Explosion of Opportunity in the Blue Collar Job Sector
Andrea Doven is a respected expert in the field of human resources, and she recently discussed the explosion of opportunity in the blue collar job sector. "Blue collar jobs are hiring at a much faster rate than other sectors," notes Doven, who has spent 25 years as a human resources manager.
According to experts, by 2017 an additional 2.5 million jobs will be added in the blue collar sector, account for nearly 40 percent of job growth. Not all of these jobs pay top dollar but $13 per hour is the minimum starting pay and many pay in the high five-figure range.
"Part of the misinformation that is out there about blue-collar jobs is that these are unskilled labor positions," notes Andrea Doven. That is simply not true. While none of these jobs requires a four-year college degree, all require some type of training and many require two years of college or technical education."
For 2015, the Hottest Blue Collar Jobs are:
Radiation Therapists The competition to get into radiology tech programs is stiff, and the payoff is well worth the effort. Radiation therapists have a median wage of more than $70,000 per year with only two years of school.
Dental hygienists Another great job that pays good money is dental hygienist. Like radiation technology, this job requires training at a technical school or community college. The median wage is more than $70,000 per year.
Elevator installers and repairers With on-the-job training, elevator repairers and installers can soon earn top dollar. This job field is quietly growing as construction of large buildings begins to recover.
Building services Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and carpenters are in high demand in some areas, but few people are stepping up to take these jobs, creating an inflated wage structure. On-the-job training can soon help workers earn a respectable salary.
Manufacturing Ironically, the movement offshore of many manufacturing jobs is reversing itself as companies discover hidden costs in doing business overseas. However, these new jobs require high levels of technical skill, so wages are commensurate with training, ability and experience.
Chemical and petroleum workers Workers in the chemical and petroleum industries enjoy some of the highest safety ratings in the nation, thanks to stringent safety requirements. Additionally, these jobs pay well and offer opportunities for advancement.
Firefighters Firefighters do take risks in rescuing others, but their salaries are commendable and their opportunities for on-the-job training and advancement is significant. Many firefighters move into medical blue collar jobs as well due to the high levels of training they receive.
Lab technicians Someone has to conduct all the medical tests that are ordered and read the results, and this job often falls to a lab technician. While a high degree of training is needed, much of it can occur on the job, and the pay is excellent even with only a high school diploma.
There are plenty of opportunities in the blue collar sector for anyone who wants to work hard and is willing to train to earn better pay.
