Sitting in an office working a typical 9 to 5 isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, there are blue-collar jobs that pay enough to help you get ahead financially.
Blue-collar jobs tend to involve manual labor or trade skills, which means a college degree isn’t always necessary, but you may still need an apprenticeship or trade school experience.
So check out these blue-collar jobs that pay at least $75,000 a year. All salary figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Get paid up to $225 a month while watching viral videos
Instead of sitting around watching viral videos on YouTube, you could be getting paid actual cash taking surveys for InboxDollars instead.
It's simple. You sign up here and confirm your email. Then you watch videos and take surveys. Then you earn cash (yes, actual cash … not "points"). Log in during your spare time and see how you can earn up to an extra $225 every month.
BONUS: Free $5 when you sign up, confirm your email and phone.
Sign up and start getting paid today
Radiation therapist
A radiation therapist administers radiation treatments to patients who have cancer or other medical conditions. You usually need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy, and many states require you to be licensed or certified to work in that state.
As a radiation therapist, you can really boost your bank account: Workers in this job earn a median annual salary of $98,300.
Mail superintendent
A mail superintendent coordinates operational, management, and support services for the U.S. Postal Service, usually at a specific post office location. You might also coordinate work and workers at particular post offices.
These workers earn a median annual wage of $88,670.
Power plant operator
Power plant operators are responsible for controlling the systems used by power plants to generate and distribute electricity. You can get on-the-job training to be a plant operator even if your highest education level is a high school diploma.
Power plant operators earn a median annual wage of $100,890.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Construction manager
A construction manager is responsible for planning construction projects. Someone in this role might coordinate personnel and materials, oversee a project budget, or supervise a construction project from beginning to end.
You usually need a bachelor’s degree for the position. Construction managers earn a median annual wage of $104,900.
Elevator and escalator installer
Elevator and escalator installer positions are specialized jobs that focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators and escalators.
You can get an apprenticeship instead of a degree to train for this role. Most states require you to be licensed.
The median annual wage for an elevator or escalator installer is $102,420.
Trending Stories
Transportation manager
Transportation managers are responsible for moving goods by planning and coordinating transportation for companies and organizations. You also may be responsible for the logistics of an organization.
Transportation managers earn a median annual wage of $99,200.
Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist assists dentists with the care of patients’ teeth. You may be responsible for preventative care such as cleanings, or you might help dentists identify issues such as gingivitis.
Dental hygienists usually need an associate’s degree and have to be licensed in the state they practice in.
The median annual wage for a dental hygienist is $87,530.
First-line supervisor of firefighting and prevention workers
First-line supervisors coordinate the activities of firefighters. They also develop fire prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of fires.
These workers make a median annual wage of $86,220. For comparison, a firefighter makes a median annual wage of $57,120.
Farmer and rancher
Farmers and ranchers are responsible for running agricultural organizations that produce food, livestock, or dairy products. You usually need a high school diploma and previous experience in the field to become a farmer or rancher.
Workers in this role earn a median annual wage of $83,770.
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p> With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year! This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide. Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Subway or streetcar operator
Subway and streetcar operators are responsible for operating trains throughout a transportation system, such as a local subway service or regional commuter service.
A subway or streetcar operator can make a median annual wage of $84,270.
Logistician
A logistician is responsible for an organization’s supply chain. This type of worker coordinates and analyzes how products and services develop through a system from beginning to end.
You usually need a bachelor’s degree for the position. Logisticians earn a median annual wage of $79,400.
Electrical power-line installer
Electrical power-line installers and repairers work in the field to install and repair cables or wires. The position can include serious hazards such as working with high-voltage electricity.
Workers in this job earn a median annual wage of $85,420.
Airline pilot
Airline pilots are responsible for flying and navigating aviation transportation such as planes, helicopters, and other aircraft. You usually need a bachelor’s degree or military experience and flight training.
Airline pilots earn $171,210 in median annual wages.
Detective
Detectives are responsible for investigating suspected crimes at a federal, state, or local level. Education requirements can vary. In some positions, you might need to attend a training academy and get on-the-job training.
Detectives earn a median annual wage of $74,910.
Bottom line
If you choose the right field, blue-collar jobs can be a great way to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.
So, consider some of the jobs on this list and look into an apprenticeship or trade school if you are ready to start working full-time in the field.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.