Most white-collar jobs will require a college degree, but those jobs are limited and the competition is fierce. On the other hand, blue-collar jobs require minimal training and the U.S. is facing a shortage of workers. Wages are rising, and some blue-collar jobs pay more than standard office salaries.
1. Truck Driver
As long as you’ve successfully applied for a commercial driving license, training to enter the staffing of a transport industry as a driver will be easy. The industry is in dire need of staffing to meet the needs of the growing U.S. economy, particularly the manufacturing industry. The transport industry needs more than 100,000 new drivers every year— for the next ten years—to meet the demands of various industries. This shortage of drivers has forced companies such as Centerline Drivers to raise wages and even offer sign-on bonuses to new drivers.
2. Manufacturing Worker
One of the sectors that greatly benefited from Trump’s tax cuts and relaxed regulations is the manufacturing industry. The National Association of Manufacturers states that 93 percent of their members are expanding their production and 91 percent of smaller companies have a positive outlook. The shortage of workers is limiting the growth and expansion of many manufacturing companies. The need for more workers is now more apparent, especially since wages in China are rising. Companies now have an incentive to keep manufacturing plants in the U.S., creating more manufacturing jobs for U.S. citizens.
3. Construction Worker
The booming construction industry and stricter migration enforcement have led to a shortage of workers in the construction industry. Companies are competing with each other to fill their rosters to maintain the various timetables of their projects. Construction wages have reached $30/hour and are likely to increase in the following months. Unskilled workers can find work as general laborers for a lower pay, but just a few months of training can qualify you for good construction jobs. Construction jobs are available all over the country, with 45 states currently planning or conducting construction projects.
4. Painter
A house painter requires very little training and only a modicum of skill. Most house painters started as helpers, while some received training in vocational schools. Contractor organizations and trade unions will frequently sponsor professional programs to foster and possibly recruit new talents. If your local area has predominantly old houses, you might be required to take a safety certification course to paint pre-1978 homes, childcare centers, and preschool facilities. These structures might have lead paint, and the EPA requires specific procedures.
5. Firefighter
The U.S. firefighter shortage is troubling since there is less emergency personnel to deal with emergencies. A career in firefighting pays well, and it allows you to serve your community by saving people from injuries or worse. Firefighters need to have a certain level of fitness, endurance, and coordination. You might need to enter a training program before you are accepted or as part of your employment.
The U.S. is facing a shortage of blue-collar workers. This shortage has driven the wages of some blue-collar jobs to almost double the average white-collar income. With a little bit of training, you can start earning decent wages with a blue-collar career.
