You don’t need a college degree to earn a high salary.
Blue-collar jobs are enjoying fresh currency. According to a May 2025 Resume Builder survey of 1,434 young adults, two in five Gen Zers are opting out of college or job training in favor of pursuing blue-collar fields.
Job and trade programs are booming, according to federal data. One reason for this is the realization that blue-collar jobs pay well and the cost of college is becoming prohibitive.
With this in mind, career site Resume Genius has published a list of the top 10 highest-paying blue-collar jobs.
What qualifies as a blue-collar job?
What exactly is a blue collar job? Investopedia defines this as a job that takes place outside of an office and typically requires manual labor or skills in a specific industry.
“These are high-paying, high-growth jobs, and they don’t require a degree,” Resume Genius report author Nathan Soto told USA TODAY in 2025. This report was last updated in January 2026.
“My brother is a pipe fitter. He makes six-figure figures,” Soto said.
Soto said many of the jobs on the list fall into the energy and transportation sectors. No one can predict the future of robots and AI, but most are “safe from automation for now,” he said. Such job security is important as the labor market tightens and concerns grow that AI will replace American workers.
Here are the top 10 highest paying blue collar jobs.
elevator and escalator technician
These workers install and maintain airport elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The median salary in 2024 is $106,580, with the top 10% of earners earning $149,250. This job typically requires a high school diploma.
Power line installers and repair companies
Power line workers service the nation’s power grid. The median salary is $92,560, with the top 10% of earners receiving $126,610. Employment growth is strong and a high school diploma is usually all that is required. But it’s a physically demanding job that involves climbing poles and swinging around in bucket trucks.
Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
These workers care about the safety of air travel. Work can get noisy. The median salary is $79,140, with the top 10% of earners setting down $120,080. This field typically requires post-secondary training.
railroad worker
Like a train? The median salary for this job is $75,680, with the top 10% of earners receiving $100,130. Typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Expect to work outdoors and have unpredictable hours.
Stationary technicians and boiler operators
These workers maintain heating, air conditioning, and power systems in large buildings and factories. The median salary is $75,190, with the top 10% earning $121,200. This job typically requires only a high school diploma, but often requires an apprenticeship.
industrial machinery mechanic
They are the ones who support the smooth operation of the factory. The median salary is $63,510, with the top 10% earning $85,970. This job typically requires a diploma and an apprenticeship.
plumber, pipe fitter, steam fitter
These workers install and repair systems that transport water, gas, chemicals, and steam within homes and businesses. The median salary is $62,970, with the top 10% of earners making $105,150. Educational requirements are typically a high school diploma, often combined with a practicum.
wind turbine technician
Wind turbine installation and maintenance is “not for those with a fear of heights,” Resume Genius reports. Workers often work in the air over remote areas. The median salary is $62,580, with the top 10% of earners receiving $88,090. Employment growth is steady. This position typically requires a higher education qualification or higher.
electrician
This is another job that typically requires only a diploma and often requires a paid apprenticeship. The median salary is $62,350, with the top 10% of earners receiving $106,030. It’s a large sector and job growth is strong. Overtime can be lucrative.
solar power installation company
These workers install solar panels. These jobs typically require only a high school diploma, and the median salary is $51,860. The top 10% of earners receive $80,150. Job growth is healthy. Be sure to wear sunscreen.
