White collar work is commonly associated with knowledge-based, service-based, or professional roles. It is usually thought to include higher-paid jobs in the management, finance, sales, or administration categories, but this definition has been widely debated in recent times. As working class roles and pay structures have shifted, the idea of an absolute divide between white and blue collar is falling out of favor.

White collar workers, who often come to the job with a degree or specialized training, are usually paid much higher wages than those who fulfill manual and blue-collar roles. These higher wages are usually awarded to workers based on the type of work they do and the knowledge they bring to the position. While white collar salaries have traditionally been higher and offer more job security than many other working class positions, this is shifting as technology creates more opportunities for blue collar and manual workers and many companies are offering more competitive salaries and pay structures.

White collar roles have traditionally been seen as a desirable career path due to the relative high-paying and secure nature of the job. The idea of a managerial, professional or high-skilled role that comes with the prestige of a white collar position has traditionally been more attractive than pursuing blue collar work. While white collar workers have traditionally been associated with the executive suites, these roles can just as often be found in a wide range of industries from public health to tourism.

Overall, the term 'white collar' has come to denote a wide range of higher-paid and higher-skilled roles that require an individual to take on more responsibility than blue collar work. These roles vary from management, finance, sales and administration to those in medical or legal professions, and can vary greatly depending on the industry the worker is in. However, as technology advances and pay structures shift, the idea of an absolute divide between blue collar and white collar is gradually disappearing.