Average annual income: $55,830
A STORY BY Jacquelyn Smith that appeared in Forbes Magazine June 5 ranked boilermakers in the top 10 for high-paying blue-color jobs (at number 9), with average incomes of $55,830. The average income for the top 10 percent of Boilermakers was listed at $77,970.
Smith relied on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for her article. She does not separate out statistics for nonunion vs. union workers, although union craftsmen typically have better overall compensation, including pension, healthcare, annuity, and other benefits (in addition to better training and safety standards).
The fact that some blue-collar craftsmen are highly paid “may be surprising,” she said, “considering the gradual decline of union memberships over the years and the fragile state of America’s workforce.” She added, “Plenty of talented and skilled blue-collar workers earn six figures doing electrical work, repair jobs, and other labor-intensive [work].”
Smith’s complete list is shown below:
- Elevator Installers and Repairers ($74,140)
- Electrical and Electronic Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay ($67,380)
- Transportation Inspectors ($66,470)
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers ($62,280)
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers ($60,730)
- Surveyors ($59,180)
- Subway and Streetcar Operators ($58,220)
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas ($56,540)
- Boilermakers ($55,830)
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians ($55,690)
See original article at www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/06/05/10-high-paying-blue-colla....
