5 Blue-Collar Jobs That Pay at Least $75,000 a Year

3. Nuclear Technician

Average Salary: $97,040

Nuclear technicians are usually employed by nuclear power plants and have an important role in monitoring and operating nuclear reactors. Utilizing computers and specialized equipment, they support physicists and engineers in nuclear research and energy production. They typically hold an associate’s degree and undergo moderate-term on-the-job training. As of 2022, the median annual salary for nuclear technicians was $100,420, with an hourly rate of $48.28. Despite the essential nature of their work, the field is projected to see little to no change, with a -1% job outlook from 2022 to 2032, resulting in a decrease of 100 jobs.