Blue-collar business ideas are businesses that can help you turn your business skilled labour into a business. If this sounds like what you want, then you’d be happy to know that we’ve got 10 profitable blue-collar business ideas listed here.
You just have to read through it to find the one that best suits your interests.
Introduction To Blue Collar Business Ideas
A blue-collar business is a business that involves providing local service.
As a blue-collar worker, you perform manual labour using your skills and experience in exchange for money.
Now, if you’ve been working in the blue-collar industry for a while now and you’re looking to turn your years of experience into a business, then this is for you.
Even if you haven’t been in the blue-collar industry for long and you’re looking to start your own business, you’d still find something that suits you here.
But first, let’s discuss the benefits of businesses in this industry.
Benefits Of Blue Collar Businesses
It Is Flexible
The blue-collar business gives you the freedom to work according to your schedule.
You can choose to work at any time you want.
Also, you can use your skills to work in other places, unlike white-collar workers that can’t work in different fields.
It Is Very Profitable
Most blue-collar businesses bring in a good income.
You could earn a good income if you have experience in different fields in need of the service of a blue-collar worker.
Not So Competitive
Furthermore, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to have an edge over your competitors.
Also, you don’t need a detailed marketing strategy for a blue-collar business.
Word of mouth can help grow your business.
Ultimately, Thumbtack or NextDoor are apps that help connect you with people that need your service.
No Barriers To Entry
Finally, the blue-collar business is easy to start.
You don’t need a formal degree before starting the business; it could help in some situations, however.
Also, you don’t need to break the bank before you start the business.
Your experience, skills, and tools can help you get started.
Also, if you don’t have the skills, you can sign up for an apprenticeship program to acquire these skills.
These are the benefits you get from being a blue-collar worker.
You will also enjoy it more if you are a business owner.
Future Relevance Of Blue Collar Business
Research carried out by askwonder.com shows that blue-collar industries are 8 out of the top 10 highest-earning industries.
That is to say, entrepreneurs who have gone on this path to provide solutions to problems are likely to become successful in this business.
Due to the profits incurred in the business, more people are becoming interested in manual or hard work businesses to reap their share of the profit.
Likewise, the services provided by this business are also in demand.
The U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics shows that the industry is open to employing more workers.
Therefore, the industry is positively impacting the country’s economy by creating employment opportunities.
This shows that the industry is very profitable.
Also, it has a promising future.
Judging by this research evidence, venturing into a blue-collar business is a good way to earn income.
With that said, let’s move to the main deal of the article – blue-collar business ideas.
10 Blue Collar Business Ideas
1. Start A Construction Business
Construction business is a popular blue-collar business idea with promising returns.
As the name implies, the business involves erecting structures like houses, commercial buildings, schools, churches, mosques, and so on.
Although this business is very profitable, it has its challenges.
Here are some tips to help you overcome these challenges.
- Prepare a well-crafted business plan.
- Decide the type of construction business you want to settle with. It could be buildings (residential or commercial), infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges, etc), or industrial (refineries, mills, chemical plants, etc).
- Understand the local landscape in your area by talking to people in the industry, local municipal officials, and the chamber of commerce.
- Research your niche in the industry to determine your capital investment.
- Research and understand your customers.
- Register your business and purchase the tools and equipment it needs.
- Also, look for a good location suitable for the business in case of meetings.
- Hire labour workers because you can’t construct a building alone.
Above all, you should build a good reputation for completing projects within the deadlines.
This way, clients won’t be hesitant to refer you to other people.
Now, this word-of-mouth marketing can go a long way in helping you grow your customer base.
2. Start A Plumbing Business
Starting a plumbing business is one of the best blue-collar business ideas.
According to research, you can earn between $15 to $45 per hour, depending on the scope of work and the clients you work for.
The demand for the service of this business is growing almost every day.
Therefore, if you have the skills and well experienced, you should consider this idea.
To begin with, you need to prove that you are a certified plumber.
You don’t need any formal degree to get this; a vocational training program can help you become a certified plumber.
Meanwhile, you should have a knowledge of math, science, and technology, which can be obtained from the program.
While you take a vocational course, also consider an apprenticeship program.
Furthermore, decide the type of plumbing service you want to render.
You can work as a residential plumber, do sewer line inspections, or work with commercial clients.
You should also get the equipment and tools that will be used to carry out the business service.
Also, register your business and obtain licenses and permits.
You might need to set up an office for people looking for physical meetings before hiring your services.
Word of mouth can also help grow your business.
Therefore, you should provide great service to your customers if you want them to refer you to other people.
3. Start A Waste Management Business – Blue Collar Business Ideas
According to research, waste management in the United States of America is worth $45 billion annually.
Furthermore, the business is expected to continue growing as there is an increase in population.
The waste management business involves the removal of waste products from a location and taken to a dumping ground.
This is a simple blue-collar business that does not require any special skills.
If you are interested in this business, you should;
Firstly, understand the industry.
You should research the market to help you understand how you can run the business.
This will help you decide the niche you can concentrate on.
Also, the research will help you determine the best place to dispose of the waste.
You should register your business, obtain licenses or permits and get business insurance.
In addition, purchase tools and equipment that will be used for the business, including vehicles.
You will need to hire staff as you won’t be able to handle every aspect of this business all by yourself.
4. Become An Electrician
An electrician is a skilled professional that troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains electrical systems.
If you’re interested in starting this business, you will need to decide the type of service you want to offer.
There are two major types of electricians, they are;
Outdoor electricians (Linemen)
This type of electrician works on electrical transmission systems.
Also, their operations are on higher voltage wires that transmit electricity from the substation to customers.
Indoor electricians (Wiremen)
An indoor electrician installs, maintains, and repairs wires inside a building.
Electricians in this field work mostly with residential and commercial owners.
Meanwhile, there are other types of electricians, which include;
- Industrial electricians
- Auto electricians
- Wind turbine electricians
- Telecommunication line repair or installation
- Installing smart solutions, and so on.
As usual, you’ll need to come up with a business plan and register your business.
This type of business has lots of competition, so creating having unique selling point (USP) will help your business.
Licenses and permits will also increase your credibility, so make sure to get the right ones required for this business.
5. Start An Auto Repair Business
An auto repair business is another blue-collar business idea worth considering.
Auto repair is a business that involves repairing, servicing, and refurbing a motor vehicle to a better state.
If you possess the skills and experience needed for this business, you are on your way to starting this business.
If not, you can sign up for an apprenticeship program to equip yourself with the necessary skill and knowledge.
Before diving into the auto repair industry, there are certain steps you should follow.
Firstly, you should research to familiarize yourself with the market and understand the competitive nature of the industry.
You’ll also need to;
- research to get the best location that is suitable for an auto repair shop.
- register your business and obtain the licenses needed for the business.
- create a business plan that outlines what your business will be about.
- purchase the equipment and tools that will be used to carry out the service of the business.
Remember, quality service will help you establish trust and credibility and grow your customer base.
6. Start A Painting Business – Blue Collar Business Ideas
You should consider this idea if you have great artistic and design skills.
Also, if you enjoy painting, this could be the right business for you.
According to research, the industry’s worth is around $43 billion.
This means the service of painters is in great demand.
To begin with, you should learn how to paint if you don’t know.
You can do this by signing up for an apprenticeship training program on house painting.
Another important thing to do is deciding the type of painting services you want to offer.
There are different types of painting services, they include;
- Interior painting
- Exterior painting
- Repaints
- Drywall repairs
- Construction painting
- Metal door painting, and so on.
Then, you’ll also need to buy your work equipment and tools.
With these basics established, you’re ready to start looking for jobs and delivering your best services.
7. Start A Pest Control Business- Blue-Collar Business Ideas
Pest control is a business that eliminates, exterminates, and protects houses and businesses from pests like mice, rats, roaches, termites, and so on.
If you’re interested in this business but don’t have the experience, you always learn the skills.
Aside from the skills, you’ll also need a good business plan and licenses or permits.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want to work with residential or commercial clients.
8. Start A Lawn Care Business
Starting a lawn care business is also one of the blue-collar business ideas you can start from the comfort of your home.
If you possess skills in landscaping and are good at the garden, you should consider this idea.
This business basically involves maintaining other people’s lawns.
As a lawn care service provider, your services will basically include weeding, mulching, installing, planting native lawns, etc.
The tools and equipment you’ll need for this job include;
- Mower
- Edger
- Leaf blower
- Mowing goggles
- String trimmer
- Saftey ear muffs, and so on.
9. Start A Car Wash And Car Detailing Business – Blue Collar Business Ideas
Car wash and detailing are also one the blue-collar business ideas.
Car wash and detailing is a business that involves cleaning and bringing back a dirty or old vehicle to a new form through thorough cleaning.
Furthermore, the demand for this business is on the increasing side.
This is because not everyone has the patience or time to clean their vehicles thoroughly, making them require the service of a car wash business.
So, if you have this skill, you can set this business up in a good location, preferably in town.
Even if you lack the skills, you can always learn.
10. Start A Snow Cleaning Service
If you want a seasonal blue-collar business, you should consider this idea.
Since this is a seasonal business, you can do this while you run other businesses.
The demand for the service of this business is in the winter season.
This is because it gets difficult to move around with vehicles in the season.
So, you can set yourself up as a snow cleaning services agency.
It could either be a one-person business or a business with 2-10 employees, depending on your financial capacity and your preferences.
Now, here are some additional blue-collar business ideas you might want to consider.
- Parking lot cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
- Security service
- Boat Repairing
- Graffiti removal
- Handyman
- Home remodeler
- Roofing business
- Chimney cleaning
- Laundry service, and so on.
Conclusion On Blue Collar Business Ideas
Here you have it.
A comprehensive list of viable Blue-collar business ideas.
Feel free to choose the blue-collar business idea that interest you.
And when you do, make sure to give it your best effort to see your entrepreneurial dreams come through!
Best wishes!
