Skip the Diploma, Not the Paycheck: The Blue-Collar Jobs Paying Six Figures
The narrative around career success is shifting. For decades, the advice was simple: go to college, get a degree, land a good job. But a growing number of young people are rejecting that script — and for good reason.
Two in five Gen Zers are now pursuing blue-collar fields, according to a May 2025 survey by Resume Builder. And it's not hard to see why. College costs keep climbing, student debt is a real burden, and meanwhile, skilled trade workers are out here earning six figures without ever setting foot in a lecture hall.
So what does a well-paying blue-collar career actually look like? Resume Genius put together a list of the top earners, and the results might surprise you.
The Jobs Worth Looking At
Elevator & Escalator Technician tops the list with a median salary of $106,580 — and the highest earners pull in nearly $150,000. All you typically need is a high school diploma.
Electrical Powerline Installer is another strong earner at $92,560 median, with job growth to match. It's physically demanding work — think climbing poles and riding bucket trucks — but the pay reflects that.
Aircraft Avionics Technician brings in a $79,140 median salary, with top earners clearing $120,000. Some postsecondary training is usually required, but no four-year degree.
Railroad Worker pays a median of $75,680, and if you don't mind unpredictable hours and outdoor work, it's a solid, stable career path.
Stationary Engineer & Boiler Operator — these are the people keeping large buildings' heating, cooling, and power systems humming. Median pay sits at $75,190, often with just a diploma and apprenticeship required.
Further down the list, you'll find industrial machinery mechanics, plumbers, wind turbine technicians, electricians, and solar panel installers — all earning competitive salaries, with many offering strong job growth and overtime opportunities on top of base pay.
Why This Matters Now
Beyond the paychecks, there's another compelling reason to consider the trades: job security. Most of these roles are hands-on, site-specific, and difficult to automate. In a moment when AI anxiety is reshaping the labor market, that matters.
"These are high-paying jobs with good growth. And they don't require a degree," said Nathan Soto of Resume Genius.
The trades have always offered a legitimate path to financial stability. The difference now is that more people are paying attention.