Blue-Collar Jobs

Information about blue-collar jobs in the U.K.

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.

Blue-collar jobs refer to roles that generally do not require much in the way of formal education, and are often highly specialized with skills obtained through apprenticeships or trade school. In times when tertiary education is more accessible than ever, it's becoming more challenging to find and retain great blue-collar workers in the U.K.

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 the U.K. for 2024:

01. Site Manager

Site managers earn up to £65,000 per annum. The site manager job outlook and career path include moving into consultancy or contract management.

02. Aircraft Mechanic

The average annual salary for an aircraft mechanic is around £33,500. The job outlook and career path for aircraft mechanics includes specializing in aircraft design or moving into leadership positions.

03. Boilermaker/Welder

Qualified boilermakers or welders earn around £45,000 per year. The boilermaker job outlook and career path includes becoming a supervisor, working in welding inspections, or specializing in underwater welding.

04. Nurse

The average salary for an experienced nurse is around £43,000 per annum. The job outlook and career path for a nurse include becoming a nursing sister or a ward manager.

05. Gas Installer

The average annual salary for a gas installer or service technician is around £29,000. The job outlook and career path for gas installers include moving on to supervisory roles or setting up a gas fitting business.

06. Lorry Driver

Professional lorry drivers earn an average annual salary of around £26,000. The lorry driver job outlook and career path includes becoming a driving instructor or moving into management.

07. Electrician

Qualified electricians earn up to £42,000 per year. The electrician job outlook and career path include starting a business or becoming an electrical design engineer.

08. Plumber

The average salary for a plumber is around £28,000 per annum. The job outlook and career path for a plumber include starting a business, becoming an HVAC technician, or moving into renewable technologies.

09. Firefighter

Experienced firefighters earn around £32,244 per year. The job outlook and career path for firefighters include becoming crew, brigade, or watch manager.

10. Electronics Technician

The average annual salary for an electronics technician is £29,000. The job outlook and career path for electronics technicians include becoming a project team leader or quality control manager.

*Salary information is based on U.K. data and subject to regular change.

Blue-Collar Job Boards

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

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 types of jobs are blue collar?

Blue collar jobs include site managers, aircraft mechanics, boiler makers, nurses, and lorry drivers.