Industrial Blue Collar Careers

Industrial Careers

Industrial trade careers involve skilled hands-on work in fields like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and oil/gas energy. These jobs include electricians, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and mechanics, and they are crucial for building and maintaining infrastructure, machinery, and electrical systems. People in industrial careers often work on construction sites, factories, power plants, and other industrial locations.

These industrial careers are essential because they keep everything running smoothly—from buildings and roads to power and water systems. Without skilled tradespeople, it would be difficult to keep modern society functioning.

Industrial trade careers can pay well, with many earning between $40,000 and $80,000 a year. Highly skilled trades, like electricians or elevator technicians, may make even more, many times over $100,000 per year.

The demand for industrial trades is high, especially as older workers retire and new infrastructure projects are started. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand across the country, making this field a stable career choice with good opportunities for advancement.

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Scroll below to explore the different blue collar career opportunities in the industrial/manufacturing industry!

HVAC/R Technician

An HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technician installs, maintains, and repairs climate-control systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They troubleshoot, test, and replace parts to ensure systems run efficiently. With the rise of energy-efficient technologies, HVAC/R techs also work with eco-friendly systems to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032
Potential/Average Salary: Around $53,410 per year, with experienced technicians earning up to $70,000 or more

Iron Worker

Iron workers are skilled tradespeople who construct and repair the metal frameworks of buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They assemble and install iron or steel beams, reinforcing bars, and other materials to form the skeletons of structures. This role requires physical strength, balance, and precision due to working at heights and in various weather conditions.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 4% (2022-2032)
Average Salary: $58,550 per year
Potential Salary: Experienced workers or those in high-demand regions can earn $80,000+ annually

Electrician Trade

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in buildings, homes, factories, and power plants. This includes wiring, lighting, and other electrical systems, making it one of the most popular electrical trades. Electricians can specialize in areas like residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 7% from 2022 to 2032 due to increased construction and renewable energy projects.
Average Salary: $60,040 per year, with experienced or specialized electricians earning over $100,000 annually in certain regions.

Elevator Mechanic

An elevator mechanics installs, maintains, and repairs elevators, escalators, and other lifts. They ensure safe, efficient operation of these systems, often working with complex electrical and mechanical components.

Job Outlook/ Projected Growth: Expected growth of 4%, slightly above average, due to urban development and aging infrastructure.
Average Salary: Around $88,000 annually (median pay in 2023) or more, depending on experience and location.
Key Skills: Electrical and mechanical proficiency. Problem-solving and diagnostic skills. Physical fitness for working in confined spaces. Safety-consciousness for high-risk environments. Knowledge of codes, regulations, and maintenance standards

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

A heavy equipment mechanic repairs and maintains machinery used in construction, agriculture, and industrial settings, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. They troubleshoot, inspect, and replace mechanical and hydraulic components, ensuring that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their work often involves using diagnostic tools, welding, and specialized repair techniques.

Job Outlook/ Projected Growth: 7% growth (about as fast as average).
Average Salary: Approximately $57,000 – $63,000. Up to $78,000 or more, depending on experience and location.

Plumbing Trade

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work on pipes, fittings, and fixtures, ensuring safe water supply and waste disposal. Plumbers often troubleshoot leaks, replace old piping, and install appliances like water heaters.

Job Outlook: 4% growth from 2023 to 2032, driven by ongoing construction and maintenance demands.
Average Salary: $59,880 annually; experienced plumbers can earn over $90,000.

Heavy Equipment Operator

A heavy equipment operator operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes to move earth, construct infrastructure, and handle material in various industries. They interpret plans, control equipment, and ensure safe, efficient operation on construction sites, mines, and more. Operators need skills in handling complex controls and safety protocols, often working outdoors in diverse conditions. Training is typically through apprenticeships or vocational programs.

Job Outlook & Salary:

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032.
Average Salary: Around $56,650 per year.
Potential Salary: Experienced operators can earn over $75,000 annually in some regions.

Boilermaker Trade

A boilermaker is a skilled tradesperson who builds, installs, and repairs boilers, closed vats, and other large containers that hold liquids and gases. They often work on industrial equipment in factories, shipyards, or power plants.

Job Outlook: Slow growth of about 4% into 2030.
Average Salary: Range typically between $55,000 and $80,000 depending on experience and location. With potential for experienced boilermakers to earn over $100,000.

Sprinkler Fitter Trade

A sprinkler fitter installs and maintains fire sprinkler systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work with pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to ensure fire suppression systems are functional and compliant with safety codes.

Job Outlook: Expected to grow 8%, faster than average, due to increased construction and fire safety regulations.
Potential/Average Salary: Approximately $55,000 per year. With top earners making over $100,000 a year.

Pipefitter Trade

A pipefitter is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains piping systems used to transport liquids, gases, and other materials. These systems are often found in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.

Job Outlook: Expected to grow 5%, as demand increases for new pipelines, especially in the energy sector.
Average Salary: $58,000-$100,000 per year (varies by experience, industry, and location).
Key Skills: Welding, blueprint reading, system installation, and troubleshooting.

Steamfitter Trade

A steamfitter is a skilled tradesperson who installs and maintains high-pressure piping systems that transport steam, gases, and liquids. Steamfitters work in settings like power plants, factories, and commercial buildings, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of piping systems for heating, cooling, and industrial processes.

Job Outlook: Projected growth of 5%, similar to the average for all occupations, driven by demand for infrastructure and energy systems.
Average Salary: Approximately $60,000 – $75,000, with some making over $100,000 (varies by region and experience level).
Key Skills: Blueprint reading, pipe welding, mechanical aptitude, safety protocols, precision in cutting and fitting, knowledge of high-pressure systems, and physical strength.

Oil Field

An oilfield worker supports the extraction and processing of oil and gas resources, often in remote locations. They handle drilling equipment, monitor operations, and maintain machinery, working in challenging and physically demanding environments.

Job Outlook: Expected to remain stable; demand varies with energy needs and market prices. Growth anticipated in specialized drilling roles and environmental compliance.
Average Salary: $50,000–$100,000/year, with higher pay for specialized and offshore roles.
Key Skills: Physical strength & endurance. Mechanical aptitude and equipment handling. Problem-solving and adaptability in extreme conditions

Longshoreman

A longshoreman (or dock worker) is responsible for loading, unloading, and managing cargo at ports and docks. They operate cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery to move containers between ships and storage areas, ensuring the efficient handling and organization of goods.

Job Outlook: Limited growth expected; largely tied to shipping industry demands and automation impacts.
Average Salary: $60,000 – $100,000+ annually, varying by location and union status.
Key Skills: Physical strength & endurance. Equipment operation, understanding safety, teamwork & communication.

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