Blue-Collar Jobs

Information about blue-collar jobs in Australia and where to find them.

By Toni Ross, 19 Mar 2024

Toni Ross is the Senior Editor of Betterteam. Her interests include developing resources that help build and grow value-oriented, connected teams, both personal and professional.

While digital technologies have significantly altered the employment landscape, this has not diminished the importance and value of non-office, blue-collar jobs. In many cases, as in Australia, there is a continued demand for blue-collar workers and concerns about possible skills shortages.

Origin of the Term "Blue-Collar":

The term "blue-collar" first appeared in the 1920s in reference to trade workers. The phrase comes from the image of tradesmen wearing blue denim or canvas shirts as part of their uniform. The idea is that the dark blue color would conceal dirt or grease, helping them appear cleaner.

Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Workers:

White-collar jobs usually require some sort of formal education with a bachelor's degree in a related field, in contrast to blue-collar jobs, which typically do not. Unlike blue-collar workers, white-collar workers don't do manual labor.

The Top 10 Blue-Collar Jobs in Australia for 2024:

01. Construction Manager

The average annual salary for construction managers is around A$140,000. The construction manager job outlook indicates a growth of 10.2% for the industry by 2026.

02. Electrician

Qualified electricians earn around A$93,000 per annum. The job outlook for electricians indicates an industry growth of 10.2% by 2026.

03. Boilermaker

The average salary for a boilermaker is around A$93,000 per annum. The boilermaker job outlook data indicates a marginal industry growth of 2.1% by 2026.

04. Plumber

Experienced plumbers earn an average annual salary of around A$80,000. The plumber job outlook data indicates an industry growth of around 8.6% by 2026.

05. Carpenter

The average salary for a carpenter is around A$78,000 per annum. The job outlook data for carpenters indicates that around 95,500 carpenters are currently employed in this vocation.

06. Aircraft Mechanic

The average annual salary for air aircraft mechanics is around A$75,000. The job outlook data for aircraft mechanics predicts an industry growth of around 16.7% by 2026.

07. Tiler

Qualified tilers earn around A$70,000 per year. According to the job outlook data for tilers, the industry is one of the few to see a possible decrease in industry growth by 2026.

08. Gas Plant Operator

Gas plant operators earn on average around A$67.000 per year. The job outlook data for gas plant operators indicates a 4.7% industry growth by 2026.

09. Truck Driver

The average annual salary for a truck driver is around A$66,000 per annum. The truck driver job outlook data indicates projected industry growth of around 1.1% by 2026.

10. Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers earn around A$59,000 per year. The job outlook for delivery drivers estimates that the industry will grow 15% by 2026.

*Salary and projected growth data are best practice estimates for Australia.

Blue-Collar Job Boards

A list of the best job boards for hiring blue-collar workers.

FAQs:

What is a blue collar worker in Australia?

In Australia, blue-collar jobs generally refer to roles that require a degree of manual labor and often specialized skills obtained through trade-based apprenticeships. Examples of blue-collar occupations include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, truck and delivery drivers, crane operators, cashiers, and factory workers.

What education is required for a blue-collar job?

Most blue-collar jobs require no formal education. However, training is required either through apprenticeship programs or via a trade school.

What is the difference between a blue-collar and white-collar worker?

Blue-collar workers perform manual labor outside of an office environment, while white-collar workers are office professionals who perform desk, administrative, and managerial duties.

What are some blue-collar jobs in Australia?

Blue-collar jobs include plumbers, tilers, electricians, and truck drivers.