out what it’s really like. Tap into your network to speak to as many people as possible so that you can make a more informed decision. 3. Understand the requirements. Most skilled trades require certain training, certifications and licenses. Marshall suggests that you make sure that you fully research the requirements for each trade to understand what is involved, both of your time and finances. 4. Find a mentor. “The importance of mentorship for skilled tradespeople cannot be underestimated,” Marshall asserts. “A mentor can provide insights and perspectives that would take years to acquire on your own and that you’d never find in a textbook, not to mention guidance around the trade you’re trying to learn. Networking events and trade school alumni networks are both great places to start looking for a mentor.” 5. Be flexible, adaptable and persistent. Marshall cautions that any career change takes time and patience. If you’re looking for fast-growing blue-collar jobs, she recommends that an agile mindset will help you navigate the ups-and-downs of a career transition while showcasing the coveted skills of flexibility and persistence to potential employers Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
