Women In Blue Collar Jobs: Emerging Trends + Data to Know

The days when the majority of women stayed home and tended to their family’s needs are long gone. As economic demands, social expectations, and family dynamics continue to change, more women are participating in the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of women participating in the labor force grew from 18 million in 1950 to 66 million in 2000, and is projected to reach 92 million by 2050.

Though certain career fields, such as blue-collar skilled trades, are still lacking female representation, with more training and encouragement, women can feel more comfortable venturing into these unconventional career paths. 

According to a recent Bloomberg report, certain skilled trade jobs, such as electricians and aircraft mechanics, actually pay more than white-collar jobs that require a bachelor’s degree. As long as you are equipped with the right skills, ambition, and the proper tools and equipment, you can also stand out in these blue-collar jobs as a woman. 

Despite the empowerment of women in the workforce nowadays, many blue-collar industries are lagging behind. While women still dominate in some roles such as health services and education, they account for less than 30% of factory jobs and less than 9% in construction (Washington Post). In fact, nationwide, women are 80% less likely to work a blue-collar job compared to men.

Though this difference is likely due to decades of assumed roles, it might also be due to the lack of attention and opportunities women receive in developing these trade skills. Though the women’s labor force participation rate has increased from 20% to 47% in the past century, few advances have been made in women’s access to blue-collar positions (DOL).

However, with organizations such as Professional Women in Construction and Women Who Weld that offer mentorship and networking opportunities for women, we can hopefully start to see a gradual change in women’s participation in blue-collar career fields. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in a blue-collar industry, here are some tips and advice that might encourage you to step outside your comfort zone.

Think Outside the Box

One of the biggest hurdles women face when starting a career in blue-collar fields is often self-doubt and insecurity. Since these jobs have been historically dominated by men, many women don’t consider these opportunities when planning their future or looking for work. Instead, they lean toward female-dominated fields such as health care, education, and the service industry.

However, it’s important to think outside the box and not let conventional beliefs limit your career potential and opportunities. If you’re interested in metalwork or machine repair, sign up for training classes. Though women might not be the majority in blue-collar fields, that doesn’t mean you lack the skills or capabilities to excel at these jobs.

Get Certified and Further Your Training

Many skilled trade jobs require some form of education, training, or certification. If you’re interested in becoming a highly skilled blue-collar worker, it is a good idea to start researching the certification process as well as further education opportunities.

While many positions offer on-the-job training, starting early with self-education will allow you to get ahead in the workplace and be more familiar with job duties on the first day. 

One of the best ways to increase your understanding of any career is to find a mentor to guide you. Choosing to learn from someone with years of experience can be far more enlightening than anything you would learn in courses or training. 

Especially as a woman in a male-dominated work environment, having a mentor who has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the industry will help you assimilate into the work environment more easily.

Practice Makes Perfect

Even after landing a job in blue-collar fields such as construction and maintenance, you should take opportunities to continue mastering your craft and practice your skills. Unfortunately, as a woman performing non-traditional job duties, many will expect you to be less adept than your male counterparts due to gender stereotypes.

Therefore, going the extra mile to constantly improve your capabilities will make the impression needed to establish yourself as an equally competent employee.

Always Have a Backup Plan

Having a backup plan is important no matter the career field you decide to pursue. The world is constantly changing, and as technology continues to advance and develop, certain blue-collar jobs in industries such as manufacturing might be eventually replaced by robots and AI technology. When this happens, it’s crucial to have an alternative career option to turn to in a related field.

The salary for blue-collar jobs can vary greatly depending on factors such as the availability of the job and the requirements involved to work in that specific field. However, with the recent labor shortage in the blue-collar industry, companies are offering higher salaries to attract more talent. For example, to stay competitive, Walmart recently raised the average pay for their truckers to almost $90,000 a year (CBS News).

With plenty of job vacancies in the skilled trade industry, this might be the perfect time for you to start sending applications. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities to work your way up to management and increase your earning potential. For example, industrial production managers can earn a mean annual income of $118,190. Here are some high-paying blue-collar jobs to give you some inspiration and motivation.

Power Plant Operator, Distributor, and Dispatcher

There are a lot of dangers involved in dealing with power plants, so careers in this field often pay higher due to risk. The primary duties of a power plant operator, distributor, or dispatcher are checking meters, gauges, charts, and monitoring voltage and flow. Sometimes these jobs involve additional work such as machinery maintenance and adjusting controls. 

After at least three years of experience in the field, you can begin the process of qualifying for the position of power plant manager, which can offer an annual income of over $103,988 a year on average. 

Median Salary: $89,090

Locomotive Engineer

As a train engineer, you’ll operate locomotives that carry passengers or items to their respective destinations. This job requires an in-depth understanding of train instruments and controls as well as the ability to communicate with others, since locomotive engineers rely heavily on railroad workers and other engineers for safe traveling.

In addition, with President Biden’s recent $80 billion plan to revive and upgrade American train service, even more related job opportunities will be created to support this project.

Median Salary: $71,875

Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installer

Radio and telecommunications equipment installers need to have strong knowledge of communication systems and radio equipment, as well as electrical functions. Another key skill to have in this field is the ability to solve problems quickly since connection issues can arise often in radio and telecommunications.

Median Salary: $61,470

Construction and Building Inspector

Building inspectors have an indispensable job. They make sure buildings are safe by inspecting multiple qualities and functions in order to find potential problems and prevent any kind of catastrophe from occurring. Without a doubt, inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring the structural soundness and safety of a building and construction project. 

Median Salary: $62,860

Electrical Powerline Installer and Repairer

Power outages can be a serious and even life-threatening issue to the public. Therefore, linemen and linewomen are vital to the safety and comfort of everyone. Their job duties usually include the installation, maintenance, and repair of high-powered electrical systems and lines. 

Due to the high-risk nature of this job, electrical power-line installers and repairers are usually compensated well.

Median Salary: $68,030

Structural Iron and Steelworker

Many careers and businesses rely on steelworkers to supply the materials needed for their work. Everything ranging from storage tanks and fences to the construction of buildings needs the expertise of a steelworker. While this job can be physically demanding, it offers good job security since it is a career projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than other occupations. 

Median Salary: $53,210

Whether you want to become a professional house painter or start your own construction business, don’t be afraid to take the leap and sign up for that certification or training program. 

As a woman venturing into a career path in a male-dominated field, it’s important to not let your gender limit or define you. Ready to start your blue-collar career? Visit Zoro to check out the proper safety equipment and tools to help you excel at your job. 

Sources: | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | CBS News | Industry Week | U.S. Department of Labor | The Washington Post | Bloomberg | Bizjournals | Zip Recruiter |

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