These are the 10 highest paying jobs in the US

The term “blue collar” was first coined in the early 20th century when workers wore durable fabrics such as blue jeans or chambres. The dark color would help mask the dirt and grease that was part of their job.

These non-office workers engage in physically demanding tasks, work outdoors in inclement weather, operate heavy machinery, and rely on their hands and strength.

Their jobs are usually in the trades, such as electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, builders, landscapers, farmers, miners, and manufacturing, factory, construction, and maintenance workers.

While many workers make a nice living and aren’t buried in tuition, they are considered the “working class” and are compensated by the hour or assignment, unlike office workers who are paid salaries and bonuses. A large number of this cohort had to train, apprentice or go to school to learn their trades and are unionized to provide relative job security, good wages and benefits.

The top jobs tend to be skill occupations that require technical skills and training, but not necessarily a four-year degree, and have strong six-figure earning potential. Workers for these jobs are in high demand and have future growth opportunities.

Jobs, qualifications and salaries are ranked

Below is a ranking of the 10 highest paying jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. National Estimates of Occupational Employment and Wages. The May 2022 OEWS estimates were released on April 25, 2023 and are calculated using data from employers across the United States. Salaries for these jobs vary by location, experience and industry.

10. Metro and tram operators

• Working mode: Operation of subway or elevated commuter trains without a separate locomotive or electric tram to carry passengers
• Average annual salary: $75,880
• Annual salary range: $49,260-$89,180
• Qualifications: The minimum education requirement for a subway and streetcar operator is a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). Employers often require professionals to undergo specialized training during the onboarding process.

9. Transit and Railway Police

• Job Function: Protection and police of railway and transit property, employees or passengers
• Average annual salary: $76,380
• Annual salary range: $50,080-$114,310
• Qualifications: To become a transit and rail police officer, you need law enforcement officer qualifications, which vary by state and transit authority employer. Typically, you need a high school diploma or GED, completed police transit and rail training, and a passing grade on your state’s law enforcement exam. You can complete the training through a college or university program or on-the-job training with a transit authority company.

8. Fire Inspectors and Investigators

• Job Function: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local and state laws or investigate and gather evidence to determine the cause of fires and explosions
• Average annual salary: $76,910
• Annual salary range: $42,930-$125,610
• Qualifications: The minimum education requirement to work as a fire inspector is a high school diploma. Most fire inspectors have experience working as firefighters and have post-secondary degrees and certifications related to the job. To work as a fire inspector, you must meet your state’s training requirements. Typically, this training combines classroom and hands-on work, covering topics such as building safety codes, proper handling of hazardous materials, and fire alarm installation and inspection. You must be certified by the National Fire Protection Association and can complete additional training.

7. Signal and Track Switch Repairers

• Job Function: Installation, inspection, testing, maintenance or repair of electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, crossing lines or intercom systems on a railway system
• Average annual salary: $77,370
• Annual salary range: $50,020-$92,900
• Qualifications: Signal and track switch repairers typically enter the profession with an associate’s degree in electrical or electronic equipment installation and repair or a related field.

6. Gas plant operators

• Job Function: Distribute or process natural gas for utilities and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures in mains
• Average annual salary: $78,430
• Annual salary range: $46,190-$107,700
• Qualifications: Most gas plant operator jobs require a high school diploma or GED. Some positions require additional math and science courses. Employers usually provide training for entry-level positions. Senior positions require previous experience working with gas plant equipment.

5. Plant Chemists and System Administrators

• Job Function: Control or operation of entire chemical processes or machine system
• Average annual salary: $79,290
• Annual salary range: $45,930-$107,680
• Qualifications: Some employers may prefer a degree in chemical process technology or a degree in business administration to be a chemical plant and systems manager.

4. Electric line installers and repairers

• Job Function: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. can erect light or heavy duty masts and transmission towers
• Average annual salary: $82,770
• Annual salary range: $47,070-$114,590
• Qualifications: Most companies require electrical installers and repairers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Electric line installers and repairers must complete apprenticeships or other employer training programs. These programs, which can last up to three years, combine on-the-job training with technical training and are sometimes run jointly by the employer and the union representing the workers.

3. Oil Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators and Meters

• Job Function: Operation or control of oil refining or processing plants. may specialize in controlling multiple systems and pumping systems, measuring or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil in pipelines
• Average annual salary: $84,140
• Annual salary range: $52,920-$107,810
• Qualifications: The minimum requirement to begin your career as an oil pump system operator is a high school diploma followed by over one year of on-the-job training. However, more companies in the Gulf Coast region are working toward requiring individuals to obtain an associate degree in process technology.

2. Repairers of electrical and electronic equipment, generators, substations and relays

• Job Function: Inspect, test, repair or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations and relays in operation
• Average annual salary: $88,770
• Annual salary range: $55,170-$117,220
• Qualifications: To be hired as an electrical and electronics, power generation, substation and relay repairer, employers often prefer applicants who have taken electronics courses at a community college or technical school. Courses usually cover AC and DC electronics, electronic devices and microcontrollers. In addition to technical training, employees typically receive on-the-job training on specific types of equipment. This may include manufacturer-specific training for repairers who will perform warranty work.

1. Power plant operators

• Job Function: Controlling, operating, or maintaining machinery for generating electricity (includes auxiliary equipment operators, according to BLS)
• Average annual salary: $88,960
• Annual salary range: $52,000-$119,880
• Qualifications: For most power plant operator positions, a high school diploma or GED equivalent meets the education requirements. Most companies require prospective employees to take tests that assess their qualifications and abilities for the job. Some power plants require employees to pass the Power Plant Maintenance and Facility Operator exams provided by the Edison Electrical Institute. Power plant operators complete extensive training, which usually includes a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom learning.