Blue-Collar Jobs

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

By Toni Ross, Mar 19, 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.

In Canada, blue-collar jobs have maintained a steady demand over the past few years and are expected to continue on that trajectory. Learn more about the term and see our list of the top blue-collar jobs in Canada, below.

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 Canada for 2024:

01. Power Plant Operator

Experienced power plant operators earn an average annual salary of C$96.000. The power plant operator job outlook indicates that around 13,600 new positions will become available by 2031.

02. Construction Manager

Construction managers earn around C$90,000 per year. The job outlook for construction managers predicts that new job openings will total 32,300 by 2031.

03. Elevator Installer/Mechanic

Elevator installers or mechanics earn around C$76,000 per year. The elevator installer or mechanic job outlook data does not reveal much about the job's future, but there are solid prospects in Ontario and Manitoba.

04. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses earn an average annual salary of around C$73,000. According to the registered nurse job outlook data, new job openings will total 155,400 by 2031.

05. Electrician

Qualified electricians earn around C$64,000 per annum. The job outlook for electricians indicates that new job openings are expected to total 45,600 by 2031.

06. Plumber

Plumbers earn an average annual salary of around C$63,000. The job outlook for plumbers indicates that around 12,600 new job openings will become available by 2031.

07. Service Technician

Professional service technicians earn an average annual salary of around C$58,000. The job outlook data for service technicians predicts that new job openings will total 14,500 by 2031.

08. Automotive Technician

Experienced automotive technicians earn around C$55,000 per year. The automotive technician job outlook data predicts that around 54,000 new job openings will become available by 2031.

09. Welder

Qualified welders earn around C$49,000 per annum. The welder job outlook shows that by 2031, around 17,700 new jobs will become available.

10. Truck Driver

Truck drivers earn an average annual salary of C$46,000. The job outlook data for truck drivers indicates that new job openings are expected to total 161,700 by 2031.

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

Blue-Collar Job Boards

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

FAQs:

What does the term blue-collar mean?

Blue-collar refers to the working class who perform manual labor outside of an office environment.

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 Canada?

Blue-collar jobs include construction managers, power plant operators, plumbers, service technicians, and welders.