16 Highest Paying Manual Labor Jobs

Published on March 7, 2017 at 12:24 am by Jay Martin in Lists

It’s time to get your hands dirty with the highest paying manual labor jobs. I always wanted to learn a skill, like a real skill–one that people can truly use. Writing is something everything thinks they can do. Although that is definitely not true, still it doesn’t feel as tangible as making a chair.

I remember when I was 12 I learned how to smith. We were sent to a working farm camp and taught different skills like how to orienteer in the woods, how to tap trees for maple syrup and how to take care of animals. We also got the chance to learn how to smith. I made a firepoker and it was awesome.

I am not certain if it was entirely legal or appropriate but those are questions for somebody else way more responsible than me at 12. We used all the safety equipment, though, and learned about the heat and light temperature of a flame. That fire poker still works by the way, in case you were doubting my blacksmithing abilities. Still, I long for other manual skills, so that I may actually enter a field where I could make money doing manual labor. If you also yearn for this type of life then check out our list below.

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In looking for the highest paying manual labor jobs, we looked for credible sources that would help us determine the manual labor jobs popular in the U.S. I would assume the more jobs of a certain type they are they easier they may be to get–and blacksmithing jobs aren’t exactly pouring in–so if you are looking for that fiery work it may be put on ice.

The information we used to arrive at the following results is from Forbes on the high-paying blue-collar jobs in America. We then ranked these jobs according to the wages found in the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since we are looking at the highest paying jobs, occupations with higher wages would definitely dominate the list. We used just one point in ranking these items, which is their average pay.

Would any of the 6 Easiest Jobs in Construction That Pay Well make it to the list? I wonder, as I stoke the fire with my beloved firepoker. Read on to know more about the highest paying manual labor jobs.

16. Insulation Workers

Average pay: $38,630

Insulation workers are the people you have to thank when you notice how it’s so hot outside, but you feel cooler when you step in the office. Their job is to install and replace insulation materials in buildings. Insulation is done to control the temperature in buildings. No formal education is required to be an insulation worker, although it dexterity and physical strength is needed to make sure you get the job done well.

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15. Glaziers

Average pay: $39,440

Glaziers are tasked with installing glass on windows and skylights. It is a challenging job that would require you to have a precise hand-eye coordination, since you will have to properly cut glass. A good sense of balance when standing on ladders and scaffolds is also crucial in this occupation. Four-year training is also usually required when applying for the job.

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14. Masonry Workers

Average pay: $39,640

Masons usually work together with carpenters in construction sites. They work with bricks, concrete blocks, and concrete to make buildings and houses. Their job usually has long hours and even overtime working days, especially when they are tasked with big projects requiring faster turnouts. In the U.S., most masonry workers have high school diploma, although they might be required of some apprenticeship.

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13. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Average pay: $39,690

These workers are among the people who should be very careful when doing their job because they are dealing mostly with toxic chemicals. They are responsible for the identification and disposal of asbestos, lead, and radioactive wastes. 40 hours of training, plus a high school diploma is usually required. There are also states requiring them to have licenses and permits.

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12. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers

Average pay: $40,470

Drywall and ceiling tile installers, the next on our list of highest paying manual labor jobs are responsible for hanging wall boards and installing ceilings to buildings. On the other hand, tapers are tasked with prepping the wallboards for painting and using tape as well as other materials. Both of them typically work indoors but the job is naturally tiring and physically demanding. A good sense of balance is a great skill to have when applying for the job.

11. Carpenters

Average pay: $42,090

Up next in our list of highest paying manual labor jobs are carpenters who, as we know, are responsible for the construction and repair of building structures. They do doorframes, stairways, partitions, and rafters. The job could be both indoors and outdoors, as they sometimes work on bridges highways as well. The job is quite strenuous, making carpenters affected with injuries and ailments more so than other manual laborers in America. Even so, most people still take the job since it pays well.

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10. Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

Average pay: $42,110

These people are responsible for taking control and setting up equipment used in metal parts production. The job needs utmost precision, excellent hand-eye coordination, and technical skills. It only requires a high school diploma and some training, which could make it an easy job to bag. While it is not a dangerous occupation, the workplace is mostly surrounded with hazards.

9. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Average pay: $45,110

Sometimes referred to as HVACR technicians, these people are usually the ones we call to fix our air conditioners and heaters. They also work on ventilations and other equipment that control the temperature inside homes and buildings. Some states only require apprenticeship and training before employing these workers, while stricter ones also ask for state licenses.

8. Sheet Metal Workers

Average pay: $45,750

We are continuing our list of highest paying manual labor jobs with sheet metal workers that are tasked to fabricate and install thin metal sheets to be used in heating and air conditioning systems. The job is physically straining, as it requires these workers to bend, squat, lift heavy materials, and stand for long periods of time. Apprenticeship is usually required, which would be well worth it since the occupation has fair wages.

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7. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Average pay: $50,620

These people are responsible for installing and repairing pipes which usually carry either liquids or gasses. They typically work in homes and businesses, and because emergency pipe problems exist, some working hours might even occur in irregular periods of time. Most states require licenses for their plumbers. Becoming a plumber or pipefitter would require you to go to a technical school.

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6. Electricians

Average pay: $51,880

Probably one of the most in-demand manual labor jobs anywhere in the world, electricians install and repair electrical lines, power, lighting, and even communication lines. They hold quite a big responsibility on what they do, and also have demanding hours especially in times of calamity. It could also be dangerous since they are working on electricity, although proper training and extensive experience could be enough to be a good electrician.

5. Telecommunication Equipment Installers and Repairers

Average pay: $54,570

Telecom technicians work in sites requiring new installation and also work with devices and equipment carrying communication signals. The modern world needs these people more than other workers probably because so much of us use the internet and phone more than ever before. Electronics and telecommunications training is crucial in having these jobs. The salary is so good, no wonder this occupation is among the highest paying manual labor jobs.

4. Railroad Workers

Average pay: $55,180

Up next in our list of highest paying manual labor jobs are railroad workers that include everyone working there like engineers and yardmasters. It could also include locomotive engineers who are in charge of brakes and signals. Several months of training is required for these jobs. Working hours might vary, and there might be overtime needed when problems arise. These workers can also work on support activities for the rail to ensure safe transportation for its passengers.

3. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Average pay: $58,390

These workers are responsible for checking and repairing aircraft and avionics on scheduled maintenance periods. They usually work long hours and may be responsible for inspections as required. Physical stamina is needed to get the job done well, as they are expected to bend, stoop, and reach through ladders. It is not an easy job, but when you get paid that much without having to have a degree, you know it’s already a great one.

2. Boilermakers

Average pay: $60,120

Boilermakers rank second in the list of highest paying manual labor jobs and are responsible for assembly and installation of boilers and even large vessels usually containing oil and gasses. It could be a dangerous job because these people usually have to stand on high places for long periods of time, and they work on hazards as well. They also repair boilers and closed vats and containers. Welding certificates and apprenticeship programs are usually preferred.

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1. Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

Average pay: $60,380

These people set up rotary drills to remove underground oil and gas. It is a physically strenuous job needing great stamina and endurance since it involves heavy manual labor. Gas exploration is also part of the job description. These people usually work in mining sites, as well as petroleum products manufacturing companies. The demand for the products they work on reflects the demand for this job, which is said to grow fast in the coming years.

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Manual labor jobs usually do not require high-level education. In fact, most of them including the ones that pay well just require high school diploma and apprenticeship certificates. These highest paying manual labor jobs show you how possible it is to have a great future despite not affording to go to college.