What is a skilled laborer?

A skilled laborer or skilled worker is an individual with specialized knowledge. The skilled labor area of the workforce requires specific training, skills or know-how to execute mental or physical tasks. Since skilled labor can require mental or physical skillsets, these jobs exist in both white-collar and blue-collar industries.

Education, skills and abilities for skilled workers

Skilled laborers typically require a higher level or education or training to be capable to performing these roles, which results in a higher income compared to unskilled laborers. People vying for skilled labor jobs often require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a master’s degree or a Ph.D.

However, skilled labor positions may also require hands-on technical skills rather than intellectual knowledge. For jobs in the trades, the necessary education may include a college diploma or an apprenticeship program.

Other educational requirements for skilled workers can include examinations or certifications that are needed to work in a given field. For example, to become a Certified Public Accountant, you must pass the four-section CPA Exam.

Skilled labor jobs

If you’re looking for a skilled labor job and the high income that accompanies it, you’ll likely need to focus your education on one area where you’ll become an expert. Possible career options for skilled laborers include:

• Financial technician
• Doctor
• Plumber
• Law enforcement officer
• Administrative assistant
• Electrician

Benefits of working as a skilled laborer

As a skilled laborer, you bring knowledge and skills to the table that a select few can offer. This makes you an asset to employers and puts you in a favorable position for navigating your career choices. Your skills and the investment you’ve put into your education will come back to you in the long term through higher paying job opportunities. Companies are willing to offer competitive salaries along with benefits packages to attract and retain top talent with specialized skills.

The job market for skilled laborers is also less competitive than positions available to semiskilled or unskilled workers. Because there are fewer people with your unique qualifications, you become more valuable to employers who require these niche skills.

What is semiskilled labor?

Semiskilled laborers are workers who perform tasks that require a specific set of skills or abilities that don’t demand advanced education. Since these positions don’t require extensive education in one subject area, companies can typically offer training to employees to help them to carry out the specialized job-related tasks.

When comparing an unskilled versus skilled or semiskilled worker, the semiskilled individual falls somewhere between the other two. Although their job requires some special skills, they’re not an expert in the profession like a skilled laborer would be.

Education, skills and abilities for semiskilled workers

Semiskilled laborers usually need a set of soft skills to be attractive to employers because these skills are more challenging to teach and learn quickly. For example, a customer service representative may be considered semiskilled in that they can learn the procedural skills through the company’s training program. However, to be successful, they must already possess certain soft skills like communication and empathy.

Semiskilled labor jobs

If you’re looking for a position that requires your unique set of soft skills but doesn’t demand advanced education, consider these jobs:

• Retail sales associate
• Receptionist
• Flight attendant
• Truck driver
• Bartender
• Data entry clerk

Benefits of working as a semiskilled laborer

As a semiskilled laborer, there are plenty of advantages. You’re likely to enjoy faster career progression because you already possess the necessary soft skills and technical capabilities to perform well within a company. Therefore, when new opportunities arise, upper management is more likely to consider you for the position rather than bringing in someone else who requires extensive training.

As a semiskilled worker, you also develop an incredible set of transferable skills that make you valuable to any employer in any industry. Time management, communication and organization are useful traits that an employer can’t teach; by developing these skillsets, you set yourself apart from the competition for the remainder of your career.

What is unskilled labor?

The unskilled labor definition refers to a part of the workforce with low economic value. It involves tasks that require a limited set of skills or abilities. It’s common for unskilled laborers to complete daily production work that doesn’t depend on technical skills or training. Due to the limited knowledge required for these roles, these jobs allow people with little to no higher education to enter the workforce.

Unskilled laborers make up a significant portion of the American workforce, and they perform many essential tasks. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Department of Labor , unskilled and low-skilled labor is projected to see the highest increase in employment opportunities between 2014 and 2024.

Education, skills and abilities for unskilled workers

These roles typically require little to no formal training related to the job. Applicants may only need a high school diploma, GED or equivalent to gain access to entry-level positions.

Many of these jobs can be learned with no formal education within 30 days and often involve completing repetitive tasks.

Unskilled labor jobs

If you’re looking for a job while you’re still in high school or want a position that doesn’t require further training, these unskilled labor jobs are a good fit:

• Janitorial worker
• Food preparation worker
• Delivery driver
• Housekeeper
• Seasonal associate
• Agricultural worker

Why pursue an unskilled labor job?

There are several benefits to unskilled labor positions that make them valuable employment options. Unskilled labor jobs don’t require further investment in your education to get hired; if you’re looking for a job while you’re studying, these positions are a great choice.

As an unskilled laborer, you may be entering the workforce at the bottom of a company’s hierarchy. As a result, you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by highly motivated individuals who are striving to advance their careers. This can lead to a positive work environment that makes your employment experience more enjoyable.