Monday was National Blue Collar Day for 2025. Great respect and dignity goes for our highly qualified individuals who become skilled people in blue collar work. Without workers, our modern society would not be where it is today. . .

Styx – Blue Collar Man (Long Version) courtesy of Openverse

Across the nation, many businesses require highly skilled workers to fill a multitude of trades in the healthcare, construction, manufacturing/industry, and service categories. Learn trades in a variety of fields from machinery and construction to medical and beauty. Whether you’re interested in being a chef or mechanic, working as a medical coder or helping others as an Emergency Medical Technician, a nursing aide or a vet tech, choices are available.

👨🏻‍💻 What are Trades?
Trades encompass various industries that require individuals to possess one or more highly specialized skills. Typically, trade professionals acquire focused education in their chosen field by attending vocational or trade schools. Alternatively, they can also opt for apprenticeships or on-the-job training to gain expertise in a new trade. With trades spanning across a wide range of industries, professionals have the opportunity to pursue a career that aligns with their interests, providing both financial stability and professional fulfillment.

👩🏻‍🔧 What Are the Benefits of Learning a Trade?
If you are contemplating a profession in the trade industry, being aware of the key advantages of pursuing a trade can assist you in deciding whether it is the suitable route for you. The foremost perks of acquiring a trade skill encompass:

• Lower costs: Trade professionals can avoid accumulating significant student loan debt by entering their careers without a college degree. By attending a more affordable trade school or transitioning directly into the workforce after high school, they can save a substantial amount of money in comparison to those pursuing careers that necessitate a college education.
• Start earning young: Starting a career without any student debt is not the sole financial advantage of skipping college or university. Many vocational trades offer the opportunity to start working immediately after high school or completing a short trade program, typically lasting less than two years. This enables trade professionals to start earning a full-time income at a young age while their peers are still pursuing further education.
• High earning potential: Trade careers frequently do not necessitate a degree, yet numerous offer earning opportunities that match or surpass the typical salaries of those with advanced education such as a bachelor’s degree. Several trade sectors are additionally supported by labor unions advocating for competitive wages. With more experience, there is even the possibility of establishing your own business in the future, potentially leading to significant financial success.
• Fulfilling careers: The majority of trades require manual labor to construct, install, or produce, leading to a fulfilling career for numerous trade experts. These professions are often respected, providing workers with a strong sense of pride in their accomplishments.
• Job security: Despite the increasing influence of technology and its impact on automation across various industries, trade jobs continue to hold promising prospects in the future. Acquiring expertise in a trade equips individuals with valuable skills that can be utilized throughout their entire professional journey.

MadridMetro-EMT courtesy of Openverse

🩺 Skilled Medical Trades:
Popular medical trade careers encompass a wide range of roles that play a vital part in the functioning of medical facilities. While many individuals associate medical jobs with extensive education in college and graduate school, it is important to recognize the significant contributions made by trade professionals in this industry. These careers offer not only financial rewards but also personal fulfillment, as they involve providing essential medical care that directly impacts the lives of patients. Some of these include:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  National average salary: $48,771 per year
  Primary duties: An EMT answers emergency healthcare calls by arriving at the scene of medical crises to stabilize, treat, and transport individuals to the hospital for additional care if needed.
• Occupational Therapist
  National average salary: $82,227 per year
  Primary duties: An occupational therapist assists individuals with reduced physical abilities by developing and supervising treatment plans that incorporate exercises to enhance their motor skills. This enables patients to independently carry out essential daily tasks.
• Additional skilled medical trades
  If you are considering a career in the medical field, here are some other option examples:
  • Cardiovascular Technician
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Medical Lab Technician
  • Physical Therapist
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Ultrasonographer

Shy Wade / Physical Therapist courtesy of Openverse

👨‍🔧 Skilled Residential Trades:
Choosing a trade skill that is applicable to residential settings is considered one of the most secure paths to a successful career. Homeowners rely on skilled professionals to ensure that their homes receive the high-quality work they need, making residential trades highly sought after. These trades typically involve hands-on work and offer a sense of fulfillment when done correctly. For the latest salary information, you can click on the provided link to access the national average salary for each job title. Top residential trade skills include:

• Plumber
  National average salary: $73,341 per year
  Primary duties: Plumbers are tasked with installing and maintaining plumbing systems within residential properties. They focus on working with the pipes that carry water throughout a building, while also offering repair services for the various outlets and fixtures found in a home’s plumbing network.
• Electrician
  National average salary: $53,980 per year
  Primary duties: An electrician is responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems within buildings. Apart from interpreting technical documents and ensuring the precise creation of complex electrical systems, electricians may also be assigned the responsibility of strategizing new electrical installations in a building.
• Additional skilled residential trades
  There are more options in the residential fields, here are some other option examples:
  • Carpenter
  • Carpet Cleaner
  • Carpet Installer
  • Construction Worker
  • Drafter
  • Framer
  • Home Inspector
  • House Cleaner
  • Mason
  • Mechanical Installer
  • Mechanical Insulator
  • Painter
  • Roofer
  • Special Trades

Photo by Giorgio Trovato by Pexels

🤹 Skilled Energy & Industrial Trades:
If you are looking for a profession that involves a significant amount of practical physical work, then energy and industrial jobs might be a perfect match for you. Numerous occupations in these sectors offer the opportunity to spend the majority of your day engaged in manual labor outdoors. Despite the evolving landscape of the energy industry, there continues to be a demand for energy-related jobs, making it a stable field to consider for employment. Top skilled energy and industrial trades skills include:

• Auto Mechanic
  National average salary: $48,014 per year
  Primary duties: A mechanic’s role involves the maintenance of cars, trucks, and other automobiles. They are tasked with inspecting vehicles to detect any potential problems and resolving any issues they come across. While many mechanics handle a wide variety of vehicles, some choose to specialize in a particular manufacturer or vehicle style to further refine their expertise in the field.
• Solar Installer
  National average salary: $62,622 per year
  Primary duties: A solar technician is tasked with installing and maintaining solar panel systems. Apart from maintaining the panels, a solar technician may also have to meet with property owners to go over solar options and guarantee that all installations comply with safety and local zoning laws.
• Additional skilled energy and industrial trades
  Here are more examples of industrial and energy field trades that you can pursue:
  • Auto Service Technician
  • Boilermaker
  • CNC Machine Tool Programmer
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Electrical Power-line Technician
  • Extraction Worker
  • HVAC Mechanic
  • Heavy Machine Operator
  • Ironworker
  • Marine Mechanic
  • Pipefitter
  • Rotary Drill Operator
  • Steamfitter
  • Steelworker
  • Welder
  • Wind Energy Technician

Ryan, pipe fitter, installing the new gas regulator, gas main installation, safety vest, levis, t-shirt, Lakota Lhamo Ling, Dash Point, Washington, USA courtesy of Openverse

💇 Skilled Cosmetic Trades:
The cosmetic trade industry has a rich history and a strong tradition, encompassing various specialized skill sets that ensure clients receive exceptional styling care. Whether your passion lies in skincare, haircare, or nail care, there are numerous pathways to explore in the pursuit of a career in the beauty industry. To stay informed about the latest salary trends, you can click on the provided national average salary link for each job title below. Some of the top skills in the cosmetic trade include:

• Aesthetician
  National average salary: $52,494 per year
  Primary duties: A skincare specialist, known as an aesthetician, focuses on assisting clients in achieving smoother and more radiant skin with fewer imperfections. Aestheticians carry out a range of skincare treatments, such as applying cleansers, unclogging pores, and utilizing lotions to enhance skin health. Additionally, they provide clients with personalized recommendations for at-home skincare routines to upkeep their skin in between visits.
• Hair Color Specialist
  National average salary: $55,095 per year
  Primary duties: A hair color expert assists clients in achieving their desired hair looks through the application of bleaches and dyes. To excel in this role, one must possess proficiency in various coloring techniques to create a diverse range of styles, ranging from solid single-color dyes to captivating gradient effects.
• Additional skilled cosmetic trades
  If you are interested in assisting others in enhancing their appearance and well-being, here are additional professions to explore:
  • Barber
  • Eyebrow Threader
  • Eyebrow Waxer
  • Hair Removal Specialist
  • Hairstylist
  • Nail Technician

Plaited hair from the back – that’s a lot of hair, mirror, salon, Vietnamese hair stylist taking a photo with a smart phone, Santa Clara, California, USA courtesy of Openverse

🕵️‍♂️ Additional Blue Collar:
Mastering a trade skill holds value across various industries as trade talents are essential in numerous fields. Proficiency in these skills is crucial for a successful and fulfilling career. For the latest salary details, visit Indeed and click on the national average salary link corresponding to each job title. Other blue collar positions worth considering are:

• Locksmith
  National average salary: $50,091 per year
  Primary duties: A locksmith’s duties include installing new locks and replacing malfunctioning old locks. Clients may also contact a locksmith if they have lost keys or forgotten lock combinations, or if they have accidentally locked themselves out of a building or vehicle. Specialized tools are used by locksmiths to open locks without the correct key or code.
• Truck Driver
  National average salary: $74,931 per year
  Primary duties: The primary duty of a commercial truck driver is to ensure the secure transportation of shipments from one location to another. In order to qualify for a position as a commercial trucker, an individual must initially acquire the necessary expertise to operate a large truck and subsequently obtain the relevant license. Meeting delivery deadlines often entails working extended hours in the field of truck driving.
• Additional blue collar positions
  Numerous outstanding career paths in the trade industry are worth exploring., including:
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Commercial Driver
  • Elevator Installer
  • Interior Design
  • Landscaper
  • Massage Therapist
  • Millwright
  • Paralegal
  • Pet Groomer
  • Photographer
  • Potter

Photo by RyanMcGuire courtesy of Pixabay

🔌 Regularly Posed Inquiries:

👶 When do I make a decision?

• Trades are a welcome position to consider at even a young age. You are never too young to start career planning.

🔨 Are trades a viable long-term career option?

• Trades have the potential to be a lucrative and fulfilling career choice for individuals in the long run. Blue collar workers are highly sought after in diverse industries, and these occupations often come with attractive salaries and prospects for growth. Embarking on a career in the trades can provide long-term stability and even pave the way for establishing your own successful business.

🏭 How long does it take to learn a trade?

• The length of time it takes to learn a trade can differ based on the type of trade and the educational route you decide to take. Certain trades may require several years of training to master, whereas others can be completed in just a few months. For instance, an apprenticeship usually spans from two to five years. Trade school programs can offer a range of training intensities and depths.

🙅🏿‍♂️ Can I transition into a trade from a different career?

• Various trade programs and apprenticeships are open to individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Your previous experience and skills may provide you with a competitive edge in specific industries. It is important to investigate the prerequisites for your desired trade and consider enrolling in bridge programs that can assist in transitioning your career.

Un col bleu avec une attitude cool !/Blue collar dude courtesy of Openverse

🚿 Careers Are A Go in the Trades:
A career in trades is most beneficial. Commerce needs outstanding individuals that are willing to forward their careers in less time than you may have thought. Hats off to all the trades persons!

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Photo by Ed Wingate courtesy of Openverse

National Blue Collar Day