At a Glance: Fastest-Growing Blue-Collar Jobs in 2025
- What’s happening: Clean energy, broadband, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing are creating a surge in “quiet” technical trades.
- Who’s hiring: Utilities, solar and wind companies, chip manufacturers, municipalities, and automation-heavy warehouses and factories.
- Pay range: Most roles land between $45,000–$95,000, with top earners breaking into low six figures in some regions.
- Schooling needed: Short-term training, certificates, associate degrees, or paid apprenticeships — usually no bachelor’s degree required.
- Best for: People who like hands-on work with modern tech (energy systems, robotics, fiber, controls) and want strong demand plus long-term stability.
While electricians, welders, and HVAC technicians get most of the attention, some of the fastest-growing blue-collar careers in America are happening quietly in the background. These high-growth roles are tied to renewable energy, infrastructure upgrades, advanced manufacturing, and America’s aging water and communications systems.
Below are the 10 fastest-growing blue-collar jobs in 2025 that most people overlook — but employers are hiring for aggressively. Many require no bachelor’s degree, and several offer salaries matching (or beating) four-year degrees.
Quick Comparison: 10 Fastest-Growing “Quiet” Blue-Collar Jobs
| Job |
Projected 10-Year Growth |
Typical Pay Range |
Typical Training Time |
| Solar Photovoltaic Technician |
Extremely high |
$45,000–$72,000 |
3–12 months |
| Wind Turbine Service Technician |
Extremely high |
$55,000–$82,000 |
6–18 months |
| Industrial Automation Technician |
Very high |
$60,000–$95,000 |
1–2 years |
| Fiber Optic Installer & Line Technician |
Very high |
$45,000–$78,000 |
Weeks to months |
| Water & Wastewater Treatment Technician |
High |
$48,000–$75,000 |
~1 year |
| Building Automation & Energy Controls Technician |
High |
$55,000–$92,000 |
1–2 years |
| Electrical Lineworker Apprentice (Power Grid Technician) |
High |
$60,000–$105,000 |
Paid apprenticeship |
| Battery & Energy Storage Technician |
Rapidly emerging |
$52,000–$88,000 |
6–12 months |
| Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician |
High |
$55,000–$82,000 |
6–18 months |
| Traffic Signal & Intelligent Transportation Technician |
Strong |
$50,000–$80,000 |
6–12 months |
1. Solar Photovoltaic Technician
10-year projected growth: Extremely high
Why it’s booming: Record solar installations, federal incentives, and rapid residential adoption.
Typical pay: $45,000–$72,000
Training time: 3–12 months
Solar techs install and maintain solar panels on homes, businesses, and utility-scale solar farms. As electricity prices rise and the solar industry expands, demand for certified technicians is outpacing training programs.
2. Wind Turbine Service Technician
10-year projected growth: Extremely high
Why it’s booming: Wind energy expansion in the Midwest, Texas, and mountain states.
Typical pay: $55,000–$82,000
Training time: 6–18 months
“Wind techs” climb towers, perform inspections, repair blades, and keep turbines running. It’s one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying emerging trades — especially in rural regions.
3. Industrial Automation Technician
10-year projected growth: Very high
Why it’s booming: Robotics, automated warehouses, and reshored manufacturing.
Typical pay: $60,000–95,000
Training time: 1–2 years (certificate or associate degree)
These technicians maintain sensors, robotics, conveyors, control systems, and automated production lines. Almost every major factory and distribution center needs them — and the shortage is severe.
4. Fiber Optic Installer & Line Technician
10-year projected growth: Very high
Why it’s booming: Nationwide fiber upgrades, 5G rollout, and rural broadband expansion.
Typical pay: $45,000–$78,000
Training time: Weeks to months
Fiber techs install high-speed internet lines, splice fiber, and troubleshoot signal issues. Federal broadband funding has created one of the strongest hiring waves in modern blue-collar history.
5. Water & Wastewater Treatment Technician
10-year projected growth: High
Why it’s booming: Aging infrastructure and new federal water quality standards.
Typical pay: $48,000–$75,000
Training time: 1 year
These technicians operate treatment systems, maintain pumps, test water quality, and ensure public water safety. Every city in America is upgrading water systems — and retirements are accelerating shortages.
6. Building Automation & Energy Controls Technician
10-year projected growth: High
Why it’s booming: Smart buildings, energy efficiency mandates, and advanced HVAC controls.
Typical pay: $55,000–$92,000
Training time: 1–2 years
Commercial buildings now run on complex systems controlling lighting, HVAC, security, and energy consumption. Technicians who understand automation and digital controls are in high demand.
7. Electrical Lineworker Apprentice (Power Grid Technician)
10-year projected growth: High
Why it’s booming: Grid upgrades, storm damage, and massive retirement gaps.
Typical pay: $60,000–$105,000
Training time: Paid apprenticeship
Lineworkers install and repair power lines, transformers, poles, and electrical distribution equipment. Utility companies are reporting one of the largest workforce shortages in decades.
8. Battery & Energy Storage Technician
10-year projected growth: Rapidly emerging
Why it’s booming: Growth of EV charging stations and large battery storage installations.
Typical pay: $52,000–$88,000
Training time: 6–12 months
Battery storage is now critical to the electric grid and renewable energy projects. Technicians build, maintain, and troubleshoot large battery systems, inverters, and EV charging infrastructure.
9. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician
10-year projected growth: High
Why it’s booming: New chip plants in Arizona, Texas, New York, and Ohio.
Typical pay: $55,000–$82,000
Training time: 6–18 months
CHIPS Act funding has created thousands of new jobs in semiconductor fabrication. Technicians run clean room equipment, inspect wafers, and maintain precision manufacturing systems.
10. Traffic Signal & Intelligent Transportation Technician
10-year projected growth: Strong
Why it’s booming: Smart city upgrades, EV infrastructure, and federal transportation spending.
Typical pay: $50,000–$80,000
Training time: 6–12 months
These technicians maintain traffic systems, sensors, digital signage, and communication networks that keep modern transportation systems running safely and efficiently.
Why These Jobs Are Growing Faster Than Traditional Trades
Unlike historic trades such as welding or carpentry, these “silent growth” trades are expanding because of:
- Federal clean energy incentives
- Rural broadband expansion
- U.S. manufacturing reshoring
- Aging water and transportation systems
- Retirement waves in utilities and infrastructure
- Smart building and automation technologies
These jobs offer strong pay, good benefits, and in many cases, on-the-job training or paid apprenticeships.
How to Start Training for These Careers
Most of these careers require:
- Short-term technical training
- A certificate or associate degree
- Or a paid apprenticeship
The fastest-growing paths typically blend electrical, mechanical, and technology skills — making them ideal for anyone interested in hands-on work with modern equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these jobs really pay as much as some degree careers?
In many regions, yes. Mid-career pay for industrial automation, linework, or building controls techs can match or beat common bachelor’s degree paths like business, communications, or general liberal arts — especially once you factor in lower student debt.
Do I need a four-year degree for any of these careers?
Generally no. Most of these roles are built around certificates, associate degrees, or apprenticeships. Employers care more about technical skills, safety training, and certifications than about a bachelor’s diploma.
Which of these jobs is best if I want to move around or travel?
Wind turbine techs, lineworkers, fiber installers, and some industrial automation roles offer strong travel opportunities — especially on large infrastructure, energy, or construction projects.
Are these jobs physically demanding?
Many of them are. Climbing turbines, working on power lines, maintaining industrial equipment, or installing fiber all involve physical work and sometimes harsh weather. If you prefer less physical work, consider building controls or semiconductor technician roles.
How do I know which of these careers fits me best?
Think about whether you’re more drawn to energy (solar, wind, batteries, grid), infrastructure (water, traffic systems), or high-tech manufacturing (automation, semiconductors). Then search for local training programs and talk to current workers or instructors in that field.
If you’re planning a transition into the trades, explore step-by-step career guides, apprenticeship programs, and accredited trade schools in your state to see which path matches your interests, timeline, and earning goals.
Data Sources & Methodology
Growth and pay ranges in this guide are based on:
- Recent federal and state labor projections for skilled trades and technical roles
- Typical salary bands from national job postings and employer wage surveys
- Industry reports tied to clean energy, infrastructure, broadband, and manufacturing investment
Numbers are rounded for readability and are meant to show directional trends rather than precise local wage guarantees. Actual pay and hiring demand will vary by state, employer, and experience level.
