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10 Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs You Can Get Right Now

December 5, 2024

2 min Read

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

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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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