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14 Blue-Collar Careers Where You Can Make $75,000+ a Year

Discover the surprising blue-collar careers breaking income barriers.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Jessica Gibson

Updated Jan. 11, 2026

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 often involve manual labor or trade skills, so a college degree isn't always necessary; however, 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.

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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 $101,990.

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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 $89,770.

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 $103,600.

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 $106,980.

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 $106,580.

Transportation manager

Transportation managers are responsible for moving goods by planning and coordinating transportation for companies and organizations. You may also be responsible for the organization's logistics.

Transportation managers earn a median annual wage of $102,010.

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Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist assists dentists in caring for patients' teeth. You may be responsible for preventive care, such as cleanings, or you might help dentists identify issues like gingivitis.

Dental hygienists typically need an associate's degree and must be licensed in the state where they practice.

The median annual wage for a dental hygienist is $94,260.

First-line supervisor of firefighting and prevention workers

First-line supervisors coordinate firefighters' activities. They also develop fire prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of fires.

These workers make a median annual wage of $90,740. 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 $87,980.

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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 $80,880.

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 $92,560.

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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 $198,100 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 $77,270.

Bottom line

If you choose the right field, blue-collar jobs can be a great way to start building wealth.

Consider the jobs on this list and explore an apprenticeship or trade school if you are ready to start working full-time in the field.

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