In a shift shaking up traditional career paths, blue-collar work is surging in popularity—especially among Gen Z. A May 2025 Resume Builder survey of 1,434 young adults found that two in five are ditching the four-year degree for hands-on trades and vocational training. Federal data backs this up: enrollment in trade programs is skyrocketing.
Why the pivot? Many young workers see trades as a smarter financial bet—lucrative paychecks without the crushing debt of college tuition. "Blue-collar jobs offer solid growth and real earning potential, no bachelor's required," says Nathan Soto, author of a fresh report from career site Resume Genius.
What Counts as Blue-Collar?
Per Investopedia, these are roles outside the cubicle: manual labor or specialized trade skills, often outdoors or in factories. No desk, all action.
The Top 10 Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs
1. Elevator and Escalator Technician
Keep the world's vertical transport humming—installing and servicing elevators, escalators, and airport moving walkways.
**Median Salary (2024):** $106,580
**Top 10% Earners:** $149,250
**Requirements:** High school diploma.
*Pro Tip:* Heights? No problem here.
2. Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer
Heroes of the grid: Climb poles, ride bucket trucks, and fix power lines after storms. Physically tough, but essential.
**Median Salary:** $92,560
**Top 10% Earners:** $126,610
**Requirements:** High school diploma.
*Growth Outlook:* Strong demand ahead.
*Electrical workers repair power lines on Cudjoe Key after Hurricane Irma in 2017.*
3. Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician
Ensure planes fly safely by maintaining onboard electronics. Expect noise and precision work.
**Median Salary:** $79,140
**Top 10% Earners:** $120,080
**Requirements:** Postsecondary training.
*Aviation Perk:* Travel the skies indirectly.
4. Railroad Worker
All aboard for steady pay and adventure on the tracks. Outdoor shifts with irregular hours.
**Median Salary:** $75,680
**Top 10% Earners:** $100,130
**Requirements:** High school diploma + on-the-job training.
*Why It Fits:* Train enthusiasts, this is your station.
*Riding the rails: Solid pay, no degree needed.*
5. Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator
Power the backbone of skyscrapers and factories—managing HVAC, boilers, and energy systems.
**Median Salary:** $75,190
**Top 10% Earners:** $121,200
**Requirements:** High school diploma + apprenticeship.
*Behind the Scenes:* Keep giants running smoothly.
6. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Factory fixers: Diagnose and repair massive machines to avoid downtime.
**Median Salary:** $63,510
**Top 10% Earners:** $85,970
**Requirements:** High school diploma + apprenticeship.
*Impact:* You're the heartbeat of manufacturing.
7. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Master the flow: Install and fix pipes for water, gas, steam, and more in homes and plants.
**Median Salary:** $62,970
**Top 10% Earners:** $105,150
**Requirements:** High school diploma + apprenticeship.
*Family Story:* Like Soto's brother—six figures possible.
8. Wind Turbine Technician
Scale towering turbines in remote spots to harness clean energy. Heights (and weather) required.
**Median Salary:** $62,580
**Top 10% Earners:** $88,090
**Requirements:** Postsecondary credential.
*Green Growth:* Booming field for eco-warriors.
*High-altitude heroics: Not for the faint of heart.*
9. Electrician
Wire the world: From homes to grids, with overtime boosting the bottom line.
**Median Salary:** $62,350
**Top 10% Earners:** $106,030
**Requirements:** High school diploma + paid apprenticeship.
*Scale:* Huge job market, strong expansion.
10. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Mount panels to capture the sun's power. Outdoor, sunny, and future-proof.
**Median Salary:** $51,860
**Top 10% Earners:** $80,150
**Requirements:** High school diploma.
*Sunny Side:* Robust growth in renewables—pack the SPF.
Side Questions Answered
- **Median salary for elevator technicians?** $106,580 (tops the list!).
- **Why are Gen Zers avoiding college?** High costs vs. quick-entry trades with big pay—40% are opting in, per the survey.
Blue-collar isn't just back—it's the smart play for financial freedom. Ready to trade the lecture hall for the toolbox?