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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Indiana Tops the Nation in Blue-Collar Work
Indiana has been identified as the leading state for blue-collar work in the United States, according to a study released by SmartAsset. The report, which analyzed labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, found that 33.4% of Indiana’s workforce holds blue-collar jobs—the highest percentage nationwide.
Breakdown of Job Categories in Indiana
The study goes further to assess the composition of the Indiana workforce by job categories. Around 38.9% of workers are in white-collar occupations, such as managerial and professional roles. Additionally, service-oriented “pink-collar” jobs account for 27.7% of Indiana's workforce. Pink-collar jobs typically include roles like retail clerks, educators, and receptionists, based on definitions from Walden University.
The remaining segment comprises “gold-collar” positions: highly paid, specialized roles such as aerospace engineers, surgeons, and software developers. In Indiana, about 3.75% of jobs are classified as gold-collar, somewhat lower than the national average of 5.5%.
State Rankings: Where Blue-Collar Jobs Thrive
Indiana is not alone in the prevalence of blue-collar work among Midwestern states. SmartAsset’s report highlights several states with similar workforce compositions, though none surpass Indiana’s share. The top ten states for blue-collar jobs include:
- Indiana (33.4%)
- Alabama (32%)
- Wyoming (31.9%)
- Mississippi (31.5%)
- Kentucky (31.2%)
- North Dakota (31.1%)
- Arkansas (30.7%)
- Tennessee (30%)
- Iowa (29.4%)
- Wisconsin (29.2%)
Several fellow Midwestern states, including North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, also feature prominently in the top ten, reflecting regional trends in workforce statistics and skilled trades employment.
Lowest States for Blue-Collar Employment
Conversely, the study also evaluated states with the lowest percentages of blue-collar jobs. These include New Hampshire (22.9%), California (22.7%), Hawaii (22.6%), and Massachusetts (19.2%), underscoring the differences in workforce composition across the United States.
Insights into the Study's Methodology
SmartAsset compiled and analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, categorizing occupations into blue, white, pink, and gold-collar groups. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the labor landscape, distinguishing between roles focused on physical labor, knowledge-based work, service-centric positions, and highly specialized, well-compensated careers.
For additional information on job categories or details from the study, interested parties can consult the full SmartAsset report available online.
Source: fox59.com.
