Additional Coverage:
- 14 Blue-Collar Jobs That Pay at Least $100,000 a Year (financebuzz.com)
Looking for a career change that comes with a bigger paycheck? Don’t overlook blue-collar jobs.
Many high-paying trades don’t require a four-year degree, and apprenticeships or vocational schools can pave the way for a smooth transition. Here are some blue-collar jobs that can earn you $100,000 or more annually, with salary data from the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics:
High-Flying Careers:
- Air Traffic Controller: Guide aircraft from the control tower with an associate’s degree. Median salary: $137,380, with potential to exceed $200,000.
Note: This job can be high-stress.
- Airline Pilot: Take to the skies with a bachelor’s degree and pilot training.
Median salary for airline pilots: $171,210. Commercial pilots: $113,080.
Salaries vary depending on experience and position.
Healthcare Heroes:
- Radiation Therapist: Help patients fight cancer and other diseases with an associate’s degree and licensure/certification. Median salary: $98,300, with top earners exceeding $136,910.
Keeping the Community Safe:
- Police Officer/Detective: Protect and serve your community. Median salary: $74,910, with top earners making over $117,100.
Requirements vary, but some departments accept candidates with a high school diploma.
- Firefighting and Fire Prevention Supervisor: Lead and manage firefighting teams.
A high school diploma and training are typically required for entry-level firefighting roles. Median salary for supervisors: $77,800, with the top 25% earning over $101,430.
Skilled Trades and Infrastructure:
- Elevator/Escalator Installer and Repairer: Keep people moving with a high school diploma and apprenticeship. Median salary: $102,420, with potential to earn over $138,910.
- Construction Manager: Oversee construction projects with a bachelor’s degree and on-site training. Median salary: $104,900, with top earners exceeding $172,040.
High demand for workers in this field.
- Nuclear Technician: Operate nuclear power plants with an associate’s degree in a nuclear-related field and extensive on-site training.
Median salary: $101,740, with top earners making over $128,700.
- Power Plant Operator: Work in various power plants, sometimes with just a high school diploma.
Median salary: $100,890, with top earners making over $132,540.
- Power Line Installer/Repairer: Install and maintain power lines with a high school diploma and extensive on-site training.
Median salary: $85,420, with top earners exceeding $119,920. Be aware of the inherent risks of working with high-voltage lines at significant heights.
- Mechanic Supervisor: Oversee a team of mechanics. Median salary: $70,240, with the top 10% earning at least $109,440.
Other Lucrative Options:
- Mail Superintendent (Postmaster): Manage mail operations with a high school diploma. Median salary: $88,670, with top earners approaching $104,940.
Enjoy the benefits of government employment.
- Petroleum Engineer: Work in the oil and gas industry with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and relevant energy knowledge.
Median salary: $135,690, with top earners exceeding $225,920.
- Farmer/Rancher: Work outdoors in a rural setting with a high school diploma and experience.
Median salary: $83,770, with top earners making over $136,410.
Ready for a Change?
Blue-collar work offers a fulfilling and potentially lucrative path for those seeking a career change. Research trade schools and apprenticeship programs in your area to find the right fit for you. A rewarding career and a fatter wallet might be closer than you think.
Read More About This Story:
- 14 Blue-Collar Jobs That Pay at Least $100,000 a Year (financebuzz.com)