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10 Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs You Can Get Right Now
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Chris Cluff

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As college becomes increasingly expensive, many people are questioning whether the ROI is actually worth it. The truth is that some trade jobs pay comparable salaries, with many only requiring a high school degree or the equivalent. Plus, many of these so-called “blue-collar” jobs are also in high demand.
Here’s a look at the highest-paying blue-collar jobs you can get right now, as identified by Resume Genius.
Elevator Technicians
- Median annual salary: $102,420
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 24,400
Power Plant Operators
- Median annual salary: $100,890
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 47,400
Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers
- Median annual salary: $85,420
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 123,400
Aircraft Mechanics and Technicians
- Median annual salary: $75,400
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Number of jobs: 163,300
Railroad Workers
- Median annual salary: $73,580
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 83,000
Boilermakers
- Median annual salary: $71,140
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 11,300
Construction and Building Inspectors
- Median annual salary: $67,700
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 142,600
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Median annual salary: $67,640
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 35,500
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
- Median annual salary: $67,220
- Education: High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Number of jobs: 119,600
Wind Turbine Technicians
- Median annual salary: $61,770
- Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Number of jobs: 11,400
Editor’s note: Data was sourced from Resume Genius and is accurate as of Nov. 12, 2024.
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