Pink-collar is an outdated term that was used to describe sectors that were historically dominated by women, including nursing and secretarial work. One of the newest types of collar colors is the green collar, which refers to jobs in the environmental sector. Since most blue-collar jobs pay by the hour, working overtime could mean that a blue-collar worker can earn six figures in a year. Some blue-collar jobs also pay by the project or follow a salary scheme.
What are blue-collar and white-collar workers?
These roles are often considered blue collar due to the work’s hands-on, physically demanding nature. To say one person works a blue-collar job while another has a white-collar job implies a difference in earnings. The blue-collar worker may work for hourly wages or receive payment per item produced or assembled. They may be part of a union that maintains the security of hours and future work. With the information revolution, Western nations have moved towards a service and white-collar economy. Many manufacturing jobs have been offshored to developing nations which pay their workers lower wages.
- Historically, the popularity of the colour blue among manual labourers contrasts with the popularity of white dress shirts worn by people in office environments.
- These skilled workers provide a competitive edge by delivering products of exceptional quality and driving down production costs, enabling American businesses to remain viable in a global marketplace.
- They may wear overalls, chambray shirts, or jeans, all in the color blue.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines common blue-collar jobs as those that require some education beyond high school but do not necessarily require a college degree.
- White-collars workers typically perform job their duties at a desk with computers, telephones, and other electronic devices.
What is a blue collar worker?
People who work white-collar jobs are not more skilled than blue-collar workers. A software engineer has the knowledge and skills to create a virtual house in the metaverse, but would not be equipped to build one in the real world, and vice versa. Because white-collar jobs have a higher barrier to entry, in terms of education, and earn an annual … [+] salary rather than an hourly wage, these roles are often perceived as more prestigious and desirable. Navy and light blue colors conceal potential dirt or grease on the worker’s clothing, helping them to appear cleaner. For the same reason, blue is a popular color for boilersuits which protect workers’ clothing.
What Is Blue Collar? Definition and Job Examples
Some blue collar workers have uniforms with the name of the business or the individual’s name embroidered or printed on it. “Blue collar” is one classification of employees based on the type of labor they perform. The blue collar worker definition indicates that these workers https://accounting-services.net/ perform primarily manual labor. Other similar classifications include white collar, pink collar, black collar and more. Blue-collar jobs tend to entail manual labor and working with hands and tools, while white-collar jobs comprise office, administrative and managerial work.
Educational requirements
In short, in the 21st century, the color of your collar doesn’t necessarily dictate the level of your income. In the United States, the legal treatment of white-collar versus blue-collar workers presents another layer of differentiation. Specifically, white-collar workers are generally exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which governs aspects like overtime pay. In contrast, blue-collar workers, whose roles are characterized by manual labor, fall under the protections and regulations of the FLSA. This division reflects the legislative approach to ensuring fair labor practices across different types of employment. In today’s dynamic workforce, the term “blue-collar” stands as a pivotal classification among employment sectors, delineating a group of workers renowned for their manual labor prowess.
Here are five key differences between blue-collar and white-collar careers. In an era where international trade and competitiveness are paramount, the role of the blue-collar workforce is more critical than ever. These skilled workers provide a competitive edge by delivering products of exceptional quality and driving down production costs, enabling American businesses to remain viable in a global marketplace. In the age of technology, where the allure of white-collar jobs often takes center stage, it’s all too easy to overlook the steadfast heroes who keep our nation running smoothly. Stephen Fry, 34, a successful London plumber, earns £210,000 ($274,000, €239,000) a year, which is more than many business executives. Housing Authority plumber Vincenzo Guirbino earns over $315,000 a year in New York city.
Higher positions often require higher educational credentials, licenses, and special certifications. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for warehouse workers is just over $15,000. In addition, the majority of warehouse jobs don’t require a college degree.
You might also consider beefing up your knowledge in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensics through continuous education. Power plant workers control the flow of electricity from plants to users such as yourself. They also monitor the performance and state of equipment, respond to emergencies, and troubleshoot issues as needed. The job requires licensing and some on-the-job experience, as well as a drug and alcohol screening and background check.
Becoming a farmer or rancher requires mostly on-the-job training and some investment in your own business. If you’re starting from scratch, Gerson outlined a few simple steps you can take to start your blue-collar job search. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical doctors earn about $250K annually. This includes physicians working in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices. Drones can inspect equipment, structures, or environments, providing visual data without putting human workers at risk. Wearable technology, like smart helmets, safety glasses, and vests, monitors vital signs, movement patterns, and location.
By contrast, blue-collar jobs generally involve manual labor and workers are paid either by the hour or on a piecework basis. To be in the skilled trades, you may need to complete at least a high school education or equivalent. Although, a high school diploma is not required for blue-collar roles. There may be requirements for specialized training or certification. Some blue-collar jobs, such as construction workers and electricians, require apprenticeships and joining a union. Some fields that fall into this category include construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and mining.
Historically, blue-collar workers’ wages were calculated by the hour. Today, most workers, regardless of their type of work, are paid either fortnightly or once a month. White-collar workers are perceived to have a higher status because they may earn more and may be better educated. Blue-collar workers are believed how to compute effective interest rate on loan to stand lower on the social ladder because they do manual labor and may not be as educated. The way blue-collar workers are paid depends on the industry in which they work. Other workers are paid by the number of pieces they complete in a day, which is typical for those who work in factory settings.
Most white-collar jobs now require basic computer and software skills. Those who hope for advancement may also need people management skills. Many blue-collar workers work with heavy machinery, using skills that can be acquired on the job or through trade schools. Maybe a family member works in a similar role, or a friend’s relative runs a business that could use your skill set. Networking is how a lot of blue-collar jobs get filled, so don’t be afraid to lean on the people in your life for help and referrals.