A Complete Guide to Manual Labor Jobs in 2024
Manual labor occupations need you to manage your workload by leveraging your physical prowess.
Historically, this kind of work was considered entry-level, although it has grown more difficult over time.
Often referred to as “blue-collar employment,” manual laborers frequently experience strong demand.
The era of minimum pay for manual labor is long gone. Instead, many manual laborers are now earning more money because of their highly in-demand specialized talents.
Since academic credentials have become more popular over the past 30 years, several trades (such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work) may now command high prices because there aren’t as many competent candidates available.
Do Manual Workers Have Skill or No Skill?
Manual laborers come in a wide variety and are frequently divided into skilled and unskilled categories.
Typical examples of unskilled manual work positions include farmhand, cleaner, and garbage collector.
Most often, no formal schooling is required for these positions.
In contrast, skilled manual laborers typically need to obtain extra certifications to do the required duties.
For instance, because they do not sit at a desk all day, mechanics, plasterers, plumbers, and electricians are all considered manual workers. They do, however, require substantial training to function well.
There are also manual professions that require some training and experience but no official credentials that are considered semi-skilled.
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Here is a small illustration of how manual jobs might vary:
- Low-skilled Manual Work
- Semiskilled Manual Work
- Expert Manual Work
- Farmhand
- security officer
- Electrician
- window washer
- Carer
- Plasterer
- Cleaner
- hotel doorman
- Plumber
- Refuse gatherer
- Janitor/caretaker Mechanic
- operational general
- Typewriter Butcher
What Competencies Are Required for Jobs in Manual Labor?
A job that involves physical labor is referred to as manual labor. Manual labor requires you to be very hands-on and sometimes literally get your hands dirty.
With such a wide variety of industries, there is no one skill set or way to get a job. After all, a security guard will require different talents than a janitor, who will require different skills than a plumber.
But even if we might assume that many jobs don’t require formal education, it’s obvious that the way we work is changing as the world changes.
The skills needed to do some of these occupations evolve along with technology.
Consider a mechanic as an illustration
Twenty years ago, being a mechanic involved a lot of manual labor and necessitated knowledge of various engines and auto components.
Many previously manual automotive parts have been replaced by electronic ones in modern times. To learn how to service newer brands and models of automobiles as well as emerging electric vehicles, many mechanics nowadays must upgrade their skills.
Many businesses are now spending money on physical laborers.
Large companies (like USPS) are aware of the crucial function that manual laborers can play inside an organization. To guarantee that these employees have the appropriate abilities at every stage of their careers, many brands have designated career development tracks.
Additionally, apprenticeships have gained popularity.
It’s pretty easy to find employment through an apprenticeship if you are aware that you want to work in a manual job capacity.
Here, you can combine hands-on experience with academic study to hone your talents and receive a certification in the field.
What Perks Come with Working a Manual Labor Job?
Because each day is unique, many people enjoy working in physical labor.
Numerous industries and opportunities exist. For instance, an electrician might work internally for a major company, managing several outlets. They could operate as independent contractors or for a company that offers home or business services.
Your physical health may benefit from regular physical activity. People who move about a lot less frequently are less prone to experience problems like a poor back.
Additionally, manual laborers claim to have less stress and greater work-life balance.
They are also much more likely to get a better night’s sleep than their colleagues in white-collar jobs since they are physically busy and do not need to take their tension home with them.
What Drawbacks Are There to Working Manual Labor Jobs?
There is no getting around the fact that manual labor tasks require significant physical effort.
After a certain age, you can find that you are physically incapable of working and must take early retirement.
Additionally, there is worry about wage stagnation. There is a good risk you could hit your performance ceiling early in your career because manual labor jobs don’t offer the same features of career advancement as white-collar job responsibilities.
This could make you feel unmotivated or unwilling to push yourself constantly.
Top 15 Career Paths for Skilled Manual Labor
These 15 manual occupations for skilled workers may be of interest to you.
We’ve given a quick rundown of the typical wage range and job-type criteria.
First responder
Skilled/unskilled: Skilled
Average annual salary: $47,944
Important tasks: Communities are protected by firefighters by extinguishing flames. They engage in community education initiatives as well, which helps stop fires before they even start.
Firefighter responsibilities come in a wide variety, including that of a paramedic, engineer, forest fireman, air force firefighter, and wildland firefighter.
This is a vocation with a wide range of options for career advancement.
The minimum educational qualification is a high school diploma. You might need to pass a physical examination and extra tests to join the fire department.
Some firemen decide to become emergency medical technicians or pursue a degree in fire science.
Many people who may have left the military frequently choose this as their profession.
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Skilled or unqualified plumber
Skilled
Average hourly wage: $24.81
Plumbing professionals are in charge of installing and maintaining pipelines. These could transport gas or water.
Plumbers can work with large corporations and independent contractors and are frequently significantly involved in construction work (ensuring that housing complexes have access to water).
Plumbing contractors frequently work on residential projects such as installing bathrooms, toilets, washing machines, and septic tanks.
Education requirements: You can earn a plumbing degree from one of many trade schools or through an apprenticeship.
It’s possible that to practice, your local state will need that you hold a certain license.
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A laborer or construction worker
skilled versus unskilled
Average hourly wage: $16.07
Essential responsibilities: This person performs building-related duties on a construction site.
Scaffolding assembly and disassembly, bricklaying, material unloading, and clearing waste from the path are a few such tasks.
Additionally, you’ll need to follow very tight safety guidelines.
It’s a physically demanding job that involves a lot of manual effort.
You must have a high school diploma or the GED equivalent to qualify for this position. You might be able to find two- to four-year apprenticeship options to aid in your skill development.
If you have done high school courses in algebra, welding, or woodworking, you might profit.
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The construction manager
Skilled/unskilled: Skilled
Average hourly wage: $23.12
Important tasks: On a construction site, this is a management or supervisory position. Construction foremen will be in charge of overseeing projects and making sure that everything is completed on schedule and within budget.
They will be required to oversee teams, manage resources, collaborate directly with other partners including clients and architects, as well as perform manual building duties.
Additionally, they will work closely with local councils to make sure that work complies with regulations and that planning clearances are given.
prerequisites for education: Most have a high school diploma to start. Although some construction foremen may possess project management certifications or degrees in construction management, for those who have ascended their career ladder, it is frequently a logical next step.
