Labor Department Predicts Strong Employment Growth For Blue-Collar Jobs

By Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten, Web Editor, Manufacturing.net
Manufacturing.Net - January 15, 2007

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting strong growth and competitive wages for blue-collar jobs through 2014.

According to a CareerBuilder.com article, there will be positive industry growth for many blue-collar positions.

Based on data from the BLS, construction and extraction jobs are expected to grow 12 percent by 2014. Installation, maintenance and repair jobs have a predicted jobs growth of 11.4 percent and transportation and material moving will increase employment by 11.1 percent.

The “Top Ten” blue-collar jobs though 2014
1. Construction and Building Inspectors (employment growth of 18-26 percent)
2. Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
3. Elevator Installer and Repairers (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
4. Subway and Streetcar Operators (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
5. Iron and metal Workers (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
6. Electricians (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
7. Brickmasons, Blockmasons and Stonemasons (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
8. Plumbers Pipelayers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters (employment growth of 9-17 percent)
9. Heating, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration Mechanics and installers (employment growth of 18-23 percent)
10. Carpenters (employment growth of 9-17 percent)