When people think of superheroes, they often envision super-rich movers and shakers with secret identities who fight the bad guys, the good guys, or the anti-heroes.
But not all superheroes are billionaires, genius scientists, or aliens. Nor do they all work in high-tech labs or government facilities. Some of them have rather mundane “day jobs” in the skilled trades. These jobs can include positions in industries requiring steady supplies of industrial raw materials — like electronics, construction, automotive, or aerospace.
As it turns out, some superheroes prove that sometimes all it takes is a hard hat and a tool belt to save the day.
Here are five superheroes who have day jobs in the skilled trades.
- Spider-Man
Of course, Spider-Man’s alter ego, Peter Parker, is a photographer for the Daily Bugle newspaper. But his skills are certainly not limited to taking pictures. Parker has worked as a freelance technician and a science classroom assistant.
His ability to repair and build technology, like his famous web shooters, certainly qualifies as a skilled trade, and Spider-Man spends most of his adventures repairing technology, building new technology, and even making do with what is available to him to solve his problems.
Spider-Man is the ultimate symbol of the modern worker: overworked and forced to juggle numerous responsibilities to make ends meet.
- Luke Cage
Luke Cage, before he became a bulletproof Hero for Hire, worked in physically demanding jobs such as construction and industrial fields. Cage’s background is a manifestation of his life lived by hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Construction work is a physically demanding and labor-intensive job. It requires stamina and safety consciousness — all of which are qualities Cage exhibits as a superhero.
Cage is a good example of the idea that strength is not necessarily a superhuman quality; it can also be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
- The Thing
Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, a member of the Fantastic Four, may be one of the most literal superhero characters who had a trade background. Before he became a superhero, Ben Grimm worked as a test pilot and later became associated with construction and demolition work, seeking jobs that matched his immense physical strength.
Grimm worked in construction, helping to build, repair, or demolish buildings in different storylines. His no-nonsense approach and hands-on style are good qualities for someone working in the construction industry. Grimm is a team player who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
- Daredevil
While Matt Murdock is most famous as a lawyer, he also has a past as a boxer and has worked hard jobs to make a living. Murdock’s skills as a boxer play a huge role in his fighting prowess as a superhero.
The life of Daredevil is a perfect example of how trade skills, especially physical skills, can play a key role in one’s life.
- Wolverine
Logan, aka Wolverine, has had many jobs over the years, but some of the most interesting ones are related to the trades. Wolverine has been a lumberjack, a miner, a factory worker, a railway worker, and many other jobs. You might say that one of the most beloved superheroes is a blue-collar veteran.
The nature of Logan’s job as a lumberjack and a factory worker serves him well as a superhero. His job requires physical and mental strength, and Wolverine possesses all these qualities.
The various jobs Logan holds as a blue-collar worker emphasize that being a superhero doesn’t require status but rather strength and resilience.
Why Trade Jobs Matter in Superhero Stories
Superheroes with trade jobs play a significant role in society because they are relatable—at least from the perspective of blue-collar workers. Heroes with trade skills can use them in real life. These superheroes connect fantasy and reality in society, which helps us remember that we all possess what it takes to be heroes.
In society today, where trade skills and knowledge are often undervalued, these superheroes value the importance of trade skills. In doing so, they help us remember that a college degree and wealth aren’t the prerequisites to being a superhero.
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
