"As automation and AI tools become more widespread, they’re likely to reshape jobs across the working and middle classes. This will mean some roles will be re-imagined, while others will be replaced entirely. Routine, repetitive tasks are most vulnerable, which disproportionately affects roles in logistics, retail, and even clerical white-collar work," Johnson explained to Bored Panda in an email.
"But the impact isn’t purely economic—it’s also psychological. As job identities shift or erode, so too can people’s sense of status and stability. It's tied to a sense of personal value and identity. The decline in middle-class identification reflects not just financial strain, but a deeper uncertainty about the future of work. Without intentional policy, reskilling, and investment in human-centered roles, these technologies could widen perceived class divides and undercut social cohesion," he said.
"At the same time, there’s a growing recognition of the resilience and value of blue-collar trade jobs (e.g. plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC) that cannot be easily outsourced or automated," Johnson told us.
"As generative AI increasingly disrupts white-collar professions, these skilled trades may not only prove more secure but may also rise in status. In a world of artificial intelligence, hands-on human expertise could become one of the most enduring competitive advantages."
Bored Panda also asked Johnson for his thoughts on how blue-collar Americans can create a personal brand and stay competitive. "For blue-collar Americans, building a personal brand starts with owning your story: what sets you apart, what values you bring to the work, and how you serve your customers. In today’s digital world, visibility matters. Even a basic online presence (e.g. Google reviews, social media, or a simple website) can build credibility and trust," he advised.
"Consistency, reliability, and craftsmanship are powerful brand assets, especially in trades where word-of-mouth still reigns. Sharing before-and-after photos, highlighting testimonials, or even short videos explaining your process can humanize your work and differentiate you. A strong personal brand doesn’t require flash, but it does require clarity, consistency, and a willingness to be seen."
#5 Laying Of The Cornerstone Of The Library Of Congress, Washington, D.C., 1890
#6 Workers In The Postage Stamp Gumming And Drying Room In The Stamp Division At The Bureau Of Engraving & Printing, 1895
Broadly speaking, working-class people earn their living via wage labor and are most often found in blue-collar positions and service-oriented professions. Just a few examples of blue-collar workers include the following professionals:
- Construction workers;
- Contractors;
- Welders;
- Mechanics;
- Plumbers;
- Truck drivers;
- Technicians;
- Boilermakers;
- Firefighters;
- Police officers;
- Postal workers;
- Power plant operators.
Meanwhile, other working-class jobs include clerical work, food industry positions, retail sales, manual labor vocations, and low-level white-collar workers, according to Investopedia.
#9 Potatoes Move Down A Conveyor Belt Before Being Made Into Potato Flakes, Between 1892 - 1952
Working-class jobs generally pay less than $15/hour, and many don’t actually include health benefits. There are far fewer factory and industrial workers these days, as the nature of work has been shifting over time and these positions have been on the decline in the United States for decades.
Typically, working-class people work outside of offices and do manual labor. Many working-class individuals may not have a college degree. Some live paycheck-to-paycheck and have little savings.
However, as Investopedia points out, some working-class jobs are very stable and pay reasonably well. For instance, if you’re a nuclear power plant operator or boilermaker, you can earn as much as many folks doing middle-class jobs.
#10 Worker Prepares Gum For Postage Stamps In The Stamp Division At The Bureau Of Engraving & Printing, 1895
#11 Men And Women Working Inside Of An Orange Packing House, Probably Covina, California, 1900
Based on a 2022 Gallup poll, just over a third (35%) of respondents said that they are members of the working class.
This is compared to 38% of Americans who see themselves as middle class and 14% who believe they are upper-middle class.
11% of American adults said that they are lower class, and just 2% identified as upper class.
Gallup states that these days, fewer Americans identify themselves with the middle and upper-middle classes than they did before the Great Recession hit in late 2007/early 2008.
Since the recession, more Americans have identified themselves with the working or lower class.
#16 Linotype Operators In The Erikson Building, Seattle, Washington, 1906
#17 Construction Of Great Northern Railroad Tunnel Beneath Downtown Seattle, 1903
#18 Workers Bottling Olive Oil, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, 1900
“In general, social class identification is strongly related to educational attainment and household income.
Upper-income Americans and college graduates (including those with postgraduate education) are most likely to say they belong to the middle or upper-middle class, while lower-income Americans and those with no formal education beyond high school generally identify as working or lower class,” Gallup states.
#19 Miss Eliza Combs, Typical Old Maid Worker, Massachusetts, 1895
#20 Five Workmen Standing Around The Rotary Drill System In Action, Brayer Field, 1910
