One common assumption is that blue-collar jobs are low-paying and that those who work in them can't earn a good living. But that's simply not true. In fact, some actually promise a six-figure salary.
Case in point: Buc-ee's — a popular chain of convenience stores and gas stations primarily located in Texas — went viral for job posts that include a great salary and excellent benefits.
If you're looking to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, here are five gas station jobs that pay $100,000 or more.
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Gift/merchandise manager
Every time you see someone in a Buc-ee's T-shirt, thank a merchandise manager. Buc-ee's gift/merchandise managers lead teams in both the warehouse and on the sales floor.
They oversee the entire process from product selection to creative displays, and focus on delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.
Gift/merchandise managers need to have extensive retail management experience and excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
Listed annual salary: $100,000
Assistant general manager
Assistant general managers at Buc-ee's make sure customers have a clean, friendly, and fully stocked experience. They are responsible for leading the store team in the absence of the general manager and should have a passion for taking charge when needed.
The assistant general manager must manage store personnel, maintain product quality, and promote exceptional customer service.
People in this role work a minimum of 48 hours per week, primarily during early mornings and afternoons. They also are required to work most weekends and holidays.
Listed annual salary: $100,000
Car wash manager
Buc-ee's wants car wash managers to focus on delivering exceptional express services with cutting-edge equipment and top-notch customer service.
Managers also train and develop staff, and maintain car wash programs and safety. To be eligible for this role, candidates must have prior experience in car wash management and mechanical skills.
Listed annual salary: $125,000
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Deli/food service manager
As the deli/food service manager, your main responsibilities include building a top-performing team, overseeing the food product offerings, ensuring customer satisfaction, and achieving operational objectives.
To be considered for this position, candidates should have a strong background in management, excellent organizational and communication skills, and experience in high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environments.
Listed annual salary: $125,000
General manager
The core responsibilities of a Buc-ee's store general manager include cultivating and recruiting a high-performing team, overseeing product offerings, making sure customers are happy, and managing operational objectives that keep the store clean and maintained.
To be considered for the position, candidates must have extensive management experience and demonstrate exceptional organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
General managers are expected to work at least 48 hours a week, primarily during early mornings and afternoons. That includes weekends and holidays. And they must be available around the clock.
Listed annual salary: $150,000 to start with the opportunity to make more as the business grows.
'Blue collar' doesn't mean low pay
Blue-collar jobs are critical to modern life. It doesn't matter how much money you make or how famous you are, everyone needs plumbing to work and lights to turn on. Those who work blue-collar jobs can build significant wealth with the work they do.
For example, if you install or repair the cables that bring electricity to people's homes, you can make $114,590 a year at the upper end, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median annual wage for power plant operators is $94,790. The people who install and fix the elevators we all ride every day can bank on a median salary of $97,860 per year.
Bottom line
There are a lot of jobs on the market that require a degree, and many people think that without a university education, you can't earn a decent living. However, that's simply not true.
In fact, there are many opportunities within blue-collar industries that offer high pay, including some roles that come with a six-figure salary. If you want to boost your bank account, don't overlook blue-collar jobs.
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