Less Satisfied, Less Attached to Jobs Than Other U.S. Employees
A new Pew Research Center survey highlights a growing divide in how blue-collar workers experience their jobs compared to the rest of the American workforce. While discussions around wages, politics, and culture have kept blue-collar jobs in the national spotlight, this study offers a sobering look at how these workers perceive their day-to-day realities — and how that differs sharply from their white-collar counterparts.
According to the survey, which included over 5,200 employed adults — 1,004 of whom were identified as blue-collar based on industry and type of labor — blue-collar workers are consistently less satisfied with their work, less likely to view it as a career, and more likely to feel underappreciated in society.
Less Satisfaction, More Disconnection
Only 43% of blue-collar workers said they were extremely or very satisfied with their jobs, compared to 53% of other workers. Dissatisfaction grows among younger blue-collar employees, with just 32% of those under 50 expressing strong satisfaction, especially with their pay.
Pay is a central concern: Only one in four blue-collar workers say they’re satisfied with their wages, and 33% report being dissatisfied. Women in blue-collar roles feel the pinch most, with 40% expressing dissatisfaction compared to 30% of their male counterparts.
Pay Falling Behind and Stress Mounting
The reasons for dissatisfaction are largely economic. A vast majority — 82% — say their wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living, and 77% feel they’re underpaid for the work they do. More than six in ten say they don’t earn enough to cover basic expenses.
Interestingly, even among those with college degrees working in blue-collar jobs, 43% say they’re paid less than colleagues doing similar work, adding another layer of frustration for upwardly mobile workers.
“Just a Job to Get By”
A defining difference between blue-collar and other workers lies in how they view their roles. Over half of blue-collar respondents (54%) see their work as “just a job to get by” rather than a career, compared to just 27% of other workers. Only a third of blue-collar workers describe their jobs as careers, and just 12% see them as stepping stones to something more.
Women and younger blue-collar workers feel this even more acutely. Sixty-one percent of women and 65% of workers under 30 say their jobs are simply a means of survival — not a professional journey.
Rising Desire to Move On — But Few Optimistic About What’s Next
About 29% of blue-collar workers said they’re likely to look for a new job in the next six months — a higher rate than among other workers. Yet, fewer than a quarter believe it would be easy to find a job they’d like. Among those under 30, just 11% are optimistic about landing a better position.
Despite the interest in moving on, feelings of resignation persist. Many doubt that better opportunities are within reach — especially younger and female blue-collar workers.
Respect Is Hard to Come By
Only 31% of blue-collar workers believe most Americans respect the work they do, compared to 47% of other workers. More than a third say they feel disrespected by society, a sentiment more common among women (41%).
On the job, however, the story is slightly better. Most blue-collar workers feel respected by supervisors (78%) and co-workers (83%), though these figures still trail behind other workers. Customer interactions also show a gap, with 67% of blue-collar workers reporting respectful treatment compared to 74% of their peers.
Training vs. Traditional Education
Roughly a third of blue-collar workers say they need more education or training to get ahead, but few see formal schooling as the best path forward. Only 17% point to degrees or diplomas; most prefer hands-on experience (32%) or certificate programs (28%) as more practical solutions.
Women are more likely to pursue extra training with the goal of finding a new job, while men more often cite industry requirements. In the past year, 39% of blue-collar men and 36% of women have taken steps to boost their skills.
A Systemic Challenge
The findings paint a nuanced picture of an essential yet underserved segment of the workforce. While most blue-collar workers remain employed, many feel stuck, undervalued, and underpaid — and increasingly unsure of where to turn for improvement.
As policymakers, employers, and educators look toward the future of work, the report underscores the need to better support blue-collar Americans — not just with higher wages, but with meaningful career pathways, respect, and training tailored to their needs.
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