Dockworkers can make six-figure salaries without a college degree. So do these other blue-collar workers.

By Hannah Erin Lang

Some workers at the country's busiest ports make upward of $200,000. Here are similar jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.

Tens of thousands of dockworkers across the U.S. walked off the job earlier this week in a three-day strike that threatened to halt the flow of trade and snarl global supply chains.

Those unionized workers reached a tentative agreement with ports and shipping companies to end the strike Thursday, averting a potential crisis and reopening ports. Among the tentative terms? A hefty pay increase for workers.

The parties agreed to a tentative 62% increase in pay over six years. The International Longshoremen's Association, which represents the dockworkers, had originally demanded a 77% hike.

Read more: Dockworkers union agrees to suspend port strike until Jan. 15 after tentative deal

Dockworkers manned the country's ports through the pandemic and have contributed to massive profits at shipping companies, argued Harold Daggett, president of the ILA.

Among blue-collar workers, dockworkers are already some of the highest paid in the U.S. Longshoremen at major ports - whose jobs entail loading and unloading cargo off of massive container ships, and can include long shifts and irregular hours - can make upwards of six figures a year.

Read more: Dockworkers union agrees to suspend port strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate new contract

Of approximately 3,700 dockworkers in the Port of New York and New Jersey, one of the busiest ports in the country, nearly 2,800 earned more than $100,000 in the 2019-20 fiscal year. More than 1,000 workers made more than $200,000. That's according to a report from the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, the most recent data available from the now-dissolved commission.

The union was demanding a 77% wage increase over six years. Ports sweetened their wage-hike offer to 62% from 50%, though the deal has not yet been ratified, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

Though the number of unionized, highly paid roles in the blue-collar world is dwindling, there are a few other blue-collar jobs that pay six-figure salaries similar to those earned by some longshoremen without requiring a four-year degree. Here are three of those roles, according to the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Elevator mechanic

An expert understanding of how elevators and escalators work is highly valuable in today's job market. In fact, it's worth about $102,420 a year - the median pay for elevator and escalator installers and repairers, according to the Labor Department.

These workers install, repair and maintain elevators, escalators and similar machinery. They might need to work in high or cramped places as a result.

The job doesn't require a college degree, but workers typically complete a four-year apprenticeship that includes technical instruction and paid on-the-job training. Workers often need a state license and may also need to earn a certification.

There's growing demand for these mechanics: Employment is expected to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Power-plant operator

Power-plant operators, distributors and dispatchers are another set of blue-collar jobs with six-figure pay rates.

These workers operate machinery, control nuclear reactors and monitor equipment at the country's power plants. Most are employed by utility companies or the government. They earn a median salary of $100,890, the Labor Department says.

Some employers may prefer workers who have a college degree or more education, given the highly technical equipment in power facilities - but it's not a formal requirement, according to the OOH. Power-plant operators, distributors and dispatchers must undergo extensive and rigorous on-the-job training, and even industry veterans may need to pursue additional training as the electricity industry evolves.

Some roles require special certifications and regular exams. Many also mandate drug tests and extensive background checks.

Though the jobs are well compensated, there is a shrinking number of power-plant positions available: Employment of these operators, distributors and dispatchers is projected to decline 8% over the next decade.

Air-traffic controller

This role requires a bit of postsecondary schooling: You'll need at least an associate's degree to become an air-traffic controller, a role that entails monitoring and directing the movement of aircraft.

Those who are looking to become air-traffic controllers should complete a degree at an institution that offers an air-traffic collegiate training initiative program. These programs offer two- and four-year aviation degrees, and are considered crucial hiring pipelines for the profession, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"Because of the serious nature of this work and zero margin for error, the training regimen and proficiencies needed to become an air-traffic-control specialist are demanding," the agency says on its website.

Even once you're hired, you'll have to complete a year of on-the-job training. Air-traffic controllers also have to pass a physical exam each year, a job-performance exam twice a year and periodic drug screenings.

But the pay is good: The median salary for air-traffic controllers in 2023 was $137,380, according to the Labor Department. And you can count on good benefits, too: The vast majority of controllers work for the FAA and therefore are federal employees.

Employment of air-traffic controllers is projected to grow 3% over the next decade, on pace with the growth of all occupations across the economy.

-Hannah Erin Lang

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10-04-24 0932ET

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