While there are some misconceptions about blue-collar jobs, they can be incredibly rewarding and lucrative.
Let’s take a look at some of the top blue-collar job fields, and whether degrees are required.
Top Blue-Collar Job Fields And Degrees Required
Let’s examine some of the top blue-collar jobs and what qualifications you’ll need to start working in them. These jobs have been chosen because of their high potential salary.
There are a wide variety of options, making it likely that you’ll find something that interests you! If you’re looking into blue-collar work, or just exploring your job options, read on!
Law Enforcement
Working in law enforcement could lead you to a variety of different jobs. The most obvious is working as a police officer.
This requires you to enforce the law in different situations, from traffic patrol to riot control and many subjects in between.
Other aspects of the job include investigative work, evidence collection, and witness interviewing. There are many different specializations within law enforcement.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work in Law Enforcement?
Degrees are not required to get a job in law enforcement. You can train through a police academy rather than a university or college. This allows you to begin work as a police officer.
However, if you want to explore other aspects of law enforcement, you could study towards a degree in criminal science or police science.
What Have Past Students of Law Enforcement Thought About Their Education?
It is well-known that you can advance through police ranks after attending a police academy, and most jobs do not require a degree.
However, if you are looking to specialize or advance your career, a degree can be a huge bonus. This source:
“Having a bachelor’s degree is a big advantage to help you stand out among hundreds or thousands of job applicants, especially if you lack military service.”
Construction Management
Construction management involves a variety of tasks. These range from project planning to supervision, and the completion of construction jobs.
Instead of being involved in actual construction, construction managers are responsible for the management side of construction sites. In doing so, they take on a high degree of responsibility.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work in Construction Management?
A bachelor’s degree in construction management is a general requirement for a construction manager, due to the need for specialized skills and immediate seniority in the position.
What Do Construction Managers Think About Their Education?
Getting a degree in construction management allows people to get well-paying jobs, with an average median salary of over $80,000.
If you’re interested in project management and the construction industry, a degree in construction management can be a great pursuit.
Building Science
Building science is related to architecture and places a strong focus on designing advanced buildings. These often include modern technology, such as solar efficiency.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work in Building Science?
You’ll be able to get an entry-level job in building design without a degree. However, a bachelor’s degree is often needed if you want to work in project management or any higher-up jobs.
What Do Building Scientists Think About Their Education?
A degree in building sciences allows you to enter the job market at a much higher average salary, giving degree holders a significant advantage.
If you are serious about working in architectural building sciences, getting a degree is a very good idea. You could even pursue postgraduate studies.
Electrician
Electricians perform a wide range of tasks relating to electrical wiring and technology. This allows them to work in both residential and commercial settings.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work As An Electrician?
To work as an electrician, you require either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Because of the technical nature of the job, and the high risks associated when working with electricity.
What Do Electricians Think About Their Education?
Because a degree in electrical sciences is required, all electricians will have studied before working in the field. This protects them from the potential dangers of doing the job.
Plumbing
Plumbers specialize in working with water systems, including drinking water and sewage. There are many jobs for plumbers in both private and governmental spheres.
While we often think of plumbers fixing toilets or kitchen sinks, there is much more diverse work in the commercial sector.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work in Plumbing?
A degree is not required to work in plumbing, as you can learn the required skills on the job. On-the-job learning often takes place through an apprenticeship.
Getting a degree does not significantly impact the average salaries of plumbers across the states.
What Do Plumbers Think About Their Education?
Because many plumbers learn on the job, there is a strong focus on practical skills development.
However, if you want to pursue a degree as a way to open more doors, you have options. These include a degree in plumbing technology or a degree in plumbing-related water supply services.
Welding
Welding involves working with metal, particularly the cutting and joining of metal using tools.
Welders can be found in an array of spaces, especially in the construction and automobile industries.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work in Welding?
A degree is not required to start working in welding. However, if you opt for on-the-job learning, you will need to apprentice under established welders to gain the skills of the trade.
If you want to get more involved in the technical side of welding, a degree may be a good idea.
What Do Welders Think About Their Education?
Because most welding jobs require work experience rather than a degree, a lot of the actual education that welders receive is on-the-job practical experience.
However, there are also options to do a degree in welding technology, which can prepare you for the more theoretical and technical aspects of the job.
Mechanic
When you work as a mechanic, expect to get hands-on with the inner workings of cars and other vehicles. A lot of this work will be repair and maintenance on various cars.
In the future, you could also decide to branch out and open your own automotive repair shop.
Are Degrees Required Or Desired To Work As A Mechanic?
While you don’t need an actual degree to work as a mechanic, you do need specific training to understand the automotive parts that you will be handling. There is a high level of skill and understanding required to work on cars and other types of vehicles.
What Do Mechanics Think About Their Education?
If you’re training to be a mechanic, then it’s very likely that you enjoy working with cars and will enjoy the formal vocational training required to become a mechanic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a practical, hands-on person, then these lucrative blue-collar fields are for you.
When it comes to lucrative blue-collar jobs, there is a wide variety to choose from, each requiring unique kinds of education.
Hopefully, you feel more prepared and informed about your options, and can make the best choice for you!
Megan Raftery is a freelance writer at a content marketing firm. She is also doing a Master’s in English Literature and spends all her free time reading.