Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you curious about some of the best blue collar job opportunities available today? These are roles that don’t demand advanced degrees or decades of experience, yet offer competitive salaries and job stability.
We sought to uncover the best blue collar jobs in Michigan by analyzing reliable data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Our goal was to highlight positions that not only pay well but also provide a favorable work-life balance without requiring a college education.
Upon reviewing the BLS data, we found that Electrical and Electronics Drafters hold the top spot among blue collar jobs in Michigan.
How We Identified the Best Blue Collar Jobs in Michigan
We analyzed BLS datasets encompassing over 700 job classifications in Michigan. Our selection criteria focused on jobs with high average salaries, minimal educational requirements, and limited experience prerequisites.
Below is a detailed table showcasing the best blue collar jobs in Michigan.
Detailed List of the Best Blue Collar Jobs in Michigan
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $54,810 |
| 2 | Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors | $54,780 |
| 3 | Mechanical Drafters | $54,770 |
| 4 | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | $54,580 |
| 5 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | $54,530 |
| 6 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture | $53,220 |
| 7 | Industrial Engineering Technicians | $53,000 |
| 8 | Legal Support Workers, All Other | $52,850 |
| 9 | Construction and Building Inspectors | $52,840 |
| 10 | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | $52,320 |
| 11 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $52,100 |
| 12 | Tool and Die Makers | $52,100 |
| 13 | Tapers | $52,080 |
| 14 | Geological and Petroleum Technicians | $52,050 |
| 15 | Surveyors | $51,910 |
| 16 | Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $51,510 |
| 17 | Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | $51,380 |
| 18 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $51,270 |
| 19 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $51,220 |
| 20 | Postal Service Mail Carriers | $51,120 |
| 21 | Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $51,050 |
| 22 | Riggers | $51,000 |
| 23 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | $50,830 |
| 24 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $50,620 |
| 25 | Postal Service Clerks | $50,530 |
| 26 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $50,390 |
| 27 | Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $50,380 |
| 28 | Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic | $49,580 |
| 29 | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $49,410 |
| 30 | Computer User Support Specialists | $49,370 |
| 31 | Painters, Transportation Equipment | $49,330 |
| 32 | Sheet Metal Workers | $49,260 |
| 33 | Patternmakers, Wood | $49,210 |
| 34 | Airfield Operations Specialists | $49,080 |
| 35 | Commercial Divers | $49,070 |
| 36 | First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand | $48,750 |
| 37 | Civil Engineering Technicians | $48,680 |
| 38 | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | $48,600 |
| 39 | Correctional Officers and Jailers | $48,560 |
| 40 | Traffic Technicians | $48,160 |
| 41 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $48,090 |
| 42 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $48,050 |
| 43 | Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | $48,020 |
| 44 | Environmental Engineering Technicians | $47,890 |
| 45 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $47,680 |
| 46 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $47,620 |
| 47 | Bridge and Lock Tenders | $47,310 |
| 48 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $47,260 |
| 49 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $47,040 |
| 50 | Glaziers | $46,830 |
In conclusion, blue collar jobs in Michigan continue to be a vital part of the state’s economy, offering lucrative opportunities without the burden of extensive educational requirements. As industries evolve, these roles remain essential, providing a pathway for individuals seeking stability and growth in their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a career switch, the options available in the blue collar sector are promising and worth exploring.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
