19 Profitable Blue-Collar Business Ideas

It’s time to unleash your high-paying blue-collar skills and get ready to make some serious money.

While online jobs can pay really well, we often forget about blue-collar skills that pay well and are in high demand.

I’m here to show love to the blue-collar workers who’d rather keep their hands busy and be outside than work a 9 to 5 in an office.

So, if you’re ready to put your skills to work and pave the way to financial success, stick around – here are the best blue-collar business ideas there are!

Quick Picks

Best Hands-On W/ Online Sales – Woodworking Business
Least Expensive To Start – Pressure Washing Services
Most Expensive To Start – Manufacturing Business

19 Profitable Blue-Collar Business Ideas

1. Carpet Cleaning Business

Carpets are everywhere, and guess what? The carpet-cleaning industry is booming!

Experts with Grand View Research say the market for cleaning products alone could hit almost $2 billion by 2025. That’s a lot of clean carpets!

The startup cost for a carpet cleaning business is around $10K, where you can buy or rent carpet cleaners and cleaning equipment you need.

To increase revenue, entrepreneurs can offer additional services such as upholstery cleaning, water damage restoration, and tile and grout cleaning.

A quick heads-up: business usually picks up big time during spring cleaning season. So, get ready to be super busy when the flowers start blooming!

2. Painting Business

If you’re good with a brush, there’s money to be made in ing!

Whether it’s sprucing up living room walls or giving the outside of a house a fresh look, people always need a good painter.

A painting business can cost as little as $2,000 to start, which is as low as some online business ideas.

But before you give out any quotes, ensure you know what you’ll spend on supplies like brushes, rollers, and paint. You don’t want any surprise costs that’ll eat into your profits!

3. Woodworking Business

Got a knack for crafting things out of wood? Starting woodworking is a great blue-collar business idea that could be your path to big bucks.

Imagine making custom furniture, kitchen cabinets, or snazzy home decor that people can’t wait to show off.

On average, it costs around $11k to start a woodworking business. If you have equipment already from this hobby, it saves your business money.

Your workshop doesn’t have to be fancy but needs to fit your projects if you’re doing large-scale pieces and need the right safety equipment.

Then you can open up shop online or in person- but I recommend starting a Shopify store to create your own site and land some sales!

4. Pest Control Business

A pest control business is always in demand. Everyone from homeowners to business owners is looking for ways to keep those pesky critters at bay.

You can offer all sorts of services, like prevention plans, thorough inspections, and extermination.

You’ll need to know your stuff, from the right chemicals to the best traps to set. And remember, you’ll want a few skilled techs to help you.

Sure, you’ll need to invest in specialized gear and chemicals, which can cost around $10,000 if you don’t want to spend a little more for a franchise business idea.

But the payoff can be huge when visiting each house can be $300 – $500!

5. Pressure Washing Business

Have a pressure washer? It could be your money-making machine and become a full-time business for you!

Many folks would rather pay someone to clean their outdoor spaces than do it themselves. And you can provide a nice clean driveway for them!

A pressure washing business can be a low-cost business idea, starting at $500 just for the cost of the washer itself and some cleaning supplies.

And here’s a pro tip: don’t stop at cleaning driveways and patios; add soft washing to your list, and add garbage can cleaning to your services.

Many people will jump at the chance to clean up the inside and outside and remove the smells and stains.

6. Waste Management Business

If you’re passionate about the environment and looking for a business opportunity, waste management is a blue-collar business idea you should seriously consider.

People are becoming increasingly eco-aware, and let’s be honest, the amount of trash we make isn’t going down.

Your waste business could handle everything from collecting garbage to treating and disposing of waste and recycling in eco-friendly ways.

Startup costs can vary, ranging from just a few thousand dollars to millions if you open a full-scale trash facility.

But you can also do small-scale like rubber recycling or trash collection, and grow your business as profits grow.

7. Plumbing Business

A plumbing business is a blue-collar business idea that’s always in demand. Trust me, it’s a service I always use, and I even keep my plumber’s name in my phone.

From fixing leaky faucets to installing new plumbing systems, your services are endless, and it’s a fairly recession-proof business.

The best part? Getting started doesn’t have to break the bank. The initial costs at $5K are usually lower than many other businesses, and the growth potential is through the roof.

Marketing your business to homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents to kick things off. They always need reliable plumbing services and may do monthly retainers.

8. Residential Cleaning Business

Dreaming of a business that won’t break the bank to start but will keep the cash flowing? A residential cleaning business is a blue-collar business idea that checks all those boxes.

Homeowners who are swamped with work and family life will be your ideal clients, making this an excellent business idea to pursue.

You’re looking at startup costs that could be as low as a few hundred dollars for cleaning supplies, a good vacuum, and reliable transportation.

The cherry on top? The schedule is as flexible as you want it to be. Perfect for juggling other life commitments, including another job or family time.

And let’s not forget the steady, recurring revenue. Once you’ve got a roster of regular clients, you’ve got multiple income streams.

9. Commercial Cleaning Business

If you want a profitable blue-collar business that deals with cleaning, you can’t forget about cleaning commercial spaces, too!

Unlike residential cleaning, you’ll target businesses, office buildings, and retail spaces. It’s a competitive field, but money can be made with more companies outsourcing their cleaning.

Startup costs aren’t bad for basic supplies, but liability insurance and a business license could bring your total startup costs to $2,000+.

The income potential? A small operation might bring in $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while a larger setup could easily hit a six-figure income.

10. Gutter Cleaning Business

If heights don’t scare you, gutter cleaning could be an interesting blue-collar business idea.

This is a service that homeowners need regularly to prevent water damage to their property, and many people don’t trust themselves to be up on a ladder for it.

The start-up costs for ladders and safety geat are manageable, at $1,000+ depending on the equipment you need and if you offer other services like window cleaning.

When pricing, research what is being charged for this service-based business.

Angi says, “Gutter cleaning costs sit around $163 for the average homeowner, but your total project cost will likely span anywhere from $119 to $228.”

11. Pet Waste Removal Business

A pet waste removal business is a golden opportunity for animal lovers who don’t want to clean up the mess in their yards daily.

This waste management business idea requires minimal startup costs- basic cleaning supplies and transportation.

Plus, you can extend your services to include cleaning litter boxes and indoor pet spaces, ensuring every corner is fresh and clean.

You can set your hourly rate at around $50, even if you do it part-time, for all these services you offer!

12. Construction Business

Starting a construction business can be smart if you have the skills. Thanks to all the building and renovation projects happening everywhere, it’s a booming industry with plenty of demand.

You’ll need skills like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and more to succeed. Safety and following building codes are crucial, too.

Now, when it comes to startup costs, they can vary quite a bit. Depending on your goals, it might take anywhere from a few thousand bucks to $50K+.

13. Landscaping Business

A landscaping business could be your calling if you’ve got a green thumb and a love for the great outdoors.

Start with simple services like shrub and tree trimming, and you can expand into full-service landscaping design and installation.

You’ll have a wide range of residential and commercial customers looking for your expertise.

While the upfront investment in tools and equipment can be around $5,000+ for equipment and transportation, the potential return on investment is impressive.

14. Lawn Care Business

When it comes to blue-collar business ideas, a lawn care business is a winner. It’s a low-cost business that gets you outdoors.

Starting this profitable business doesn’t have to cost that much. You can get it up and running for much less, typically under $1,000.

You’ll need a trusty lawnmower, some basic gardening tools, and a willingness to work in the sunshine to get started.

And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can expand into fertilization and pest control once you have profits to expand your services and earn more income.

15. Handyman Business

If you’ve got a knack for fixing things and enjoy tackling various home improvement tasks, offering high-demand handyperson services could be your ticket to success.

Many homeowners find themselves short on time or the right skills to tackle these tasks, so there’s a steady demand for your services.

You can offer appliance repairs, plumbing fixes, electrical work, carpentry, and more, and gain traction with clients by providing excellent customer service and delivering quality work.

The best part? The start-up costs are usually quite affordable, starting at $2,000+, making it easier to start your business.

16. Appliance Repair Business

Are you a pro at fixing things around the house, especially wayward appliances? Here’s a great idea for you – starting your own appliance repair business.

So, if you can work your magic on ovens, washing machines, and fridges, consider diving into the appliance repair business.

But think about what services you’ll offer and if you’re using your own equipment- it can cost $10,000+ to get a full-service operation up and running.

17. Pool Maintenance Business

Pools, oh, they’re a luxury that many folks enjoy, but keeping them sparkling clean? Well, that’s where people often fall short and let things get gross.

It only costs around $2K to start a pool cleaning business and has the potential to earn hundreds with every pool you visit and clean up.

You can offer services like cleaning, chemical treatments, and even repairs. Getting started might require a bit of an upfront investment in equipment.

18. Snow Removal Business

If you’re in an area that gets its fair share of heavy snowfall, here’s a great business idea: kickstart your snow removal business.

It’s an in-demand service, especially during those chilly winter months. You can set your pricing by the hour or per job, and your clients can range from homeowners to businesses.

All you need to start your own business is a trusty snowplow or snow blower, a reliable truck to haul your gear, and the time to get the work done.

That can cost around $3,000+ depending on what equipment you already have and what other service you’ll offer.

19. Junk Removal Business

Another low-cost blue-collar business idea is junk removal. Getting started can cost around $2K, but each project can earn $100 – $1,000 per load!

It’s all about helping folks declutter their spaces, whether their homes, offices, or outdoor areas, by whisking away all the stuff they no longer need.

Plus, you can do your bit for the environment by recycling or donating items that still have some life.

Now, that’s a smart move, and with some smart marketing strategies, you’ll have a booming junk removal business in no time!

20. Manufacturing Business

Starting a manufacturing business may require a more significant investment, but the payout is remarkable, and you will create more blue-collar jobs for your area.

A manufacturing business transforms raw materials into finished goods, like clothing manufacturing, construction materials such as bricks, and even food production.

With this business idea, you can produce a high volume of goods and market them to a broad demographic.

For example, I know someone who does print manufacturing for local artists so that they can sell their own stickers and posters with high-quality prints.

21. Knife Sharpening Business

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business, knife sharpening could be a profitable blue-collar business idea worth considering.

The best part? You won’t need a hefty initial investment, and rather than rent an expensive storefront, you can sharpen knives at the farmer’s market and local events.

Starting a knife sharpening business can be less than $1,000, which is very affordable comparatively.

This blue-collar business idea can be done part-time, allowing you to keep your day job while growing your venture at your own pace.

22. Auto Body Repair Business

Automotive repair is one of the most well-known blue-collar business ideas.

With more and more people owning cars, there will always be a demand for qualified mechanics in this lucrative industry.

You can start small with an auto body shop, focusing on fixing dents, scratches, and other cosmetic issues with cars.

Another option is diving into the small engine repair business, where you can work on engines like lawnmowers, chainsaws, or even small boats.

But because you’ll need training, licensing, and a storefront, it can be one of the most expensive blue-collar business ideas- often costing $50,000+ to get started.

23. Moving Business

You know what they say, moving is just a part of life and people often need a helping hand.

Starting a moving business is a great way to capitalize on this, and launching your business can be pretty straightforward and cost a few thousand if you start small.

You can rent a moving truck and grab some basic equipment, and you’re good to go. You can also offer extra services like cleaning, junk removal, or storage.

If you can offer reliable help at a fair price, you’ll quickly build a solid reputation, and word of mouth will start working its magic, bringing in more customers through referrals.

FAQs

What is blue-collar work?

Blue-collar work refers to labor-intensive jobs requiring physical skills and manual labor.

They’re typically performed in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance.

Examples of blue-collar jobs include plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and construction workers.

These jobs typically don’t require a college degree and can even be part of the gig economy.

Can profitable blue-collar businesses be side hustles?

Blue-collar businesses can be an excellent way to earn extra money through a side hustle.

Blue-collar business ideas like pressure washing, starting a parking lot cleaning business for retail stores, or even opening a mobile car wash can be lucrative.

And any of them can be part-time blue-collar business ideas if you want to keep your 9-5 job and earn extra money on the weekends.

What blue-collar industry is most profitable?

Determining the most profitable blue-collar industry can be tricky because it hinges on location, competition, and demand.

Snow removal businesses tend to rake in profits in winter, especially in areas with heavy snowfall, but it’s a seasonal business that needs to plan for no demand in warm months.

On the other hand, mobile car wash services can be a lucrative blue-collar business year-round since people always want their vehicles sparkling clean.

All-season blue-collar business ideas like electrical work, plumbing, and more are generally financially rewarding and in demand.

How much money can I make with a blue-collar business?

The earnings you can make with a blue-collar business depend on where you’re located, the type of work you do, how skilled you are, and how much demand there is for your services.

For example, ZipRecruiter says that Wyoming has the highest average salary for some blue-collar jobs.

To understand how much you can make in your area and your specific field, it’s a good idea to check out ZipRecruiter’s salary chart for blue-collar workers.

Can I do a bit of everything and take on odd jobs?

Doing some of everything and taking on odd jobs is a great way to build your skills and grow your business ideas as a blue-collar worker.

The most profitable blue-collar business can be one that offers a variety of services that you excel at!

However, you may want to choose specific blue-collar businesses to specialize in or take on larger projects in one area to minimize your time on advertising and marketing and keep low start-up costs.

Where can I find listings for odd jobs?

Try websites like Flexjobs, TaskRabbit, and Upwork to find listings for odd jobs. These sites list projects looking for freelancers and workers in hundreds of industries!

Final Thoughts

Making money working from home is great, but I get that not everyone wants to be glued to the computer for work.

Blue-collar businesses can be pretty profitable and enjoyable, especially if you’re into fixing or making things and want a job out of the office.

But here’s the deal – it’s super important to figure out what you want to do and make a solid plan before you jump in.

The cool thing is that these profitable business ideas can start small with low start-up costs and eventually become full-time gigs if you want.

So, if you’ve ever dreamt of being your own boss, starting a blue-collar business might be the right path to building a successful business!