For people who may want to earn a living by getting their hands dirty, blue collar businesses can put good food on your table. Unlike past decades where blue collar businesses were neglected because of its poor pay, the narratives have changed because it is paying handsomely now because of its high demand in the labor market.
Some blue collar businesses require you to get technical skills while some may require manual labor. Nevertheless, the blue collar business is highly lucrative. All you need to do is to be creative and show expertise in your area of specialization.
Blue Collar Business Meaning
Blue collar business is any business that requires manual labor or/and technical skill to get work done, it involves any work that is built or maintained physically. It may require skilled or unskilled labor. Blue collar job is the direct opposite of white collar job.
There are numerous blue collar jobs that people engage in like waste management, warehousing, painting, roofing, gutter cleaning, manufacturing, electrical maintenance, plumbing just to mention but a few.
Most Successful Blue Collar Businesses
As we noted in the introduction, there are several successful blue collar business(es) that pays handsomely, they include:
1. Cleaning Of Gutter
If getting your hands dirty is not a big deal for you, then gutter cleaning is a blue collar business that can put food on your table. To become a gutter cleaner, there is not much skill required.
Since there is an increasing demand for gutter cleaners due to their indispensable role in keeping drainage systems clean, it has become a lucrative business because it is highly sought after by city developers.
The importance of gutter cleaners cannot be overemphasized because when gutters are clogged or blocked, it could lead to flooding in riverine areas, leaks, water damage etc. Hence, the gutter cleaning business is very profitable. According to Ziprecruiter, the annual income of a gutter cleaner in the United States ranges from $31k – $47k.
To become a gutter cleaner, the following tools are required:
- Gutter scoop.
- Gutter brush.
- Garden hose.
- Sturdy ladder.
- Protective gloves.
2. Waste Management
If you’re not allergic to waste, you can start turning waste into wealth. Waste management is one of the most lucrative blue collar businesses, because human activities that lead to waste generation increase on a daily basis hence there’s a continuous surge in the demand of waste recyclers.
One good thing about waste management is that it is broad and less competitive. So, you can choose the field that suits you most and start earning a living from it. You may choose to start rubber/plastic recycling, medical waste disposal, scrap business etc.
Waste management is a lucrative business both now and in the future because there is increasing clamor for sustainable development which can only be achieved by recycling or disposing harmful waste. Since population growth is directly proportional to waste production, waste management business will continue to be lucrative.
3. Car Washing Business
Cleaning and maintaining cars’ interior & exterior is also one of the blue-collar businesses to consider, since there is an increase in the number of cars which has directly increased the demand for car washers.
If you can clean and maintain cars to make them look more attractive, then you can give a try to car washing and detailing. It is lucrative and requires little start-up capital. You can decide to have a permanent place for your car washing service or better still, you can offer mobile car detailing and washing services.
To start a car washing business, you may need these equipment;
- High-pressure washers
- Buckets.
- Water hoses.
- Water filtration systems.
- Wheel and tire brushes.
- Vacuum cleaners.
- Foam cannon.
- Car wash brushes.
4. Plumbing Business
Another blue collar business that is worth considering is plumbing. If you’re skillful or knowledgeable enough in installing, maintaining or repairing plumbing systems, then you can cash out from plumbing.
Although before you can become a successful plumber, you need to get some skills about it. Fortunately, you can get the full skills on plumbing from youtube channels or any other means that is comfortable for you. It doesn’t take much time to learn.
Plumbing business is really lucrative since their services are needed in different areas like buildings, offices, homes etc.
Starting up a plumbing business is not cost effective since some of the plumbing equipment is a bit costly to purchase. But once you have these equipment, you can sign contracts with building companies and upgrade with time.
Some plumbing equipment that a plumber will need include:
- Pipe and tube benders.
- Tubing Cutter.
- Mole grips.
- Hacksaw.
- Hole saw kit
- Thread sealing tape.
- Pliers.
5. Offering Gardening Service
If you derive joy in relating with nature, gardening service would be an option to consider. It is one of the most cost effective blue collar businesses to consider, because it requires little start-up capital.
Gardening service is vast, you can choose maintenance of gardens, lawns and other outdoor gardening services. As a beginner, you can start with hand trimming before you can scale it up to machine trimming and other advanced equipment.
6. House Painting
Painting a house is another blue collar business option in our list. Painting is a lucrative business with minimal skills and manual labor. Painters are highly sought after because their services are needed by homeowners, different businesses etc. Their services are needed for building exterior and interior designs.
To become a successful painter, you need to know how to mix different paint finishes to give a befitting color, not only that, you should also know how to apply properly.
To become a painter, the following tools are necessary;
- Painters Tape.
- Roller Frame.
- Extension Pole.
- Paint Tray.
- Canvas Drop Cloths etc.
7. Electrical Maintenance And Repair
If you’re an electrician, you can consider starting electric repair and maintenance service. To start this kind of blue-collar business, you need to get the electrical skills because it is suicidal to start offering electrical service without having the needed skills.
Electrical repair service is lucrative and less competitive since it is a bit risky, hence mastering the skill and starting up the business can put food on your table. Before you start this business, ensure that you understand the electrical systems and techniques involved.
To start electrical repair and maintenance services, you’ll need the following tools:
- Pliers.
- Circuit testers.
- Tape measure.
- Fish tape.
- Screwdriver.
- Utility knife.
- Wire strippers.
- Multimeters etc.
8. Photography
If you’re good at creating beautiful or attractive scenes, then you can fit into the photography business and become a photographer. Photography is a rewarding business if you can capture and create alluring images.
There are numerous services that you can offer as a photographer, because, most times clients would like to preserve their remarkable moments or promote their businesses via pictorial representation. Hence, as a photographer, you can decide to offer event photography, product photography or portrait photography, and make your money.
To start a photography business, the following equipment are necessary:
- Lenses.
- Camera.
- Lighting equipment.
- Memory cards.
- Camera bag.
- Photoshop etc.
9. Pool Maintenance Service
Most swimming pool owners always need the people that can clean and maintain their swimming pool. If you can maintain a swimming pool to have a befitting outlook, then pool maintenance can pay you handsomely.
Pool maintenance comes with a lot of tasks like testing and balancing the water, filtering & circulating the water, cleaning the pool etc. There are not many skills required to offer pool maintenance service since your task will be to check the filter, pool’s pump,heater and other tools to ensure that they’re functioning properly.
10. Air Conditioning And Heating Services
Since most modern buildings highly depend on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems for convenience and energy efficiency. Hence the demand for HVAC service keeps surging on a daily basis. So, if you can repair, install and maintain an HVAC system, then you can offer air conditioning and heating service to people that need it.
To be able to offer this HVAC service professionally, you need to get the needed skills and the certification to enable you to operate with ease while cashing out.
