In 2024, job applicants had wider choices when it comes to hiring, plus they enjoyed a greater range of salaries. Earlier in the year, I wrote for Forbes.com about job positions offering high-paying incomes with additional benefits such as requiring only an associate degree, that AI won’t replace, tailored just for introverts or high-paying women-led jobs. As 2025 approaches, high-salaried, blue-collar jobs—some with six figures—are gaining in popularity because of more opportunities for advancement and pay.

Ten Highest Salaried, Blue-Collar Jobs

In its latest report, Resume Genius gives a rundown of the ten highest-paying blue-collar occupations for 2025, based on the median annual salary, educational requirements and the total number of jobs in the U.S.

1. Elevator technician. Median annual salary: $102,420. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 24,400.
2. Power plant operators. Median annual salary: $100,890. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 47,400.
3. Electrical power-line installers and repairers. Median annual salary: $85,420. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 123,400.
4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians. Median annual salary: $75,400. Education: Post secondary non-degree award. Number of jobs: 163,300.
5. Railroad workers. Median annual salary: $73,580. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 83,000.
6. Boilermakers. Median annual salary: $71,140. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 11,300.
7. Construction and building inspectors. Median annual salary: $67,700. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 142,600.
8. Stationary engineers and boiler operators. Median annual salary: $67,640.Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 35,500.
9. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers. Median annual salary: $67,220. Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Number of jobs: 119,600.
10. Wind turbine technicians. Median annual salary: $61,770. Education: Post secondary non-degree award. Number of jobs: 11,400.

Elevator technicians and power plant operators top the list with six-figure salaries. Wind turbine technicians are the fastest-growing profession set to grow by 60% in the next decade.

Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius, remarked on the growing interest in blue-collar jobs. “The 2024 U.S. election results have put the economy in the spotlight, with a majority of voters saying it was their number one issue. As people continue to search for higher-paying jobs with low barriers to entry, blue-collar jobs have had a resurgence in interest, especially among Gen Z job seekers. It’s more important than ever for job seekers to consider blue-collar industries on par with white-collar fields, at least in terms of opportunity and salary.”

How To Apply For Blue-Collar Jobs

Research the specific trade. Each specific industry has its own training programs and requirements, so it’s important to thoroughly research the trade they’re interested in before applying. Job seekers can search the job description on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook website for information on training and education requirements.

Also, social media is helpful for job seekers to find out what people in blue-collar jobs are doing day-to-day, as they can search for the position on video platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Instagram to see first-hand accounts from people in the industry they’re interested in.

Training Programs For Blue-Collar Jobs

If their chosen trade requires training certificates or an apprenticeship, job seekers can search for these near them, including on the US Government website apprenticeship.gov, or their state’s Department of Labor website.

Many trade unions also offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. To learn more about these programs, applicants can also check community colleges in their area for work-study programs in their field.

Taking Advantage Of Personal Networks

Getting a referral to a position from a relative or acquaintance is an effective way for job seekers to get their foot in the door to a blue-collar job. Often, employers prefer personal references since there’s a greater chance that the candidate will stay at the company for longer.

Job seekers should ask friends and family members if they know anyone working in a skilled trade who can put in a good word for them at their company.

Soto gives the following tips for job seekers looking to enter the blue-collar workforce: “Start researching blue-collar jobs early on and focus on the training you’ll need to get hired. ‘Apprenticeships.gov’ is a great resource for finding paid U.S. apprenticeships in your state, but community colleges also have robust job placement programs for those completing blue-collar training courses. And, don’t be afraid to ask your personal network for references and suggestions, as these can all give you a foot in the door to a high-paying, rewarding career.”

A Final Takeaway On Blue-Collar Jobs

Experts contend that the appeal of blue-collar jobs is only going to grow, especially among younger candidates who are increasingly avoiding four-year degrees compared to previous generations, says Eva Chan, lead career expert at Resume Genius. “As more people turn to on-the-job training programs and trade schools, competition for the best-paying jobs in these fields will intensify. Job seekers can take advantage of government apprenticeships and community college programs offering specialized training and pre-licensing for blue-collar careers,” Chan concludes.