What are Grey Collar Jobs?

Grey collar jobs are a category of employment that blurs the lines between white collar (professional, managerial, or administrative work) and blue collar (manual labor, skilled trades, or service industry work).

In the past, the workforce has been categorized into “blue collar” and “white collar” work. Blue collar work is generally hands-on and labor-intensive, often requiring significant physical exertion. In contrast, white collar work encompasses a variety of office jobs where formal attire, such as a dress shirt, is suitable. Here, the tasks are predominantly intellectual, with minimal physical demand.

Grey collar jobs often blend elements of both, requiring a combination of physical work, technical skill, and some level of formal education. The term “grey collar” reflects the ambiguity and diversity of these roles, which do not fit neatly into the conventional job categories. Examples of such jobs include flight attendants, healthcare professionals, and lab technicians.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations classified as grey collar are experiencing the most rapid growth. These roles are highlighted for their significant projected employment percentage increase from 2022 to 2032, leading the list of expanding job categories.