Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The term "blue-collar worker" describes a wage earner whose job involves manual labor, often requiring durable or protective clothing that can hide dirt and grime. These workers typically labor at job sites, in factories, or on assembly lines, rather than in office settings.12

The career path and earnings potential of blue-collar workers are significantly influenced by their level of education and any technical training they pursue. Completing high school and obtaining post-secondary vocational training or apprenticeships can lead to increased lifetime earnings.3

Historically, blue-collar workers were distinguished from "salaried" or "managerial" employees. However, increasing diversity in the workforce and the organization of work have made these categories less distinct. Many new jobs are emerging in the service sector, often requiring higher educational qualifications.34

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.