8 Blue-Collar Careers That Are Recession-Proof

As we enter the downturn driven by Covid-19 (may it be very short!), I’ve marked the notices from governors and mayors outlining the “essential” positions that can continue working because of their necessity for society’s functioning. Many of these positions are blue-collar, which continues a trend from past recessions and slowdowns. Often, blue-collar jobs continue working even as other parts of the economy shut down.

In fact, this durability is a good reason to consider certain blue-collar careers.

So, which industries and positions are recession-proof for 2020 and beyond?

Positions with demand that remains constant are good bets. Some of my favorite recession-proof jobs and job sectors include:

1. Public Utilities
   
   Shuttering public utilities is hard. They are too big and too important. Thus, those who work to deliver us water, power, and communication lines are usually insulated from recessions. After all, those lines have to be maintained and long-term investment concerns generally outweigh short-term changes in the economy.
   
2. Healthcare
   
   Blue-collar positions like medical sonographer, nurse, and home health aides fare well in the healthcare industry even during recessions. Typically, healthcare is not something that people put off. It’s also not something that people can cut back on, so employment and pay in this industry stay steady.
   
3. Plumbers
   
   Accidents happen and leaky pipes have no regard for the world happening outside our homes. Thus, a lot of a plumber’s work remains constant. Plumbers can expect business to carry on even as other occupations close up shop.
   
4. Police Officers
   
   Unfortunately, crime doesn’t stop just because the economy has. The public still needs protection and municipalities are reluctant to sacrifice public safety, so police officers are insulated from fluctuations.
   
   A precinct might slow down hiring during a recession, but it will keep those already on the force.
   
5. Moving and relocation services
   
   Movers stay busy even in a downturn. Renters change apartments, families move, and unfortunately, defaults and evictions increase during recessions, which keeps these professionals busy.
   
6. Sanitation Workers
   
   People still need to dispose of trash and refuse, so sanitation workers are immune from shifts in the economy.
   
7. Firefighters
   
   Like the other positions on this list, firefighters are essential and the nature of the demand for their services is not related to the state of the economy. In good economic times and bad, firefighters are always ready to save the day.
   
8. Public Transit Workers
   
   Public transit tends to continue running and conductors, drivers, ticket personnel, and maintenance are all essential to keeping the system running.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, many other blue-collar careers and positions are protected from recessions. For instance, some positions as construction workers, HVAC techs, security staff, electricians, and hazardous materials handlers remain essential and are insulated from economic slowdowns.

If you’re inclined to take a position that offers you shelter from downturns, any of the above will be a good choice of career.

Find your path, including a recession-proof job, in my book Blue Collar Cash.