The 15 Best White Collar Jobs

As you embark on your job search, you may encounter terms like blue-collar, white-collar, grey-collar, and pink-collar. Understanding these classifications is essential as they help delineate various career paths and expectations in the modern labor market.

Originally coined by American author Upton Sinclair in the 1930s, the term “white-collar” refers to office workers who traditionally wore white dress shirts. This classification is not only historical but also provides insight into the evolving nature of work in the 21st century.

Key Takeaways:

• Top white-collar jobs include accounting, health services management, and software engineering.

• From 2021 to 2031, the health services management field is projected to grow by 28%, adding 136,200 jobs across the U.S.

• Other collar categories include blue-collar, grey-collar, and pink-collar.

• The most prevalent white-collar job is accounting.

15 Best White Collar Jobs

If you believe a white-collar job aligns with your career aspirations, consider pursuing education and training in one of the following high-demand positions. These roles not only offer lucrative salaries but also have promising growth potential:

1. Accountant
   Average Yearly Salary: $52,000

   Accountants are the financial stewards of organizations, responsible for maintaining and interpreting financial records. They can work for a single company or multiple clients, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ethical standards.

   This profession typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree, and accountants are well-compensated for their expertise and integrity.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, accounting jobs are expected to grow by 7%, adding approximately 96,000 positions across the U.S.

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2. Financial Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $105,000

   Financial Managers share skills with accountants but focus on long-term financial strategies and investments. They work to guide clients or organizations toward financial growth and stability, requiring a bachelor’s degree and often an advanced degree along with substantial experience.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, financial management careers are projected to grow by 17%, creating 123,100 new opportunities nationwide.

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3. Attorney
   Average Yearly Salary: $108,000

   Attorneys undergo extensive education and training, often requiring a law degree and passing a bar exam. They might work in various legal fields, from criminal to corporate law, providing essential advice and representation.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, attorney positions are expected to grow by 10%, adding around 80,200 jobs in the U.S.

   Find Attorney jobs near me

4. Physician and Surgeons
   Average Yearly Salary: $176,000

   Physicians and surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who may work in various environments, including hospitals and clinics. Their extensive education and ongoing training ensure they remain at the forefront of healthcare advancements.

   Job Outlook: Between 2021 and 2031, physician and surgeon roles are expected to grow by 3%, with 21,400 new job opportunities anticipated in the U.S.

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5. Dentist
   Average Yearly Salary: $134,000

   Dentists, holding a doctorate in oral health, focus on diagnosing and treating dental conditions. They play a vital role in maintaining community health, with educational requirements similar to those of physicians.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, the dentistry field is predicted to grow by 6%, creating 8,400 new positions across the U.S.

   Find Dentist jobs near me

6. Health Services Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $87,000

   Health services managers oversee healthcare facilities or departments, requiring a blend of clinical knowledge and administrative skills. A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience are typically prerequisites for this role.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, health services management careers are expected to grow by 28%, leading to 136,200 new jobs across the U.S.

   Find Health Services Manager jobs near me

7. Civil Engineer
   Average Yearly Salary: $70,000

   Civil engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining infrastructure projects. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, civil engineering roles are projected to grow by 7%, adding 22,100 jobs in the U.S.

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8. Software Engineer
   Average Yearly Salary: $86,000

   Software engineers develop applications and systems crucial to modern technology. This field is rapidly evolving, making it a vibrant career choice for those interested in tech.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, software development roles are expected to grow by 25%, resulting in 411,400 new job opportunities in the U.S.

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9. Computer and Information Systems Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $125,000

   Information systems managers oversee a company’s IT strategy and infrastructure. With a focus on cybersecurity and systems management, they play a crucial role in organizational success.

   Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, this field is expected to expand by 16%, creating 82,400 new jobs in the U.S.

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10. Database Administrator
    Average Yearly Salary: $74,000

    Database administrators manage an organization’s data, ensuring its integrity and security. As data becomes increasingly important, their role is vital to business operations.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, database administrator positions are anticipated to grow by 8%, leading to 7,400 new job opportunities across the U.S.

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11. College Professor
    Average Yearly Salary: $142,000

    College professors educate the next generation of professionals, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive experience in their fields. Their role is pivotal in shaping academic curricula and student outcomes.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, college professor positions are projected to grow by 12%, adding 159,400 new jobs across the U.S.

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12. Instructional Coordinator
    Average Yearly Salary: $48,000

    Instructional coordinators ensure educational programs meet standards and effectively serve student needs. This role typically requires a master’s degree and extensive experience in education.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, instructional coordinator positions are expected to grow by 7%, creating 15,000 new jobs in the U.S.

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13. Marketing Manager
    Average Yearly Salary: $106,000

    Marketing managers devise strategies to promote products or services, working within a company or for an agency. They are instrumental in shaping public perception and driving sales.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, marketing management roles are projected to grow by 10%, adding 33,700 new jobs across the U.S.

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14. Administrative Services Manager
    Average Yearly Salary: $70,000

    Administrative services managers are crucial in ensuring smooth organizational operations. They may not always require advanced degrees but must possess extensive company knowledge and experience.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, administrative services manager positions are expected to grow by 7%, creating 16,100 new jobs across the U.S.

    Find Administrative Services Manager jobs near me

15. Chief Executives
    Average Yearly Salary: $190,000

    Chief executives lead companies and organizations, making critical decisions that shape their direction. This role requires a high level of education and experience, often involving significant responsibility.

    Job Outlook: From 2021 to 2031, CEO roles are projected to decline by 7%, resulting in a loss of approximately 20,600 positions across the U.S.

    Find Chief Executives jobs near me

Job Classifications by Collar

Alongside white-collar classifications, the term blue-collar refers to individuals engaged in skilled trades or manual labor, traditionally associated with blue uniforms. While these distinctions were once clear, the lines have blurred in today’s workforce.

Grey-collar jobs describe positions that require specialized skills and training but are often in traditionally manual labor fields. Pink-collar jobs are customer service-oriented roles in sectors such as entertainment and sales.

White-Collar Professions

Most white-collar workers are found in office environments, though remote work has become increasingly common. The shift to remote work has been facilitated by advancements in technology and communication, enabling many white-collar roles to adapt seamlessly.

White-collar workers typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have advanced degrees. They are usually salaried employees, often earning higher wages compared to other occupational categories.

White Collar Jobs FAQ

1. What is the most common white-collar job?

   The most common white-collar job is being an accountant. There are approximately 1.4 million accountants currently employed in the United States, slightly surpassing the 1.3 million American lawyers and 1.1 million physicians.

   These roles are primarily office-based, and “white-collar” reflects the professional attire typically required, indicating that these jobs are less likely to involve manual labor.

2. Is being a doctor a white-collar job?

   Yes, being a doctor is considered a white-collar job. Despite the potential for chaotic conditions, physicians require extensive education and training, categorizing them as white-collar professionals. Medical environments, while different from traditional offices, still maintain an administrative atmosphere.

3. Is being a teacher a white-collar job?

   Teaching occupies a unique space between white-collar and blue-collar designations, often termed grey-collar. Teachers require a significant level of education but typically work outside traditional office settings, leading to their classification as grey-collar workers.

4. Do white-collar jobs always pay more?

   No, white-collar jobs do not always pay more than blue-collar jobs. While white-collar roles are often associated with higher salaries, this is not universally true, and many blue-collar positions, especially those with years of experience, can offer substantial compensation.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed on September 13, 2022.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.