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Are you wanting to get into blue-collar work? Blue-collar jobs can serve as rewarding careers. Many blue-collar employers are looking to hire more women to diversify their staffing. As such, blue-collar work has attractive and profitable opportunities for women.
The Best Blue Collar Jobs for Women
What is the difference between white-collar and blue-collar work? And what are some of the most profitable blue-collar roles?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and show you to find blue-collar work on ZipRecruiter. That way, you can enter the blue-collar world sooner and begin your dream career! As the number 1 job site in the United States, they can help you find your dream blue-collar job. When you create your free profile, ZipRecruiter will send your information to employers looking to hire. If they think you’re a great match, they can invite you to apply for a job!
What Are Blue Collar Jobs vs White Collar Jobs?
Blue-collar jobs usually consist of those that involve manual labor. They often require a lot of physical work. Some common blue-collar jobs include positions in manufacturing, construction, or maintenance. Blue-collar workers also work in the mining and agriculture industries.
Sometimes, positions might get labeled blue-collar but not be in these fields. This usually indicates that the job involves some form of labor that could be considered physically exhausting. These positions might take place outdoors, for example, or involve work with machinery or animals.
White-collar jobs, on the other hand, are most commonly found behind desks and in offices. While these jobs might be less physically demanding, they can be more mentally demanding.
So, which one you choose should depend on which you most enjoy. If you like being outdoors and hands-on, you might enjoy working in blue-collar positions. If you get an interview, make sure you know how to dress!
Highest Paying Blue Collar Jobs
Now that you know more about white-collar vs blue-collar work, you’re ready to learn more about the highest paying blue-collar jobs.
Like all other positions, the amount of money you make will depend on the type of career you choose. We’ll go into some of the top-paying jobs in the next sections. That way, you can tailor your cover letter to the jobs you want!
Power Plant Operator
Power plants use a lot of machinery to generate electricity, including turbines and generators. They also use measuring devices, like gauges and meters, to monitor how much electricity goes out.
The high demand for power means power plant operators get paid a lot. With a national average salary of $39.92 per hour, many women make just as much—if not more—than they would make in white-collar jobs.
Power plant operators maintain the equipment, check gauges and monitor voltage, and adjust controls as needed. To get into this role, you need at least a high school diploma or GED. Quite a few employers want operators to have a college degree, though. You can also meet the education requirements by getting a vocational school degree. Before you start the job, you’ll have rigorous training.
You’ll also need to take periodic courses to keep your knowledge updated.
Locomotive Engineer
If you’ve always loved trains, this is the job for you! Locomotive engineers drive both cargo and passenger trains.
They’re responsible for using the train’s controls while monitoring speed. They work with other railroad workers to ensure safe conditions and keep the schedule running on time. Engineers will also have the responsibility of updating train inspection records.
To become a locomotive engineer, you’ll need to have graduated from high school or obtained a GED. You might want to begin in an entry-level role and work your way up to the locomotive position. This will help you become familiar with working on a train.
You’ll also need to pass a certification training program. These usually will have approval from the Federal Railroad Administration. You will also need to take a vision and hearing exam and pass skills and knowledge tests.
Locomotive engineers make a lot of money after they get these requirements. In fact, the national average is $32.17 an hour!
Building Inspector
Building inspectors are essential to public safety. They work with construction companies and the general public to check the safety of different buildings. They will also look at sewage systems, dams, streets, and highways.
A building inspector will provide feedback on the safety of these structures.
In some cases, you can get this position with a high school diploma. However, you should consider getting a degree in architecture, engineering, or construction. You may also have to get a certification, depending on the state you live in. Building inspectors make $24.17 per hour on average.
Ready to Get a Blue-Collar Job?
Ready to leave your job and pursue blue-collar work? Learn how to write a resignation letter!
If these blue-collar jobs sound like something you’d enjoy, you’ll need a head start getting connected with employers. That’s where ZipRecruiter comes in. Once you’ve created your profile, you’ll get to browse thousands of job descriptions. ZipRecruiter shows you how great of a match you are for various positions.
This helps you focus your search on the jobs you’re most likely to get! ZipRecruiter also saves you time by letting you apply with 1 click. Want to get a job faster? Create your free profile today!
