Workers doing manual labor often wore blue uniforms, while those in offices donned white dress shirts. In contrast to a white-collar job, blue-collar workers usually can’t work remotely. The differences between the terms blue- and white-collar have much more to say about how they’re perceived. This includes how we view various industries, the extent to which individuals are educated, their appearances, and social classes.

For instance, plumbers, electricians, labor forces, and mechanics are generally paid hourly. On the other hand, people working in the manufacturing industry, especially in factories, https://personal-accounting.org/depreciated-cost-definition-calculation-formula/ are paid based on the number of units they manufacture per day. It is common for white-collar jobs to offer an annual salary based on a consistent 40-hour workweek.

UAW points to disparity between CEO and worker pay as a reason for wage hike demand

And as Kathi Meyers, a Director in Buck Consultants’ Compensation Practice, points out, most of these small wage increases represent “a rebound to what we saw pre-recession,” not a dramatic shift. Also included is a job position in each industry and the current salary or hourly rate for that job. Social Worker (MSW) or BricklayerWhich career earns more – the one that helps build a healthier society or the one that helps build buildings?

• A blue-collar job is a type of job that typically involves manual labor or skilled trades.
• Different worker descriptions based on a horizontal organizational structure may be more useful for the 21st century.
• The Industrial Revolution ushered in the era of the blue-collar worker when individuals began moving from rural areas in search of work.
• The average annual salary for power plant operators in the US is $81,990.

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FAQ About Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Jobs

Individuals who work in blue-collar industries are often paid on an hourly basis, such as mechanics. Some workers are paid by the number of pieces they complete in a day, which is typical for those who work in factory settings. Workers are often divided into categories using different classifications. Two of the most popular types are blue-collar and white-collar workers.

Also, many white-collar workers receive a pension or medical aid benefits from their employers. There is often certain job security that goes along with a white-collar job. College Professor or Prison GuardThe average job salaries for mid-career prison guards range around $60,880, 3 percent higher than the typical salary of $58,876 for a mid-career college professor.

Who are Blue Collar Workers?

In addition, the term does have a little symbolism with what they wear. People working in a proper office setting usually wear a suit and tie with a white-collared shirt underneath. White-collar workers’ skills are considered highly advanced and may include things like computer and software skills. Those in higher positions may also need to have people management skills. So, even though the work setting differs, the organization doesn’t necessarily. The office setting was seen as being a superior work setting as it reflects a focus on mental attention and is safer for the worker.

Blue-collar workers may only require certain skills that can be obtained either on the job or by going to trade school. Some of the most common blue-collar jobs include welders, mechanics, electricians, and construction workers. Power plant operators, power distributors, and nuclear blue-collar vs white-collar salary power plant operators fall into the latter category. A blue-collar job is a type of job that typically involves manual labor or skilled trades. Examples of blue-collar jobs include construction workers, factory workers, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and truck drivers.

What is a “Blue Collar” Worker?

The term was adopted because of the darker-colored clothing these workers wore. Some fields that fall into this category include construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and mining. Blue-collar were once perceived to be less educated, low-skilled, and of a lower social class but that perception is changing. Because of the nature of their jobs, white-collar workers historically had a higher level of education than their blue-collar counterparts. Most white-collar jobs require at least a college degree, and many involve more advanced degrees or special certifications. The education gap between blue-collar and white-collar workers is slowly diminishing, as more people opt to get a college degree, regardless of the work they plan to do.