Best blue-collar jobs on Airtasker

A guide to the most in-demand blue-collar jobs

Find blue-collar jobs now

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As Australia’s economy continues to thrive and grow, the demand for skilled workers in various trades is on the rise.

If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding career in a blue-collar field, now is an excellent time to consider your options. From construction and plumbing to electrical work and carpentry, there are many high-paying blue-collar roles to choose from.

In this list, we’ll highlight some of the most in-demand and lucrative blue-collar jobs, helping you find the right fit for your skills and interests.

First off, what are blue-collar jobs? 

Blue collar jobs refer to manual labour or trade occupations that involve hands-on, physical work using machinery or tools. These jobs often include working with one’s hands and may involve working outside or in an industrial setting. Examples of blue-collar jobs include factory workers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, drivers, and mechanics. These jobs may not require a college degree but may require specialised training or certification.

Best blue-collar jobs that pay well

To help you find the perfect job, let’s take a closer look at the best blue collar jobs.

1. Carpentry 

female carpenter working on roof section of wooden house skeleton

Carpentry is a hands-on trade that involves working with building materials to create and repair structures. 

So long as people need something built, carpentry will always be in demand. Moreover, on-the-job training or vocational programs can provide the necessary skills, making it an accessible option for those interested in construction even without a college education. 

If you enjoy building and working with your hands, carpentry may be a good fit for you!

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2. Painting

painting blue-collar job, man painting chair with brush roller

Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to different surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. This job can either be for functional or aesthetic purposes. If you have experience painting with different tools and in various spaces, consider using your skills to pursue a career in painting.

Browse painting job opportunities


3. Flooring 

blue-collar worker joining vinyl floor covering

This type of work involves placing various types of flooring in commercial and residential buildings. Floorings may include carpeting, tiling, hardwood, and linoleum. If you’re skilled at floor installations, repairs, maintenance, or upgrades, you can start earning money from flooring jobs.

Find flooring jobs

4. Roofing

roofer worker installing roof tiles

Roofers inspect, repair, replace, maintain, or install the roofs of residential homes and buildings. These workers use various materials, including shingles, bitumen, cement, clay, and metal. Some roofers may specialise in one or the other, and some specialise in residential or industrial roofing.

Browse roofing jobs near you

5. Clothing alteration 

clothing alteration, seamstress using sewing machine and cutting thread while hemming jeans, closeup hands

Women are often underrepresented in blue-collar jobs, making up only 2% of the trades workforce.

Clothing alteration is a good option for women who want a flexible or part-time job and may have other responsibilities, like child care. As this job involves sitting at a sewing machine or a desk, it is also less physically demanding than other jobs. 

But regardless of gender, clothing alteration is an excellent choice for anyone interested in fashion or sewing and prefers a flexible or part-time job.

Check out alteration jobs near you

6. Removal services

two young delivery men unloading furniture from moving van

Removalists manage all kinds of services related to moving, such as packing, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. A mover typically doesn’t need formal education, but they need some training, strength, and stamina to lift heavy items to and from places. 

Learn how to become a removalist

7. Bricklayer

close-up of bricklayer using spirit level to check new red brick wall

A bricklayer constructs walls and maintains homes and buildings using different materials. This is a physically demanding job, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy or can handle manual labour. Besides being physically fit, you must also have a natural knack for craftsmanship. 

If these qualities describe you, you may enjoy a career as a bricklayer. 

Find bricklaying jobs near you

8. Tradesman

tradesperson, woman stonemason carving pillar out of stone in her workshop

Tradespeople are what people often refer to as blue-collar workers or skilled workers. They specialise in a specific type of work that requires plenty of training, which makes them masters of that trade. These jobs include stonemasonry, waterproofers, and roof tilers.

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9. General labour

general labour, janitor in gloves and uniform vacuum cleaning white carpet with professional equipment

You can do general labour if you are a jack of all trades or not sure what specific service you should offer. This will allow you to provide a broad range of services. You don’t need to be highly skilled at everything, but you will need a general knowledge of how things work and what tools are best for the job.

Also read: What is general labour? 

10. Home maintenance

plumber repairing chrome siphon under sink

Home maintenance jobs include repairing plumbing systems, equipment, and tools and testing various appliances. It could also involve routine inspections, cleaning, and safety checks throughout a residential building.

Find home maintenance jobs

Find blue-collar jobs on Airtasker. 

If you have not found your skills on this list, don’t worry! Your skills may be specialised, making you well-suited for specific tasks or projects, or they may be broad enough to allow you to tackle a wide range of tasks.

No matter what your skill set looks like, there are bound to be plenty of blue-collar job opportunities that are a good fit for you. Airtasker is a great resource for finding flexible, short-term work in the blue-collar industry. Sign up as a Tasker now and start earning money with your skills!

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FAQs on blue-collar jobs

Boilermaker is one of the highest-paying blue-collar jobs in Australia, with an average salary of $108,947. Other high-paying blue-collar jobs in Australia include construction or site manager, plumber, electrician, tiler, air conditioning technician, and carpenter. Salaries can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, and the specific employer.

Blue-collar jobs are typically manual labour or trade jobs that involve working with one’s hands. These jobs involve the production, maintenance, or repair of goods. Moreover, these jobs often do not require a college education and can be learned through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

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