Beyond the Spotlight: Meet India’s Most Essential Blue-Collar Heroes

Delhi: In India’s fast-paced urban centres, a quiet revolution is underway. The growth of “blue-collar workers” — individuals skilled in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, runners and delivery executives and even tech support. Navigating the bustling lanes of India’s economic engines, one cannot miss the growing infrastructure and the boundless opportunities it brings. At the heart of this progress lies the backbone of India’s workforce – our urban heroes. From lighting up homes during festivals to delivering essential goods and services in a few minutes, these skilled workers are the unsung heroes of our daily lives. As cities expand, these workers are becoming indispensable, not just for maintaining the fabric of our infrastructure but for driving India’s economic growth.

Amidst this growth, certain roles have emerged as the most in-demand, according to Indeed data, bridging industries and providing steady employment opportunities. From the surge in e-commerce to the rise of MSMEs, these three blue-collar jobs have taken centre stage in terms of the top trending jobs on Indeed, with one of the biggest surges in job postings.

Among the most in-demand blue-collar roles, electricians stand out as the backbone of India’s evolving urban landscape. With an average salary of ₹16,300* per month, electricians are crucial for installing, maintaining, and repairing the electrical systems that power homes, offices, and industries. As the government pushes forward with electrification initiatives in rural areas and the expansion of smart cities, the need for skilled electricians continues to rise. The growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure is only adding to this demand, creating a steady stream of opportunities for those in this trade.

Equally significant are cashiers, who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of transactions in India’s thriving retail and service sectors. Earning an average of ₹14,500* per month, cashiers handle payments, process transactions, and provide essential customer service. With the surge in organized retail, supermarkets, and quick-service restaurants, the demand for cashiers is at an all-time high. Additionally, the growth of digital payment systems and the increasing focus on customer experience in retail environments have further pushed the need for skilled cashiers who are adept at handling modern point-of-sale systems.

Meanwhile, delivery executives and drivers continue to remain critical to India’s urban infrastructure. From ferrying passengers to delivering goods, they are crucial in keeping the wheels of Indian cities’ moving. On average, drivers earn ₹14,400* per month, with their roles expanding beyond traditional transportation to include logistics, last-mile delivery, and ride-hailing services. As Indian cities become more congested and the demand for e-commerce/quick commerce grows, they become even more essential in ensuring the timely delivery of products and services. The surge in demand for these skilled workers reflects the broader shift happening across India’s urban landscape. As infrastructure continues to grow, businesses expand, and consumer needs evolve, these blue-collar workers will remain at the heart of India’s workforce, playing a critical role in the country’s continued growth and development. The importance of such jobs must be recognized, valued, and better supported.