If college isn't the right fit for you — or you want to avoid pursuing a degree in a white-collar field where job prospects are dim — perhaps a blue-collar job is a better option.
Fortunately, plenty of blue-collar jobs that pay well are available. And many don't require you to pursue a typical four-year college degree.
Whether you're looking for a career change or an alternative to a college job that helps you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck , here are 15 blue-collar careers to consider.
All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Plumber, steamfitter, or pipefitter
Median annual salary: $61,550
Plumbers, steamfitters, and pipefitters install, inspect, maintain, repair, and replace piping systems.
While some folks in these jobs deal with residential plumbing only, you may choose to work with commercial or industrial plumbing.
Although you might not be able to retire early on this salary, you can still earn a good living.
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2. Surveyor
Median annual salary: $ 68,540
Surveyors precisely calculate property boundary lines prior to the start of construction work. The data they compile is crucial to engineering and construction projects.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become a surveyor.
3. Construction and building inspector
Median annual salary: $ 67,700
Construction and building inspectors verify that buildings are constructed safely and are up to code.
While the BLS expects job openings to remain steady over the decade ending in 2033, there should still be about 15,700 new jobs in the field each year.
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4. Water transportation worker
Median annual salary: $ 64,930
Water transportation workers operate, oversee, and maintain water transportation vessels, such as container ships, ferries, cruise ships, and oil tankers.
You might also hear workers in this field referred to as “merchant mariners.”
5. Boilermaker
Median annual salary: $ 71,140
Boilermakers build, maintain, and repair boilers, which heat water and generate heat for residential and commercial buildings.
The best-paying boilermaker jobs are in the chemical manufacturing, petroleum and coal, and railway industries.
6. Railroad worker
Median annual salary: $ 73,580
Railroad workers include train drivers, those who coordinate train activities, and rail yard switch and signal operators.
You could work with freight trains, passenger trains, or both as a railroad worker.
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Median annual salary: $ 62,350
Telecommunications technicians repair and install crucial telecommunications equipment.
Depending on the job, this could include working with telephone lines, fiber optic cables, or radio towers.
8. Aircraft equipment mechanic or technician
Median annual salary: $ 75,400
Aircraft equipment mechanics and technicians attend a Federal Aviation Administration-approved school and/or receive on-the-ground training to perform repairs and routine aircraft maintenance.
9. Landscape architect
Median annual salary: $ 79,320
Landscape architects help design outdoor spaces for government entities, homeowners, commercial businesses, and other clients.
Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind 10. Gas plant operator
Median annual salary: $ 83,020
Gas plant operators help distribute or process gas for city utility companies and other entities.
Gas plant operators who work in chemical manufacturing tend to earn the highest salary (nearly $100,000) in this field. Those working in natural gas distribution and electric power generation typically earn above $80,000.
11. Transportation inspector
Median annual salary: $ 81,320
Transportation inspectors review cargo carried by trains, planes, boats, and trucks. They also help ensure the safe transportation of people.
You will make the most money in this field by working for the federal government, where your earnings can top $120,000.
12. Electrical power line installer
Median annual salary: $ 85,420
Electrical power line installers install, repair, replace, and maintain electrical transmission towers and their corresponding elements.
You might erect poles, repair cables, and otherwise ensure the electrical infrastructure stays intact.
Make Money: Discover 17 legit ways to make extra cash 13. Streetcar or subway operator
Median annual salary: $ 63,770
Streetcar or subway operators help to keep public transportation moving.
Just keep in mind that not every city offers this form of transportation. So, job prospects will depend on where you live.
14. Power plant operator, dispatcher, or distributor
Median annual salary: $ 100,890
Electric power plant operators, dispatchers, and distributors are responsible for managing electric power systems.
While opportunities in this field are likely to decline over the next decade, the high salary and continued demand for electric energy could still make it a good career to consider.
15. Elevator and escalator installer or repairer
Median annual salary: $ 102,420
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers can find themselves working anywhere from shopping malls to department stores.
These workers might also install and repair moving walkways like those in busy airports. The job pays well, which can help you build wealth over time.
Bottom line
Blue-collar jobs are more than just in high demand: Depending on the job and industry, they can also pay exceptionally well.
So, if you want to get ahead financially , consider pursuing one of the jobs on this list.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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