Are Electricians Blue Collar?

Electricians are considered blue-collar workers because their daily tasks involve physical manual labor. Electricians can be classified as skilled labor since most professionals learn the necessary skills for the job through training programs and apprenticeships.

Why are Electricians Considered Blue-Collar?

Electricians are classified as blue-collar workers because their work involves manual labor in out-of-office settings such as residences, restaurants, and factories.

We’ve included a more detailed breakdown of these elements below to provide a clear answer to the question: “Are electricians blue collar?”

Duties and Responsibilities

The role of an electrician includes a variety of technical and administrative responsibilities that support the design, implementation, and upkeep of critical electrical infrastructure. The scope of work may also vary based on experience, specialization, and employer.

Common technical responsibilities:

• Installing electrical systems.
• Diagnosing and repairing issues in electrical systems.
• Conducting routine maintenance checks.
• Performing upgrades and modifications to meet changing needs.
• Ensuring compliance with local and national electrical safety standards.
• Collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and inspectors to understand and implement project requirements.

Workplace

The workplace of an electrician can vary widely depending on their area of specialization. Residential electricians often work in homes, apartments, and housing complexes, while commercial electricians are typically found in settings like offices, retail stores, and restaurants. Industrial electricians operate in larger facilities such as factories, manufacturing plants, or even warehouses.

Regardless of the specific role, electricians may work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in confined spaces, on ladders, or at elevated heights. Their work environment frequently requires the use of protective gear to ensure safety while handling electrical systems.

Specialized Knowledge

Becoming a licensed electrician typically requires a high school diploma followed by completion of a trade school program or an apprenticeship. Through this training, electricians develop a thorough understanding of electrical principles, circuitry, and voltage requirements. They must also be well-versed in local building codes and safety regulations to ensure compliance and safe operation.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, electricians are skilled in using a wide range of tools, including conduit benders, voltage testers, pliers, wire strippers, multimeters, and other specialized equipment necessary for installing and maintaining electrical systems.

Comparing an Electrician to A White-Collar Worker

Unlike electricians, whose roles involve skilled manual labor, white-collar jobs are generally characterized by office-based, non-physical work. These positions often require at least a bachelor’s degree, though it’s important to note that some white-collar jobs do not require this level of higher education.

Examples of white-collar roles include publicist, accountant, social media marketer, web developer, attorney, economist, and dentist.

A common misconception is that white-collar jobs always offer higher pay, but compensation in both fields can vary greatly depending on experience, skills, industry demand, and geographic location. In fact, some electricians earn more than many white-collar professionals.

Here’s a short comparison of salaries between the average electrician and some white-collar workers (per year):

• Electrician: $70,610
• Publicist: $51,674
• Social Media Marketer: $58,266
• Accountant: $93,290
• Web Developer: $94,518

Note: These are average US salaries from salary.com – 2025 data.

To discover more blue-collar jobs, read our article on Blue Collar Job Examples.

Demand For Electricians in 2025

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electricians will increase by 11% between 2023 and 2033, significantly outpacing the average growth rate across all occupations.

Note that many job openings will arise from the need to replace electricians who retire or transition to different careers. These factors suggest strong job stability and opportunity in the field, making it a promising time to consider becoming an electrician.

The Impact of Automation and AI on Electricians

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how electricians operate and transforming the overall landscape of electrical services. For those considering a career in this field, the outlook is positive – AI is not replacing electricians but enhancing their capabilities.

Key areas where AI and automation are making an impact include:

• Smart diagnostics – Faster and more accurate identification of electrical issues.
• Predictive maintenance – Anticipating system failures before they occur.
• Smart grids – Improving energy efficiency of electrical grids.
• Automated installations – Enhancing precision and reducing workloads.
• Customer service – Assistance in scheduling service appointments and resolving customer inquiries.

FAQs – Are Electricians Blue Collar?

Are Electricians Considered Skilled Or Unskilled Labor?

We already answered the question “Are electricians blue collar?”, but now a new question arises, “Are electricians considered skilled or unskilled labor?”

Electricians are classified as skilled labor because their work requires extensive training, technical knowledge, and adherence to safety standards. Unlike unskilled work, which typically involves tasks that require little or no training, such as those performed by cashiers or cleaners, electricians must complete education programs and hands-on apprenticeships to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Can Electricians Be Considered White-Collar If They Run A Business?

An electrician who owns and operates their own business may be considered grey-collar, a term used to describe workers who perform skilled trade work while also handling managerial or administrative responsibilities. In such cases, these entrepreneurial electricians combine hands-on labor with business operations, blending aspects of both blue and white-collar work.

Why Are Electricians Paid More Than Some White-Collar Jobs?

Wages vary widely across both blue and white-collar jobs based on factors such as experience, skill level, and market demand. One key reason for rising wages in trades like electrical work is the current shortage of blue-collar workers in the U.S. To attract and retain skilled workers, many employers are offering higher compensation.

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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!