5 Blue-Collar Careers Gen Z Is Turning To in 2026
With artificial intelligence (AI) wiping out many entry-level jobs, including those in white-collar industries that boast lucrative futures, the mood among new grads is tense, as reported by Fortune.
What’s a smart and eager Gen Zer to do? One sensible option: Embark on a blue-collar career. It used to be mostly true that white-collar jobs pay more than blue-collar jobs; but take a close look and you’ll see that blue-collar jobs can pay more. Additionally, some have more opportunity and job security than many white-collar jobs, per Edvisors.
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Each of the following jobs is highlighted by The Blue Collar Recruiter as among the fastest growing blue-collar careers in the U.S. We’ve rounded up some of the highest-paying jobs on the list, and plugged in average-salary specifics, job entry requirements and discussed what type of people are best suited for each career. Let’s look at five blue-collar careers Gen Z is wisely turning to in 2026.
1. Wind Turbine Technician
Average base salary: $66,423
Academic requirements: High school diploma or GED
The sort of person who thrives in this career: As a wind turbine technician, you mustn’t be afraid of heights and you must be able-bodied and fit, as you’ll be climbing towers to inspect, troubleshoot and repair turbine equipment. Being comfortable with computers (you’ll use one for diagnostic reports) is also essential. You’ll be working outside most of the day, so make sure you have a good sun hat, windbreaker and water bottle.
2. Industrial Mechanic
Average base salary: $69,665
Requirements: High school diploma or GED and technical or vocational training, plus (most likely) a hands-on apprenticeship
The sort of person who thrives in this career: If you want to be an industrial mechanic, you must be a savvy problem solver, great with your hands (grasping, assembling and disassembling equipment is a big part of the job) and a confident troubleshooter, per San Joaquin Valley College. This is a career that demands a strong analytic, solution-based thinker who has an impeccable eye for detail.
3. Diesel Mechanic
Average base salary: $72,233
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, a completed diesel training program and MSAT program, along with ASE certification
The sort of person who thrives in this career: As a diesel mechanic, diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing vehicles with diesel engines are your specialties and make up much of your workday. So you need to be willing to get your hands dirty. But there’s a strong customer-facing aspect to this work, so you should have solid communication skills and be something of a people person.
4. Electrician
Average base salary: $75,013
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, ideally with a technical school certification and/or an apprenticeship
The sort of person who thrives in this career: You may already know the gist: electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, gear and systems. It can be a dangerous job, so taking each and every precaution while working is nonnegotiable, per Buildforce. This is partly why being a paid apprentice for a few years is your best bet — you learn from the masters. In addition to being skilled dealing with all things electrical, you also need stellar color vision (no colorblind folks, sorry) and physical stamina.
5. Plumber
Average base salary: $88,604
Requirements: Varies by state; however, a high school diploma or GED is a must and you’ll likely need to complete an apprenticeship and get a contractor’s license in your state, according to the SkillCat.
The sort of person who thrives in this career: Becoming a plumber could be your most lucrative path in the blue-collar world. You’ll spend your working hours installing, inspecting and repairing pipes, parts and whole plumbing systems. According to the Philadelphia Technician Training Institute, this job can take its toll physically, as well as be high pressure, so you must not only be physically fit but cool as a cucumber in stressful situations.
Editor's note: Each career's base salary was sourced from Indeed.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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