From blue to white, pink to green, professions have been characterized by the color that best represents them. For instance, green collar-workers are those who work in the environmental sectors of the economy.
In this blog, let’s focus on blue-collar workers and get to know the skills required for some of the best and high-paying blue-collar jobs in India.
What are Blue-Collar Jobs?
Blue-collar refers to a type of employment wherein the workers usually wear blue shirts as the color can easily hide grease, dirt, as well as stains. Also classified as ‘working-class’ people, blue-collar workers use their physical attributes as they mostly do manual work. They do not necessarily need to have a college degree and are usually paid on an hourly basis.
Common blue-collar jobs include mining, manufacturing, installation of machinery, construction, repair, and maintenance, among others. Unlike white-collar workers, they do not work in office-settings. Rather, they work at construction sites, on the road, production sites, etc.
Top 10 Highest paying Blue-Collar Jobs in India:
1. Customer Care Executive
The population of India in 2019 was approx.136.64 crores, which makes India the second-most populous country in the world. As a result, the unemployment rate in India is over the roof. But thanks to call centers, if you have good communication skills, you can find employment with handsome pay as a Customer Care Executive.
Skills required:
- Excellent communication skills.
- Attention to details.
- Knowledge of the company’s inner workings, products, and services.
- Empathy.
- Patience.
- Positive attitude.
- Active listening skills.
Average base salary for a Customer Care Executive is ₹250,000 LPA.
2. Cab Driver
For those who enjoy driving and feeling the wind on your face while listening to music, this job is perfect for you. If you have a driving license and your vehicle, you can start your business. You could also join ride-sharing services like Ola or Uber.
Skills required:
- Safe driving.
- Communication skills.
- Time management.
- Positive attitude
- Customer service.
Average base salary: ₹250,000 LPA.
3. Babysitter and Caretaker
If you have a knack for helping people, you could either become a babysitter or a caretaker. It is a very rewarding profession as you will spend your time taking care of those in need.
Skills required:
- Safety skills.
- First aid skills.
- Behavior management strategies.
- Patience.
- Understanding.
- Cooking and food preparation.
- Cleaning skills.
- Problem-solving.
- Communication and relationship building.
- Time management.
- Positive attitude.
Average base salary of a babysitter: ₹104 per hour
Average base salary of a caretaker: ₹150,000 LPA.
4. Delivery person
Many companies, big or small, need people to deliver their products to the clients. There can never be too many delivery people as the demand keeps on increasing. From full-time to part-time to freelancing, you have many options to choose from based on your availability. As long as you have a driving license, a smartphone, and a bike (for some companies only), your career as a delivery person is set and stone.
Skills required
- Time management.
- Safe driving.
- Communication skills.
- Patience.
- Positive attitude (as you can get bad reviews).
- Customer service.
Average base salary: ₹230,000 LPA.
5. Field Sales Executive
If you are not a fan of sitting in an office for an entire day, becoming a field sales executive just might be your answer. You will get to meet your customers face-to-face rather than talking to them over the phone and convince them to buy your products. The pay is good and it gets better with experience.
Skills required:
- Competitive attitude.
- Negotiation skills.
- Communication skills.
- Sharp sales chops.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Positive attitude.
- Patience.
- Knowledge of the product.
- Good time-management skills.
- Critical thinker and problem-solving skills.
Average base salary: ₹240,000 LPA.
6. Cook
If you are a foodie who loves to cook and try new recipes, this is the perfect line of work for you. And hey, with experience you might be able to enter one of the many cooking shows.
Skills required
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Cooking skills (of course!)
Average base salary: ₹240,000
7. Tailors
Times have changed and so has the job description of a tailor. Most tailors are now designers but without the qualification. They have to design, cut, and sew their masterpiece. So, if you enjoy designing and creating beautiful outfits, this is the profession for you. The pay has also increased over time.
Skills required
- The ability to use a sewing machine.
- Time management skills.
- Sewing skills.
- Detail-oriented.
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Customer service skills.
- Communication skills.
Average base salary: ₹300,000 LPA.
8. Shop Floor Manager
If you love hanging out at the mall or other shopping centers, why not make a living out of it. With many malls and big shops multiplying every year, the need for a shop floor manager is also increasing.
Skills required
- Good people skills.
- Communication skills.
- Multitasking skills.
- Product knowledge.
- Leadership skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Average base salary: ₹260,000 LPA.
9. Electrician
Electricians are needed every day, everywhere. You could start your own business, be a freelance electrician or join gig marketplace apps such as Urban Company (formerly known as UrbanClap).
Skills required:
- Standard technical electrician skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Physically fit.
- Flexibility.
- Basic math’s skills.
- Customer service skills.
Average base salary: ₹245,000 LPA.
10. Firefighter
If you are looking for an adventurous and thrilling profession while still helping the community, becoming a firefighter is your calling. The job comes with good pay and benefits.
Skills required
- Communication skills.
- Courage.
- Physical stamina and strength.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Quick reactions and the ability to stay calm in difficult circumstances.
- Understanding and sensitivity.
Average base salary: ₹350,000 LPA.
Disclaimer: Please note that the average base salaries are based on information taken from Pay Scale.