Below is a Quora response I wanted to share. The original is here.
I don’t think experts think these two jobs (desk or labor) will exist for the long term. It might be time to reframe the question and the discussion at large. For right now, we still talk about white collar vs. blue collar jobs.
The short answer is contingent on training, certifications, and industry experience often determines salary. Traditional labor and desk jobs are paying $100,000+ depending on location. This article features five blue collar jobs paying six figures (5 blue-collar jobs that pay $100,000 a year ).
It would be helpful to know your aspirations and experience to customize an answer for you.
Both types of jobs, desk or labor, require some technology and with robots on the verge of taking over office and labor jobs, makes pursuing either job a futile goal. It requires research, and it’s best to do it before pursuing the career of your choice.
Studies in recent years say 40% (or a little less) will be contractors or freelancers by 2020. (Here’s Why The Freelancer Economy Is On The Rise) It’s possible everyone will spend time at a desk at some point. I would recommend a mind shift to think about the company you want to work for, deep dive into your “why” and then determine the type of job you’re best suited.
You should also look at sites like Salary.com (Salary.com), PayScale (PayScale – Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Search Wages), and Glassdoor (Glassdoor Job Search | Find the job that fits your life) to study job, location, hazards (if it applies). Depending on where you are in the world, you may need to look by country. The site JobMob (All Together Now To Get Jobs in Israel and Around the World.) has salary surveys and calculators for careers around the world ( Where to Research Job Market Salaries in 2016).
Finally, chasing a career because of money will mean you’ll ignore any learning curves, hazards, or lifestyle considerations. Although I would never recommend chasing the money, under those circumstances, today’s job seeker should consider a career with strings of options or a portfolio career (several mini-careers as multiple streams of income). This way, you aren’t reliant on a single option or income.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.
