28 Blue-Collar Workers’ Statistics

These blue-collar workers’ statistics highlight the vital role skilled trades play in the economy. From construction and manufacturing to electrical work and welding, these careers provide essential services that keep our communities running. Exploring these numbers can help you understand the opportunities, wages, and future outlook available if you are considering a blue-collar career.

Key Statistics

Blue-collar work is practical, affordable, and rewarding. Here are some important numbers to consider:

• Blue-collar workers make up about 27% of the U.S. workforce [1]
• Attending a four-year college can cost more than $100,000, while most trade school programs range from $5,000 to $20,000 [3]
• Some trade schools can take 8 weeks to complete, while others can take up to 2 years, being considerably shorter than a 4-year degree [4]
• 61% are extremely/very satisfied with their relationship with their coworkers [2]

Key takeaway: Blue-collar careers offer a smart path to stable employment with lower educational costs and a shorter overall timeline for skill development. If you want a career that allows you to start earning sooner while learning practical skills, the trades provide an excellent opportunity for the future.

Demographics

Understanding who works in blue-collar fields can help you see where opportunities are growing and how the workforce is evolving.

• 70% of supervisors in the electrical industry belong to the baby boomer generation [5]
• The number of female apprentices more than doubled between 2014 and 2022 [6]
• In construction, the median age of workers is around 40 [7]

Key takeaway: The blue-collar workforce is diverse and evolving. With experienced supervisors nearing retirement and more women entering apprenticeships, there are increasing opportunities for new talent to step in, learn valuable skills, and grow in these fields.

Education

Blue-collar careers offer flexible and efficient paths to building valuable skills without spending years in school.

• An apprenticeship program usually takes around 12 months to 6 years, with the average being 4 years [8]
• 28% of jobs in 2031 are projected to require only a high-school diploma or less [9]
• Some occupations that typically require an apprenticeship include: boilermakers, carpenters, electricians, elevator installers, insulation workers, ironworkers, masonry workers, plumbers, and sheet metal workers [8]

Key takeaway: Blue-collar careers allow you to enter the workforce quickly while gaining practical, in-demand skills. Whether through short-term trade programs or multi-year apprenticeships, you can start earning and building a rewarding career without the time and cost of a traditional four-year degree.

Learn more by visiting our article on: How to Get Into Trade Jobs.

Job Satisfaction

Blue-collar work can be deeply fulfilling, as it often involves contributing directly to your community or repairing and creating things with your own hands.

• 14% are extremely satisfied with their job [10]
• 29% are very satisfied with their job [10]
• 42% are somewhat satisfied with their job [10]
• 12% are not too satisfied with their job [10]
• 3% are not satisfied at all with their job [10]
• Only 29% of all blue-collar workers are very or somewhat likely to look for a new job in the next six months [11]

Key takeaway: Job satisfaction in blue-collar careers depends on many factors, including the type of work, workplace culture, and personal goals. Many people find fulfillment in the tangible results of their work and the impact they have on their communities.

Trends & Future

The landscape for blue-collar work is changing rapidly, creating new opportunities and challenges for workers entering these fields.

• About 27.4% of workers without a college degree believe AI will help their job security, while 23.7% of workers with a degree share the same view [13]
• In a 2023 survey, 80% of construction employers reported difficulty filling some or all of their open positions [5]
• An estimated 30% of union electricians are projected to reach retirement age within the next ten years [5]
• In a survey of Gen Z workers, only 5% of parents wanted them to pursue a vocational school [5]
• Between now and 2030, around 1.1 million blue-collar workers will be needed in the global renewables sector to develop and build wind and solar plants [5]
• In a 2023 survey, 70% of construction respondents expressed concern about a shortage of workers or subcontractors [5]
• Manufacturers are able to fill just six out of every ten job openings [14]
• Around 70% of all manufactured products rely on the skills of welders [5]

4 of the Fastest-Growing Blue-Collar Occupations [12]

Occupation	Growth Rate (2023–33)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians	60%
Solar Photovoltaic Installers	48%
Nurse Practitioners	46%
Home Health and Personal Care Aides	21%

Key takeaway: Blue-collar careers are facing high demand and significant change. With many experienced workers retiring, entering these fields now can provide growth opportunities and the chance to play a critical role in essential industries.

Wages

Blue-collar careers offer competitive pay, with earnings varying based on occupation, union membership, and full-time or part-time status.

Average Union vs Nonunion Wages [15]

Occupation Text	Nonunion	Union
Construction and extraction occupations	$26.93	$38.69
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations	$26.12	$38.44
Production occupations	$22.05	$27.07
Transportation and material moving occupations	$20.60	$28.38

Average Part-Time vs Full-Time Wages [15]

Occupation	Part-time	Full-time
Construction and extraction occupations	$23.86	$29.72
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations	$18.79	$28.62
Production occupations	$16.85	$23.27
Transportation and material moving occupations	$17.78	$24.10

Some of the Highest Paying Blue Collar Occupations [16]

Occupation	2024 Median Pay
Elevator Installer and Repairer	$106,580 per year
Power Plant Operator	$103,600 per year
Electrical Line Installer and Repairer	$92,560 per year
Aircraft Mechanic	$79,140 per year
Electrical Installers and Repairers	$71,270 per year
Wind Turbine Technician	$62,580 per year
Electrician	$62,350 per year
Ironworkers	$61,940 per year

Key takeaway: Wages in blue-collar careers can be strong, especially for unionized and full-time positions. Many trades and skilled occupations offer high earning potential, making these careers financially rewarding while allowing you to develop in-demand, hands-on skills.

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Ken Rusk is a blue-collar entrepreneur who has started several successful endeavors and mentored hundreds of young people in their pursuit of a satisfying career and fulfilling life. Discover how Ken’s approach to life and work can help you set and achieve your goals – all while avoiding the nearly inescapable trap of college debt. Get a copy of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Blue Collar Cash today!