Blue collar jobs: A comprehensive guide
You have no doubt heard the terms “blue collar” and “white collar” when it comes to job classifications. The term “blue collar” generally refers to trades careers, in contrast to “white collar”, which typically refers to office work.
The blue collar sector in Australia today encompasses all the trades, the police force, emergency services, postal workers, factory workers, miners and more, and covers all skill levels. Some jobs, like engineer, supply chain management and project management can overlap the blue and white collar spheres.
Blue collar industries make up a large proportion of the workforce in Australia, with statistics showing that construction is the largest industry, making up 9.3% of the workforce with approximately 1.3 million workers. Construction is also experiencing growth in Australia, as are the healthcare industry and the manufacturing industry, so the percentage of blue collar jobs is set to rise even more.
Defining blue collar: Origin and meaning
The term “blue collar” first appeared in a 1924 newspaper in the U.S. state of Iowa. It described manual labourers, who tended to wear durable blue denim or chambray shirts that were hard-wearing and not so prone to stains, rather than shirts with starched white collars that were more difficult to keep clean.
This phrase then created a contrast between blue collar workers with physical jobs and white collar workers with desk jobs. Common industries associated with blue collar work include construction, manufacturing, and mining, though these industries also employ white collar workers in clerical and managerial positions.
Blue collar jobs today encompass a vast range of professions, including plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, firefighters, and nuclear power reactor operators. Many blue collar employees provide what is considered essential work.
Blue collar vs white collar jobs
There are many differences between blue collar and white collar jobs. Here’s a quick comparison.
A blue collar job tends to:
Involve manual, physical labour
Be site-specific to the labour type
Require skills-based learning and certifications
While a white collar job tends to:
Involve desk-based work
Take place in an office
Require university education
There are many jobs that encompass elements of both, so a blue collar or white collar designation isn't always easy to apply
Characteristics of blue collar jobs
Blue collar jobs often tend to have an hourly wage rather than a salary, and are more associated with the idea of clocking in and out. Skill levels required vary, with some blue collar roles, like those in retail and factory work, learned on the job, and some like electrician requiring practical training and certification. Others, such as woodworking and jewellery making are crafts that can take years to hone.
As a result, the educational requirements of blue collar jobs varies – some highly skilled blue collar jobs, such as engineers and elevator installers, require a university degree. Almost every skilled trade requires TAFE of college certification, as well as on-the-job training in an apprenticeship.
For some blue collar careers, a diploma or advanced diploma is required to enjoy a successful career trajectory. Many, such as trainers and caterers, require certifications that need regular updating.
Blue collar jobs take place in a wide variety of settings (though very rarely an office). Pickers and packers work in warehouses, carpenters may work in a shop or on different job sites, while mechanics usually work in a garage. Some blue collar workers, such as miners and truck drivers, travel to distant locations as part of their jobs.
There are some drawbacks to this style of employment. More physically strenuous jobs are likely to cause injuries. However, work health and safety (WHS) regulations are in place to protect workers and reduce risks of injury, and workplaces are required to provide safety training.
List of blue collar jobs
There is a wide range of blue collar professions to choose from in Australia, that all contribute to growing and strengthening the country’s infrastructure. While entry-level roles and apprenticeships offer lower wages, many trades reach high incomes in their senior roles.
Electrician. Electricians install, test, and maintain electrical systems, cables, and wires. They also remove potential hazards to keep systems safe and operational.
Average yearly salary: $100,000
Plumber. Plumbers work with pipe systems, including water, gas, drainage, and sewage. Some work in residential settings, while others specialise in large-scale construction projects.
Average yearly salary: $90,000Mechanic. Mechanics use tools to build and maintain machinery. Typical areas of expertise include motor vehicles, bicycles, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.
Average yearly salary: $85,000
Construction labourer. Construction labourers prepare building sites by digging trenches and erecting scaffolding. They typically use heavy-duty machinery and power tools.
Average yearly salary: $73,000Carpenter. Carpenters work with wood – designing, erecting, and installing frames, walls, foundations, and fixtures in commercial and residential properties.
Average yearly salary: $83,000Truck driver. Truck drivers travel long distances to deliver loads of cargo, often to tight deadlines.
Average yearly salary: $78,000Welder. Welders combine materials (typically including metal) to create, fix and maintain equipment. This work is in high demand, as it requires specialist knowledge and can be dangerous.
Average yearly salary: $78,000Landscape gardener: Landscapers design, plan, and maintain outdoor spaces such as parks and gardens. They're responsible for maintaining plant health and garden aesthetics. Average yearly salary: $75,000
The importance of blue collar workers in the economy
Blue collar workers are essential for any country to prosper. Australia's infrastructure – its roads, transport, buildings, schools, shops, and houses – were built and are maintained and operated by blue collar workers. Blue collar industries are essential to transport goods and keep supply chains intact, putting food on the table. We rely on blue collar workers to do many of the day-to-day jobs that keep society functioning.
Challenges faced by blue collar workers
With many industries adopting automation, some blue collar jobs may be eventually phased out. Warehouses and factories have already seen an increase in machine-based work, grocery stores have self-checkout machines to replace cashiers, and chatbots now do some customer service roles. Automation could continue to affect job availability in some settings
Another challenge of blue collar work is the toll that physical labour can take on workers, even with occupational health regulations. Manual labourers benefit from having active jobs in the short term, but can feel the long-term effects of physical work in pulled muscles and repetitive stress injuries.
A lack of career development may also be a challenge for blue collar workers. Many roles don’t offer a clear pathway for progression or even recognition for achievements. It may be hard to “rise up the ranks” to a senior or management position.
Though some blue collar jobs can command high wages, many workers can experience wage stagnation – another consideration if you’re thinking of entering a blue collar role.
The future of blue collar work
With AI on the horizon, it’s clear that the nature of work for a lot of us, whether blue or white collar, is going to change. If AI is likely to impact your job, learning how to use it can be a benefit to your career. AI will streamline many jobs, so it's important to develop your own skillset proactively. Remain current in your chosen industry by reading the news and developing your skills.
Sustainable energy is one of the fastest-growing industries putting these new technologies to use. It will provide employment opportunities for “green collar” workers in installation and manufacturing of essential equipment as we ease away from fossil fuels and towards a greener future. Think solar panels, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.
Wind turbine installer and solar technician are two of the fastest growing professions in the green sector and utilise many blue collar skills.
How to start a career in a blue collar job
If you're looking to embark on a blue collar career, you can start by identifying your interests and your strengths. Do you like to be outside? Are you detail-oriented? Have you always loved working with your hands?
The first step for many can be speaking to a careers counsellor at your high school or college for advice. Once you've identified the area you'd like to work in, you can apply for an apprenticeship in this job. Then you can look into whether you need to do any further training, and whether your company will fund this.
For example, you’ll need a white card if you are looking at working in the construction industry. You can also consider working towards a degree or diploma to increase your eligibility for your preferred role; browse your further education options at TAFE.
Benefits and challenges of blue collar careers
All jobs come with pros and cons – here is a quick look at both for blue collar professions.
Advantages
Good job stability
Physical work that can benefit your overall health
Fast-paced, exciting career paths
Challenges
The physical nature of the job can result in injury
Safety requires additional training and attention – fatigue can be a real hazard in the workplace
Many blue collar jobs don't have a clear job trajectory
“Blue collar” has become shorthand for a jobs with a manual element. The blue collar industries today encompass a variety of different professions, many of which are essential for society’s infrastructure. Many blue collar professions have significant earning power, require a specific skill set, and provide opportunities for career progression.
If you're looking to embark on a skilled trades career, you can begin your journey with SEEK's job search engine.
FAQs
What are the key differences between blue collar and white collar jobs?
Blue collar jobs tend to be more physical and site specific, while white collar jobs largely involve desk-based office work.
What are the most common industries and jobs for blue collar workers?
The most common industries for blue collar workers include construction, mining, engineering, and manufacturing. Popular professions include carpentry, plumbing, landscaping, and truck driving.
Can women work blue collar professions?
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for women to enter blue collar professions as trades become less gendered and more open to hiring women. Nursing and hairdressing are two areas that have long been dominated by women, while emergency worker, police officer electrician and truck driver are some examples of blue collar roles that are becoming increasingly popular with women.
