I guess you’ve come here because you want to know how much do blue-collar workers make in Texas, Texas is a large, diverse state with a thriving economy, and knowing how much people in blue-collar jobs earn can help us understand the labour landscape. So let’s get started!
First and foremost, what exactly do we mean by “blue-collar workers”? This term typically refers to people who work in manual labour or skilled trades, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance. These workers play critical roles in keeping our economy running smoothly and bringing to life everything from the roads we drive on, the homes we live in, and the products we use every day.
Texas is well-known for its oil and gas industry, but our workforce is far more diverse than that. Blue-collar workers can be found in agriculture, healthcare (think of all those truck drivers hauling supplies), electrical and plumbing services, and, yes, even tech-related fields that require hands-on skills. With a state this large, the figures blue-collar workers make in Texas can vary greatly depending on location, industry, experience, and a few other factors.
In Dallas, Texas , the average hourly wage for a blue-collar worker in 2024 is $24.69, blue-collar workers make in Texas within the range of $13.76 to $34.87.
However, what blue-collar workers make in Texas can differ greatly, and there may be opportunities for increased pay based on experience, skill level, and location.
According to tradesafe.com, lift installers and repairers are the highest-paid blue-collar workers, earning an average annual salary of $91,310. This job entails installing and maintaining lifts, escalators, and other similar devices. What blue-collar workers make in Texas depending on their job and industry.
Here is a summary of the salary ranges:
General Salary Range: What blue-collar workers make in Texas as annual salary typically ranges from $32,469 to $36,751, with an average of around $37,862, or about $18 per hour.
Wage Variations by Job Level: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hourly wages for blue-collar workers in Texas can vary greatly depending on job level and union status. For example, nonunion construction and extraction workers in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area earn an average hourly wage of $23.76, whereas union workers earn approximately $31.53 per hour.
These figures demonstrate that, what blue-collar workers make in Texas is competitively, specific pay can vary greatly depending on job type, experience, and union affiliation.
Factors Affecting Blue-Collar Wages in Texas
Specific Trade: Skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC frequently pay higher wages than general labour positions.
Location: Wages are generally higher in cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Austin than in rural areas.
Experience: Workers with more experience and certifications tend to earn higher salaries.
Overtime: Many blue-collar jobs provide overtime opportunities, which can have a significant impact on annual income.
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits can boost total compensation.
High-paying blue-collar jobs in Texas
So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of how much blue-collar workers make in Texas.
Remember, this is a general overview, and there will always be exceptions, especially since Texas has both major metropolitan areas and rural regions.
Construction Workers: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn average annual salary of $40,000 – $50,000, whereas higher-paying jobs, such as electricians and plumbers, frequently earn $50,000 – $60,000 or more, depending on experience and specialisation. For example, electricians can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000+ per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of the work they do.
Manufacturing Workers: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn an average annual salary of $35,000 – $45,000, while more specialised roles, such as CNC machine operators or welders, can earn $45,000 – $60,000 or higher. Wages in the manufacturing sector can vary greatly. General labourers may start around $30,000 per year, whereas skilled positions, such as machinists, can earn $45,000 to $70,000 or more annually.
Truck Drivers: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn an average annual salary of $45,000 to $60,000, whereas long-haul drivers, particularly those with specialised skills (e.g., hazardous materials), can earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more.
Oil and Gas Industry Workers: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn an average of $60,000 to $80,000 per year, with some roles, such as oil rig workers or engineers, earning significantly more.
Warehouse Workers: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn an average annual salary of $30,000 – $40,000, while forklift operators or logistics coordinators may earn more, ranging from $45,000 to $55,000.
Mechanics and Automotive Technicians: Blue-collar workers make in Texas earn an average annual salary of $40,000 – $55,000, while specialised automotive technicians (such as diesel mechanics) can earn $55,000 – $70,000.
Transportation & Logistics: Truck drivers, who are an important part of the Texas economy due to our vast expanses, earn a wide range of wages. A long-haul truck driver blue-collar workers make in Texas between $40,000 and $65,000, depending on mileage and experience. Furthermore, as the demand for drivers grows, there is the possibility of earning more money through overtime.
Maintenance Workers: Maintenance workers in various fields typically earn between $30,000 and $55,000. Specialised skills, such as HVAC repair or advanced electrical knowledge, can result in substantial pay increases.
Welders and Skilled Trades: In Texas, skilled trades pay exceptionally well, particularly welders, who are in high demand due to the oil and gas industry. Depending on their specialisation and experience, Welders and skilles trades blue-collar workers make in Texas between $40,000 and over $80,000 per year.
These figures are rough estimates of what bllue-collar workers make in Texas, that may change depending on economic conditions, demand, and industry trends.
Other high-paying blue-collar jobs in Texas include:
- Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers
- Powerhouse, substation, and relay repairer
- Locomotive Engineer
- Electrical line installer and repairer.
- Gas plant operator
- Boilermaker
- Radio and telecommunications equipment installer
Key Influencing Factors:
Location: Urban areas such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin typically have higher wages than rural areas of Texas.
Cost of Living and Its Impact: While these figures provide insight into what blue-collar workers can expect to earn, it’s worth noting that Texas has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states. This means that, while a $50,000 salary, may sound appealing, it can feel very different in cities like Austin or Dallas, where living expenses may be higher. However, it all depends on perspective—many Texans find that their wages allow them to live comfortably, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas.
The Booming Demand: It’s worth noting that the demand for blue-collar workers in Texas is currently increasing. There are numerous opportunities available as the state’s infrastructure projects, oil and gas exploration, and expanding manufacturing industries continue to grow. The demand for renewable energy and technology skills is also creating new jobs that require hands-on experience.
Experience & Certifications: Experienced workers with certifications often command higher pay.
The Future: Skills and Training: As industries change, so will the skills required by blue-collar workers. Vocational training and apprenticeships are becoming more popular as entry points into these high-demand fields. For many people, attending a trade school or community college can result in certifications that significantly increase their earning potential.
Furthermore, many employers are willing to invest in their workforce through training programs, which can be extremely beneficial not only to employees but also to the economy as a whole. Our industries will become more competitive as the number of skilled workers increases.
Conclusion:
So, how much do blue-collar workers earn in Texas? The answer varies, but there is a lot of opportunity out there—especially for those who are willing to learn new skills and be adaptable. Because of Texas’ diverse economy, hard-working individuals can find rewarding jobs with competitive pay.
I hope you find this blog post on how much do blue-collar workers make in Texas useful.
If you or someone you know is thinking about a blue-collar job, now might be the best time to start. With Texas’s economy driving it and many people looking forward to a fulfilling lifestyle, the sky is the limit.
Until next time, keep working hard and remember that blue-collar workers are the foundation of our communities, and their contributions are invaluable.
Don’t forget to sign up on the Tealpot platform as a blue-collar worker or client. It’s incredibly simple! Simply click the “Get Started” button at the top of the Tealpot site main menu, enter your information, and you’ll be all set. We cannot wait to welcome you to Tealpot.
Learn more about the author
Written by Isa Akharume
SEO Specialist for Tealpot
A digital marketing expert with seven years of experience in digital marketing,
proficient in content marketing, social media management, SEO, SEM, and
data-driven strategies, capable of transforming emerging brands into industry
leaders.
