What Is Another Way to Say “Blue Collar”?

Looking for synonyms for blue collar? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say blue collar.

  • Manual labor
  • Working-class
  • Industrial
  • Skilled trade
  • Labor-intensive
  • Hands-on
  • Physical work
  • Craft-based
  • Trade-based
  • Mechanic
  • Operational
  • Manufacturing
  • Production
  • Wage-earning
  • Non-office based
  • Hard labor
  • Field work
  • Vocational
  • Blue-collar worker
  • Job-site oriented

Want to learn how to say blue collar professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Manual labor

Used to describe work involving physical effort.
Example: “The construction project requires a significant amount of manual labor.”

2. Working-class

Appropriate for describing individuals or groups typically performing physical labor.
Example: “The new policy aims to benefit the working-class community by improving job safety.”

3. Industrial

Used in contexts related to heavy manual labor in industrial settings.
Example: “Industrial workers at the plant are essential to the company’s production line.”

4. Skilled trade

Suitable for work that requires specific skills or training, often hands-on.
Example: “Skilled trade professionals like electricians are in high demand.”

5. Labor-intensive

Used for jobs or industries that require a large amount of physical work.
Example: “Farming is a labor-intensive industry, requiring long hours of physical work.”

6. Hands-on

Appropriate for work that requires direct physical involvement.
Example: “The training program focuses on hands-on experience in automotive repair.”

7. Physical work

Used to describe jobs involving bodily effort.
Example: “Physical work such as landscaping can be quite demanding.”

8. Craft-based

Ideal for work that involves making things by hand, often requiring specialized skills.
Example: “Craft-based professions like carpentry offer rewarding career paths.”

9. Trade-based

Used for professions that require specific trades or vocational skills.
Example: “Trade-based jobs, such as plumbing, are crucial for the construction industry.”

10. Mechanic

Appropriate for work related to repairing and maintaining machinery.
Example: “The mechanic team plays a vital role in keeping our fleet of vehicles operational.”

11. Operational

Used in contexts where the work involves executing practical tasks.
Example: “Operational staff are key to ensuring the smooth running of factory operations.”

12. Manufacturing

Suitable for work involved in producing goods from raw materials.
Example: “Manufacturing jobs are a cornerstone of the industrial sector.”

13. Production

Used for work related to the creation or assembly of products.
Example: “She works in production, overseeing the assembly line in the electronics company.”

14. Wage-earning

Appropriate for jobs where compensation is primarily based on hourly or weekly wages.
Example: “Wage-earning employees in the manufacturing sector are advocating for higher pay.”

15. Non-office based

Used for jobs that are performed outside of a traditional office setting.
Example: “Non-office based roles often require travel and on-site work.”

16. Hard labor

Suitable for physically demanding and strenuous work.
Example: “The road construction project involves hard labor under challenging conditions.”

17. Field work

Used for work conducted outside, often in agriculture, construction, or surveying.
Example: “Field work in agricultural research is both challenging and rewarding.”

18. Vocational

Appropriate for jobs that require specific vocational education or training.
Example: “Vocational programs in technical schools prepare students for blue-collar careers.”

19. Blue-collar worker

Used to describe an individual employed in manual labor or industrial work.
Example: “Blue-collar workers are the backbone of the manufacturing industry.”

20. Job-site oriented

Suitable for work that is focused on a specific physical location, like a construction site.
Example: “Job-site oriented tasks require workers to be adaptable and skilled in various trades.”

Linda Brown