Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Jobs: Here’s the Difference

Name: Career Paths: Engaging Non-Desk Jobs
Uploaded: 2019-10-07T11:27:38.000Z
Description: Hear a brewer, welder and a real estate agent describe their daily work and the skills it takes to be great at their job.

Updated April 18, 2024

Video: Career Paths: Engaging Non-Desk Jobs
Hear a brewer, welder and a real estate agent describe their daily work and the skills it takes to be great at their job.

Blue-collar and white-collar are common casual-language classifications to describe various professions. Because these two terms are often used to describe different types of work, it can be helpful to understand the definition of each and the differences between them. In this article, we explore the main differences between blue-collar and white-collar jobs and look at several examples of positions in each grouping.

What are the differences between white-collar and blue-collar jobs?

A white-collar job is typically performed in an office environment and involves clerical, administrative or managerial duties. Some examples of industries with many white-collar jobs include tech, accounting, marketing and consulting. The term “white collar” refers to the white shirts that many of these professionals traditionally wear.A blue-collar job is typically some sort of manual or trade-related labor. Some examples of industries with many blue-collar jobs include retail, manufacturing, food service and construction. The term was originally coined in the 1920s when these types of employees wore durable fabrics like denim or chambray, which were often blue in color to assist in concealing dirt or grease due to the nature of their work. While these descriptors as it pertains to attire may no longer be accurate in present-day work environments, white-collar and blue-collar employees continue to operate in distinctly different environments performing two different types of jobs.Understanding the primary differences between a white-collar and blue-collar professional can help you categorize certain positions:

Education

White-collar positions typically require some form of higher education. These professionals may need a minimum of a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree and often have higher earning potential with additional education. Blue-collar positions typically offer on-the-job training through apprenticeships or vocational schools. Some higher-paid, more specialized blue-collar positions also require certain certifications or technical skills.

Work setting

White-collar jobs typically take place in an office setting with a desk and computer. It is also possible for many of these jobs to be done remotely or from home. Blue-collar jobs take place in a variety of settings such as warehouses, offices, homes, workshops, outdoor areas and more.

Roles and responsibilities

White-collar employees typically perform duties in a clerical capacity by developing, communicating and implementing ideas. Blue-collar responsibilities sometimes require physical labor with machinery, vehicles or equipment. They might also require the use of specific software or tools. Blue-collar jobs often also require highly specialized skills and expertise.

Pay

It’s common for white-collar jobs to offer an annual salary based on a consistent 40-hour workweek, for example. In many instances, blue-collar jobs offer an hourly wage and are assigned a certain amount of hours or shifts per week. Both professional categories have the ability to earn high wages based on experience, skills and position.

Common white-collar jobs

These white-collar jobs typically require at least an undergraduate degree:

1. Accountant

National average salary: $59,606 per year Primary duties: Accountants maintain budgets, manage financial transactions, reconcile accounts payable, and receivable and process tax payments and returns. Accountants also evaluate and report on a company’s financial health. Many accountants pursue a certified public accountant certification to specialize and increase their earning potential.

2. Market researcher

National average salary: $78,645 per year Primary duties: Market researchers collect and test market data. They make recommendations on advertising campaigns based on their assessment of a particular market. These professionals may work for private, nonprofit or government organizations.

3. Health services administrator

National average salary: $81,822 per year Primary duties: A health services administrator oversees the daily operations of healthcare facilities like hospitals. This professional manages health records, budgets, schedules and policies. Most health services administrators direct all employees in a facility, including creating schedules and job duties.

4. Executive director

National average salary: $86,864 per year Primary duties: An executive director oversees strategic planning for the company. This includes developing business plans, directing fundraising activities, evaluating marketing activities and appointing leadership.

5. Civil engineer

National average salary: $88,264 per year Primary duties: Civil engineers plan, maintain and oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure. Their duties may apply to bridges, roadways, railways, power plants and water systems. The minimum education requirement for civil engineers is a bachelor’s degree, though many earn a master’s degree. Most organizations require their civil engineers to obtain a professional engineer license in their state.

6. Attorney

National average salary: $97,777 per year Primary duties: Attorneys represent their clients in legal proceedings. They may work with civil or criminal cases. Responsibilities include preparing documents, developing arguments and advising clients on the best course of action. Attorneys need a Juris Doctor and must pass their state’s bar examination to practice law.

7. Software engineer

National average salary: $108,896 per year Primary duties: A software engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining software solutions. Duties include testing and debugging software, developing custom platforms and programming new code. Software engineers can find positions in a variety of industries, or they could perform freelance work.

8. Physician

National average salary: $214,096 per year Primary duties: A physician examines patients, diagnoses health problems and develops treatment plans. This medical professional may order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and counsel patients on managing their health. A physician needs to graduate from an accredited medical school and pass a licensing exam to practice. Many choose to specialize in fields such as cardiology or neurology.

Common blue-collar jobs

The following are common blue-collar jobs, most of which involve manual labor:

Warehouse associate
Inspector/packer
Landscape laborer
Refuse collector
Flooring installer
Mechanic
HVAC technician
Electrician

1. Warehouse associate

National average salary: $31,728 per year Primary duties: While each position is different, some common responsibilities of warehouse workers include loading and unloading trucks, scanning items, taking inventory and picking items for shipping. Their duties may also include cleaning, operating machinery and completing paperwork.

2. Inspector/packer

National average salary: $31,264 per year Primary duties: An inspector or packer typically works in a production facility examining products, reporting anomalies, assembling packaging and preparing items for shipment.

3. Landscape laborer

National average salary: $35,878 per year Primary duties: Landscape laborers perform groundskeeping duties such as maintaining flower beds, mowing lawns, installing and maintaining sprinkler systems, trimming trees and bushes, and raking leaves. They may install new landscaping features or focus on maintaining the existing structure.

4. Refuse collector

National average salary: $42,007 per year Primary duties: Refuse collectors are responsible for gathering trash and recyclables from homes and businesses in an assigned area. They may drive disposal trucks and handle trash and recycling receptacles. Most collectors work for public departments and perform most of their duties during morning hours.

5. Flooring installer

National average salary: $58,772 per year Primary duties: A flooring installer places various types of flooring in commercial and residential buildings. This may include carpet, tile, linoleum or hardwood. Responsibilities include measuring the area, preparing materials and installing flooring.

6. Mechanic

National average salary: $48,014 per year Primary duties: Mechanics help ensure that vehicles and other types of equipment are safe and ready for use. They handle a variety of jobs such as maintaining engines, changing oil, rotating tires and inspecting electronic equipment. They may specialize in a particular type of repair or vehicle.

7. HVAC technician

National average salary: $70,590 per year Primary duties: An HVAC technician works with heating, cooling and ventilation equipment. This professional installs, repairs and maintains air conditioners, furnaces, ductwork and other elements of a home comfort system.

8. Electrician

National average salary: $53,980 per year Primary duties: Electricians are responsible for installing and repairing electrical wiring, controls and systems. They may troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment with testing devices and advise customers on the best course of action. Electricians read blueprints and manuals to navigate an electrical system.

Frequently asked questions

Can you transition from blue-collar to white-collar jobs?

Yes, you can transition from a blue-collar to a white-collar position. If you're making the switch, employers may require additional skills and qualifications, but you can use your soft skills, like communication and problem-solving, to help you. Additionally, you may return to school or earn a certification for a specific skill or industry role, or consider developing leadership skills on the job.

What should I expect moving from a white-collar to blue-collar role?

Generally, you can expect to be more active and spend less time behind a desk in industries that are common for blue-collar workers. You also may require additional education, such as attending a trade school and completing an apprenticeship.

What are other collar colors?

Although they may reinforce negative stereotypes and should be used sparingly, blue-collar and white-collar are often-used terms to categorize general career paths. Other collar terms you may see include:

Green collar: This collar describes specialists working in environmental positions promoting sustainability, such as environmental engineers and architects.
Gold collar: These roles combine blue collar and white collar, where you may use both manual and technical skills in tandem. Gold-collar jobs include technicians in the manufacturing industry.
Pink collar: These roles previously were described in some female-dominated industries, but the terminology is outdated and no longer inclusive. These positions generally included service and hospitality roles.