15 Ways Blue Collar Workers Can Get Promoted, According to Recruiters

One of the greatest feelings of joy in the world of work can come from a promotion. It can feel particularly rewarding when that new role comes through hard work and strategic planning.

But what should you include in your own plan if you’re a blue-collar worker looking to get ahead financially?

FinanceBuzz talked to recruiters and human resources professionals for some advice.

Let’s start with in-demand blue-collar jobs. Quincy Nadel, co-founder and COO of SkillHero explains that electricians, CNC machinists, and solar installers are three areas currently in extremely high demand.

“With the Internet for All Initiative, as well as the massive focus on EV infrastructure and enablement, we're seeing extremely high demand right now for electricians,” Nadel says.

According to Vit Koval, co-founder at Globy, some in-demand areas are construction, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.

“These roles are becoming all the more critical now that infrastructure projects are ramping up and new technologies require specialized installation and maintenance,” Koval claims.

According to Christian Lovell, a human resources program manager, a few blue-collar jobs seem to be a bit lesser-known but are in demand and typically pay well.

These include transit police, long-haul truck drivers, public transportation operators, first responders, and first-line supervisors of first responders.

“Given the state of the current job market, it seems as though people are becoming more interested in blue-collar work,” Lovell adds.

“This may be because they see white-collar jobs as being too difficult to land right now, and they may not offer the salaries and benefits expected for what they require from employees.”

When it comes to pay for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the mean annual wage is nearly $72,000.

Some top-paying industries include oil and gas extraction, electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.

What are some ways blue-collar workers can help themselves get promoted?

According to Nadel, “Focus on doing your job well, pay attention to detail, and maintain high standards of quality in your work.

“If you demonstrate strong work, show initiative, and communicate your desire to move forward, you'll be successful in reaching your goals.”

“Build strong relationships and expand your network,” Nadel suggests.

“Talk to as many people as you can to learn about what skills are needed to be successful in the job you seek and how you can bridge the gap from where you are currently.”

What about when it comes to upleveling your career?

“Pursue relevant certifications or training programs that are valued in your industry. This could be technical skills, safety training, specialized equipment operation, or even soft skills. More often than not, you should be paid to uplevel your career instead of having to take on debt.”

“Consider further education carefully,” advises Lovell. “Think about how much time and money, in relation to earning potential, different degrees or courses will cost before committing.

“Sometimes completing additional schooling or other training programs may qualify individuals for supervisory positions and can help in changing careers altogether.”

“We see employees use mobility and relocation benefits strategically as a way to support career advancement,” explains Carlos Huereca, CHRO and COO at Corporate Relocation International.

“Many companies struggle to find internal candidates willing to relocate and offer relocation benefits as a way to entice employees to make the move by offering them support, not only with the move but extended destination services in the new location.”

“Start by identifying the next position you’re targeting, pull up the job description, and make note of the specific skills required,” Lovell advises.

“Compare the skills that are listed with your current resume and skill set. If you identify any gaps, find ways to fill them with additional training or responsibilities in your current role.”

Mary Rose Wild, career coach and founder and CEO of AvalonLane Partners suggests that blue-collar workers who want to get promoted should focus on a few key areas.

“I've observed a key trend in what separates those who advance from those who remain in their current roles,” Wild says. “It's about two things: mindsets and mentors."

Moving into a team leader or supervisor role can be challenging, especially at first.

“This transition can be challenging, particularly when it involves leading former peers,” Wild points out. “To navigate this shift successfully, it’s essential to adopt a new mindset. It's not just about excelling in your own responsibilities, but about enabling others to excel in theirs as well.”

“The best employees, regardless of their position within an organization, are reliable and productive team players,” Wild explains. “For blue-collar workers aiming for promotion, these traits are usually already well-established.”

“However, to make the leap into roles such as front-line supervisor or team leader, there's often a critical shift required — from focusing on completing one's own tasks to managing and guiding others to complete theirs.”

In addition to having a constant desire for learning, Koval explains that being adaptable is another important strategy for getting promoted.

“When one works within the fast-changing industries, the ability to pick up a new technique or technology allows them to be much more valuable to employers,” Koval said.

You can start today and where you are to plan for a promotion at work. In addition to doing your best in your current role, pursue additional training to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

One place to begin is to seek a mentor. Outside of your organization, try searching for a mentor at a local college or university or do some research online.