When people think of high-paying careers, they often picture suits, briefcases, and college degrees. But that overlooks a huge piece of the American workforce: blue-collar professionals. These jobs require skill, experience, and grit—not a desk or diploma—and many of them can earn well into six figures.
Whether you’re looking to switch careers or validate the value of trades, here are blue-collar jobs where $80,000 a year isn’t just possible—it’s common.
Elevator Installers and Repair Technicians
Elevator installers and repair techs work on elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in buildings and public spaces. It requires precision, strong mechanical skills, and often a union apprenticeship. The payoff is big—many earn over $90,000 annually, and some with experience top $120,000.
Power Plant Operators
Power plant operators control the systems that generate and distribute electricity. The work is technical and requires vigilance, but it doesn’t necessarily require a college degree—just strong training and certification.
The average salary is around $92352 per year or more, with opportunities for overtime and shift differentials pushing it higher.
Commercial Pilots (Non-Airline)
Not all pilots work for big airlines. Many fly charter planes, cargo flights, or work in agriculture, firefighting, and surveying. These roles usually require a commercial pilot’s license rather than a four-year degree, and earnings can range from $85,000 to well over $100,000 depending on experience and type of flying.
Construction Managers
For skilled construction professionals who move into supervisory roles, construction management is a lucrative path. While some positions prefer a degree, many rise through the ranks from the trades. With the ability to oversee large crews and projects, salaries of $106,980 and more are common.
Radiation Therapists
Working alongside oncologists, radiation therapists operate machines that deliver targeted cancer treatments. It’s highly specialized work that often requires a certification or associate’s degree, but not necessarily a bachelor’s. The average annual pay exceeds $85,000-$101,990, with strong job growth projected.
Police Sergeants and Detectives
Law enforcement professionals with years of service, advanced training, or promotion to supervisory roles can see substantial pay increases. In many major metro areas, a detective or sergeant earns over $77,270 annually—often without a college degree but with rigorous training, experience, and civil service exams.
HVAC Technicians (With Experience)
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning pros start out modestly, but with certifications, experience, and specialization (like working with commercial or industrial systems), earnings can jump significantly. Many top HVAC technicians bring in $59,810 or more, especially in cities with high demand and extreme climates.
Plumbers
A skilled plumber with a strong client base or who owns their own business can make a very comfortable living. Union jobs, industrial work, or high-demand emergency services also drive up earnings. It’s not uncommon for experienced plumbers to make $59,880–$80,000 a year or more.
Electricians
Electricians do critical, complex work and are always in demand. Those who specialize in commercial, industrial, or high-voltage systems can see their pay rise well above average. Senior electricians or those running their own businesses can easily clear $62,350 annually or more.
Wind Turbine Technicians
As the renewable energy sector grows, wind turbine techs—who inspect and maintain turbines—are earning more. The job is physical and requires comfort with heights, but salaries start in the $61,770s and climb over $80,000 with certifications, travel, and overtime.
Salary numbers are taken from: BLS, Ziprecruiter, Payscale and the like.
