65 Best Blue Collar Side Hustles
Looking for the best blue collar side hustles?
If you want to earn some extra money but aren’t interested in taking it online, fear not… there are still PLENTY of options. These side hustles are great if your ideal work scenario involves working with your hands, not your keyboard.
From gardening to cleaning pools, there are a ton of great ideas for blue collar side hustles. Which are you interested in trying out?
ALL of the income amounts listed are estimates, there is no guarantee that you will make any specific amount of money doing any of the listed side hustles. While all of them have the potential to earn money, we simply can’t estimate how much YOU could make.
Best Blue Collar Side Hustles
1. Landscaping Services
If you want a great outdoor opportunity, providing landscaping services can help that.
This side hustle involves designing, creating, and maintaining outdoor spaces. It requires physical labor, such as planting, mowing, trimming, and soil management, often with the use of specialized equipment.
To get started, you need basic gardening tools, knowledge of local plants, and possibly a vehicle to transport materials. Building a portfolio and offering services locally through word-of-mouth or social media can kickstart your venture.
2. Residential Cleaning Services
For those that want to take the work indoors, consider starting a residential cleaning service. This involves cleaning homes, requiring physical effort and attention to detail.
I like this idea because it requires minimal upfront costs—basic cleaning supplies and transportation. Success hinges on reliability and the quality of cleaning. You can market your services through local classifieds or online platforms.
3. Commercial Cleaning Services
Similar to residential cleaning but on a larger scale, this commercial cleaning focuses on businesses and public spaces. It involves heavier tasks like cleaning floors, bathrooms, and large windows.
Essential tools include industrial cleaning equipment. Gaining contracts often requires more aggressive marketing and networking, and you’ll probably need a bit of a team to keep up with the work.
While you don’t NEED any special certifications in cleaning standards, they can enhance credibility and client trust.
4. Handyman Services
Handyman services cover a broad range of home repair tasks, from fixing leaky faucets to assembling furniture. This work is hands-on and varies greatly, so no two days will be the same.
To get started, you probably only need a set of tools and a broad skill set in home maintenance. Local advertising and online service platforms can help find customers, but word-of-mouth is going to get you further on.
More Blue Collar Side Hustles
5. Plumbing Repair Services
Specializing in fixing pipes, faucets, and water systems, a plumbing side hustle demands technical knowledge and physical labor. You are going to need experience and education to really pull this one off, but it can be worth it.
6. Electrical Repair Services
This involves installing and repairing wiring, fixtures, and electrical equipment, requiring technical skills and safety knowledge. Certification and licensing will also be necessary – this is not something you want to take on if you don’t know how to.
7. HVAC Maintenance and Repair
HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, performing tasks that require both technical knowledge and physical labor. Starting this side hustle typically requires certification from a recognized body, alongside tools specific to HVAC systems.
8. Carpentry and Woodworking
This craft involves constructing and repairing building frameworks and structures—work that is hands-on and skill-intensive. Beginners can start with simple projects like furniture and gradually take on more complex tasks.
9. Painting and Decorating
This service includes interior and exterior painting and decorative finishes, requiring physical dexterity and attention to detail. It is categorized as blue-collar due to the manual labor involved. To start, you’ll want quality brushes, rollers, ladders, and drop cloths.
10. Flooring Installation
Flooring installers handle the laying of various floor materials like tile, wood, or carpet. This task demands physical labor and precision, defining it as a blue-collar job. Beginners should start with an understanding of different flooring materials and basic tools.
11. Roofing Repairs
Roofing involves repairing or replacing roof materials, which is physically demanding and requires working at heights. It’s a blue-collar role due to the labor-intensive nature of the work. Starting in roofing requires safety equipment, basic roofing tools, and knowledge of roofing materials.
12. Concrete and Masonry Work
This side hustle involves constructing structures from concrete, bricks, and stone, requiring physical strength and skill to shape, lay, and finish materials. To begin, one needs masonry tools and a basic understanding of construction techniques.
13. Fencing Installation and Repair
This involves building new fences and repairing existing ones, requiring physical labor and technical skill. Starting this business needs basic carpentry tools and knowledge of materials like wood, metal, or vinyl.
14. Pool Cleaning and Maintenance
Pool technicians ensure swimming pools are clean and systems are functioning properly. It’s clearly blue-collar due to its labor-intensive nature. Starting requires knowledge of pool chemistry and basic cleaning equipment.
15. Appliance Repair Services
This service focuses on fixing household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washers. It involves technical skills and physical work, classifying it as blue-collar. Certification from trade schools can be beneficial. Begin with basic tools and offer services to local neighborhoods to build a client base.
16. Furniture Restoration
Restoring old or damaged furniture involves physical labor and craftsmanship, making it a blue-collar job. Beginners need woodworking skills, restoration tools, and a space to work. Start by offering services for small items like chairs or tables and use social media to showcase transformations.
17. Car Detailing Services
This includes deep cleaning and reconditioning the interior and exterior of cars. It’s labor-intensive and detailed, fitting the blue-collar category. You’ll need cleaning supplies, vacuums, and polishers. Offering mobile detailing services can set you apart and attract busy professionals.
18. Bicycle Repair and Maintenance
Maintaining and repairing bicycles involves mechanical work and troubleshooting, which are both hands-on tasks. Basic mechanical skills and a set of tools are necessary to start, along with a space for operations.
19. Window and Gutter Cleaning
This service includes cleaning windows and clearing gutters, requiring physical labor and often working at heights. It’s a classic blue-collar job due to its manual and somewhat risky nature. Basic cleaning tools and safety equipment are essential for starting.
20. Pressure Washing Services
Operating a pressure washer to clean buildings, driveways, and other surfaces involves physical effort. Initial investment includes purchasing a pressure washer. Starting residentially with services like driveway cleaning can build your reputation locally.
21. Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance
This includes mowing, edging, and maintaining yards, requiring physical work and operation of equipment, making it a blue-collar job. Basic lawn care tools and a reliable vehicle are needed to start.
22. Tree Trimming and Removal
Trimming and removing trees involve physical labor and the use of heavy equipment, categorizing it as blue-collar. Specialized equipment and safety training are necessary to get started.
23. Snow Removal Services
This winter hustle involves clearing snow from walkways and driveways, requiring physical stamina and resilience to cold, typical of blue-collar jobs. Basic snow removal equipment like shovels and a snowblower are essential.
24. Welding and Metal Fabrication
This job includes constructing items by cutting, bending, and assembling metal, demanding technical skill and physical labor. Basic welding tools and protective gear are needed to start. Small projects and repairs can build a portfolio for larger gigs.
25. Automotive Repairs and Maintenance
Repairing cars involves mechanical skills and physical labor, making it a blue-collar job. A basic set of automotive tools and a space for repairs are essential. Offering routine maintenance services can provide steady work.
26. Locksmith Services
This service involves installing, repairing, and opening locks, requiring technical skill and precision. Starting requires locksmith tools and possibly certification – depending on the jurisdiction. Emergency lockout services can be a significant market.
27. Pest Control Services
Providing pest control involves applying treatments to manage or eradicate pests, which is physically demanding and often requires handling chemicals. Certification in handling pesticides may be required, and you’ll need to invest in the initial equipment.
28. Junk Hauling and Removal
This service involves removing unwanted items from homes or businesses. It’s considered blue-collar because it requires physical labor and handling various materials.
Starting up requires a truck or large vehicle and knowledge of local disposal regulations. Marketing through local ads and offering services for estate cleanouts or post-move cleanups can help attract customers.
29. Moving and Hauling Services
This side hustle entails helping individuals or businesses relocate their belongings. It is blue-collar due to the physical demands of packing, lifting, and transporting items. Basic equipment like a truck, dollies, and packing supplies are necessary.
30. Window Installation and Repair
This job involves measuring, installing, or repairing windows in homes or commercial buildings. Starting this business needs carpentry skills and tools. Local advertising and offering consults like free estimates can help attract initial clients.
31. House Sitting
House sitting includes looking after someone’s home while they are away, this means you’ll need to maintain the property, manage mail, keep on top of the garden and possibly even pet care.
32. Firewood Sales and Delivery
This service involves sourcing, chopping, and delivering firewood. You will need the equipment to actually chop the wood, contacts to source it, and a vehicle to provide a reliable delivery.
33. Boat Cleaning and Maintenance
Pending you know a thing or two about boats, cleaning and maintenance could be the thing for you. Starting your own side hustle in this area will require knowledge of boat systems and cleaning products. Offering your services at local marinas can help establish a client base.
34. Agricultural Assistance
For anyone interested in agriculture, providing help on farms can be a great way to bring in a little extra income.
Providing help on farms with tasks like planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock involves physical work, classifying it as blue-collar. Knowledge of farming techniques and access to agricultural equipment will likely be helpful.
35. Home Staging for Real Estate
Staging homes involves furnishing and decorating properties to make them more appealing for sale. This requires design sense and physical effort, categorizing it as blue-collar. Starting requires a flair for design and access to furniture and decor items. Partnering with real estate agents can provide a steady stream of business.
36. Security System Installation
A side hustle in security system installation includes installing and maintaining home and business security systems. Technical training and certification might be needed, but that largely depends on what you’re offering and where.
37. Tiling and Backsplash Installation
Installing tiles and backsplashes demands precision and manual work. Skills in cutting and setting tiles are crucial for this roll, along with being on-time and providing exceptional customer service.
38. Drywall Installation and Repair
This hustle involves hanging and finishing drywall. It’ll require physical strength and technical skills, and most of your new clients will come from client recommendations and referrals. Essential tools include drywall panels, tape, and mud.
39. Insulation Services
Installing insulation involves preparing and installing various types of insulation materials. It’s a physical job and typically requires working in tight spaces. Starting this side hustle requires learning about different insulation materials and acquiring the necessary tools.
40. Septic Tank Maintenance
This service includes inspecting, cleaning, and repairing septic tanks, which is physically demanding and often unpleasant, clearly blue-collar. Certification and knowledge of local regulations are typically necessary. Marketing to rural homeowners can be a viable strategy.
41. Pet Grooming Services
Offering grooming services for pets requires handling animals, bathing, cutting fur, and clipping nails—tasks that can be hands-on and labor-intensive. Starting requires basic grooming tools and skills, possibly through a certification course. A mobile grooming service can further expand client reach.
42. Mobile Oil Change Service
This involves changing vehicle oil at the customer’s location. Basic automotive tools and a supply of oil and filters are necessary to begin, not to mention you’ll need to know what you’re doing.
43. Scaffolding Services
Scaffolding services involve setting up and dismantling temporary structures used in construction and maintenance. To start, you’ll need scaffolding materials, safety equipment, and a basic understanding of construction safety standards. You’ll want to consider marketing to construction companies and contractors to help secure contracts.
44. Event Set-up and Tear-down
This service includes setting up and dismantling event spaces, requiring physical strength and teamwork, typical of blue-collar jobs. Starting is simple with basic tools and a crew. Networking with event planners and venues can provide steady gigs, especially in active social seasons.
45. Siding Installation and Repair
This involves applying or fixing exterior siding on buildings, demanding physical labor and attention to detail. To start, you’ll need knowledge of materials like vinyl, wood, or fiber cement, and the appropriate tools. Local advertising and showcasing your work can help attract residential projects.
46. Power Tool Repair Services
Repairing power tools requires technical skills to troubleshoot and fix issues. Starting this service can begin at home with some knowledge of mechanics and electrical systems, along with basic tools. Offering pick-up and delivery can add convenience for customers.
47. Party Equipment Rental
Renting out party equipment like tents, tables, and chairs involves inventory management and physical labor to deliver and set up items. Starting this business requires an initial investment in inventory and a storage space. Building partnerships with event planners can enhance clientele.
48. Local Courier and Delivery Services
Providing courier services involves transporting documents and packages locally, which requires reliability and physical effort, making it a blue-collar role. A reliable vehicle and a mobile phone are essential to start.
49. Minor Car Repairs
Handling minor car repairs such as brakes, oil changes, and tire services involves technical skills and manual work. But if you have the skill it can be lucrative. To begin, you’ll need basic automotive tools and a space to work.
50. Storage Unit Cleanouts
This service involves clearing out and cleaning storage units, typically after a rental period ends or for reclamation purposes. It requires physical labor and organizational skills. Starting up needs minimal equipment, just cleaning supplies and a way to haul away items.
51. Garage Door Installation and Repair
Installing and repairing garage doors is a technical and physical job, requiring knowledge of mechanical systems and physical strength. Tools and initial training or experience are necessary to start. Offering reliable and quick service can help build a solid customer base.
52. Deck Building and Maintenance
Building and maintaining decks involves carpentry skills and physical labor, making it a blue-collar trade. You’ll need carpentry tools and knowledge of building codes. Start by offering services in your local area and using before-and-after photos to showcase your work.
53. Dock Building and Repair
Similar to deck building, dock construction and repair require carpentry skills and an understanding of marine environments. Starting this side hustle necessitates tools, marine construction materials, and possibly a team. Waterfront property owners are your primary market, and local advertising can effectively reach these customers.
54. Upholstery Services
Upholstery involves refurbishing furniture with new fabric, padding, and springs. Starting this as a side hustle requires upholstery tools, materials, and a workspace. As a beginner, you can gain customers by showcasing their work on social media and offering to refurbish small pieces at a competitive rate.
55. Commercial Kitchen Cleaning
This service focuses on deep cleaning commercial kitchens, requiring physical effort and attention to hygiene standards. Starting up requires industrial-grade cleaning equipment and knowledge of health regulations. Establishing contracts with restaurants and catering businesses can provide steady work.
56. Billboard Installation and Maintenance
This involves installing and maintaining billboards, requiring physical strength and comfort with heights. It’s a hands-on job, making it blue-collar. Entry requires safety training and equipment. Building relationships with advertising agencies can secure ongoing contracts.
57. Vending Machine Stocking and Maintenance
This service includes refilling and repairing vending machines, demanding technical skills and physical effort, categorizing it as blue-collar. To start, you’ll need basic mechanical skills and a mode of transportation. Establishing relationships with business owners and public facilities can ensure regular clients.
58. Commercial Diving
Commercial diving is an area where you WILL need experience and proper paperwork. It involves underwater maintenance, repair, or recovery tasks, which require specialized diving skills and physical labor. Start by getting certified in commercial diving and understanding safety protocols. Offering services to marine construction firms or salvage operations can be lucrative.
59. Bounce House Rentals
Renting out bounce houses for events requires managing inventory and physical setup, clearly a blue-collar job. Starting this business involves investment in quality bounce houses and a delivery setup.
60. Portable Toilet Rental and Servicing
This entails renting out and servicing portable toilets, which is labor-intensive and not exactly the sexiest side hustle. Start by purchasing or leasing high-quality units and a servicing truck. Then you’ll want to target local events and construction sites that can generate steady business.
61. Mobile Car Wash and Wax Services
Offering car cleaning services on a mobile basis is a great idea for busy customers. You’ll need car cleaning supplies and a vehicle to transport them to get started. Promoting services through local business partnerships and social media can attract a wide range of clients.
62. Emergency Board-Up Services
This service involves securing properties after damage, requiring physical strength and the ability to respond quickly. It’s a blue-collar job because of the emergency response and physical boarding up required. Basic tools and a reliable vehicle are necessary. Networking with insurance companies can provide referrals.
63. Golf Cart Repairs and Maintenance
Repairing and maintaining golf carts involves mechanical work, classifying it as a blue-collar job. Basic mechanical skills and tools are needed to start. Offering services at golf clubs and senior communities can tap into a consistent customer base.
64. Skate Sharpening Services
Sharpening skates requires precision and manual skill, making it a blue-collar task. Starting up needs a skate sharpening machine and knowledge of blade maintenance. Setting up shop in or near ice rinks can attract steady clients.
65. Outdoor Adventure Guide
Being an adventure guide involves leading outdoor activities, requiring robust physical health and knowledge of the outdoors. It’s blue-collar due to the physical nature of guiding and survival skills required. Certifications in first aid and specific outdoor activities enhance credibility. Marketing through travel agencies and online platforms can help reach enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Best Blue Collar Side Hustles
You don’t HAVE to start an online business to have a side hustle. There are plenty of side hustles that don’t involve you sitting at a computer all day long. These blue collar side hustles are a great idea if you want something that gets you on your feet and (hopefully) money in your pocket.
