Work on private, industrial, commercial, or civil engineering projects are just some of the many careers available in the construction industry. The construction industry is a viable career choice for many people, whether they want to work on new construction, remodels, and repairs, or both.
You can determine whether construction is the field for you by learning about the various careers available and what they entail. In order to assist you in exploring this career path, we have listed 12 jobs in the construction industry, along with their primary responsibilities and national average salaries.
It’s possible that you enjoy getting your hands dirty and working on projects that will be around for a long time. Or perhaps you’re looking for a job with good benefits and a bright future. Consider a career in construction for these and other reasons.
Careers in construction, especially the building opportunity
In June 2018, there were 263,000 employment opportunities in the development business, as per primer evaluations from the U.S. Agency of Work Insights (BLS). The BLS anticipates faster-than-average employment growth in the sector through 2026. In addition, in 2017, its median annual wage of $45,820 exceeded the industry average of $37,690.
In addition, despite the fact that some occupations in the construction industry typically necessitate a college degree, many of them can be entered with only a high school diploma or less. Find out about careers in construction by reading on.
According to preliminary BLS data, 7.2 million construction jobs were created in July 2018. That is the construction industry’s highest employment level in a decade.
During the Great Recession and its aftermath, the sector saw a decline in employment. However, employment has been rising in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that demand for brand-new infrastructure and buildings will continue to rise, leading to an increase in employment in the construction sector of more than 7.5 million positions by 2026.
There are three sub-sectors to the construction sector: construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering, and specialty trade contractors. Over the 2016–26 decade, it is anticipated that employment in all of these sub-sectors will rise, with specialty trade contractors accounting for more than half (485,600) of the anticipated new jobs. It is anticipated that heavy and civil engineering construction, in addition to building construction, will add 170,300 and 208,800 jobs, respectively. Occupations have different wages.
The largest construction sub-sector is specialty trade contractors, with nearly 4.8 million jobs expected by 2026. Workers in this sub-sector typically concentrate on a single job, like roofing or plumbing.
For each of the occupations, the BLS projects that specialty trade contractors will see rapid growth in employment. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics, installers, and helpers of pipe layers, plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters are expected to see the fastest growth in this sub-sector, at nearly 20%. In 2017, the sub-sector with the highest median annual wage, electricians, was $52,170.
In 2026, approximately 1.7 million people are expected to be employed in building construction. General contractors and other businesses with primary responsibility for an entire building or remodeling project are included in this sub-sector.
From 2016 to 2026, employment growth in this sub-sector is anticipated to be faster than average for all but one of the occupations, which are carpenters. In this sub-sector, employment in each of the other occupations is expected to rise by about 14%. With a median annual wage of $90,380 in 2017, construction managers had the highest pay out of the occupations.
Highway, utility, and other infrastructure projects are the primary focus of heavy and civil engineering construction; In 2026, this sub-sector is expected to employ nearly 1.2 million people.
Over the 2016–26 decade, BLS anticipates significantly faster-than-average employment growth for the occupations. The fastest growth in employment is anticipated for electrical power-line installers and repairers, with a projected 39% increase in heavy and civil engineering construction. In addition, of the occupations, these installers and repairers had the highest median annual wage—$60,320.
Dexterity, physical stamina, and the capacity to solve problems are some of the specific abilities and skills that are required for the majority of construction careers. Many of the necessary skills are acquired by construction workers on the job. In point of fact, for workers to become competent in all but one of the jobs, on-the-job training is typically required.
Construction-related careers: Opportunity for building Elka Torpey | August 2018 Perhaps you enjoy working with your hands on long-lasting projects. Or perhaps you’re looking for a job with good benefits and a bright future. Consider a career in construction for these and other reasons.
In June 2018, there were 263,000 employment opportunities in the development business, as per primer evaluations from the U.S. Agency of Work Insights (BLS). The BLS anticipates faster-than-average employment growth in the sector through 2026. In addition, in 2017, its median annual wage of $45,820 exceeded the industry average of $37,690.
In addition, despite the fact that some occupations in the construction industry typically necessitate a college degree, many of them can be entered with only a high school diploma or less. Find out about careers in construction by reading on.
In July 2018, there were 7.2 million construction jobs, according to preliminary BLS data. That is the construction industry’s highest employment level in a decade. During the Great Recession and its aftermath, the sector saw a decline in employment. However, employment has been trending upward in recent years.
View Chart Data The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that the construction sector will continue to see an increase in employment, with over 7.5 million jobs expected to be created by 2026 as a result of rising demand for new infrastructure and buildings.
Sub-sectors and occupations The construction industry is broken down into three sub-sectors: construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering, and specialty trade contractors. Over the 2016–26 decade, it is anticipated that employment in all of these sub-sectors will rise, with specialty trade contractors accounting for more than half (485,600) of the anticipated new jobs. It is anticipated that heavy and civil engineering construction, in addition to building construction, will add 170,300 and 208,800 jobs, respectively. Occupations have different wages.
Construction sub-sector Specialty trade contractors are expected to employ nearly 4.8 million people by 2026, making them the largest sub-sector. Workers in this sub-sector typically concentrate on a single job, like roofing or plumbing.
The BLS anticipates rapid employment growth for specialty trade contractors. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics, installers, and helpers of pipe-layers, plumbers, pipe-fitters, and steamfitters are expected to see the fastest growth in this sub-sector, at nearly 20%. In 2017, the sub-sector with the highest median annual wage, electricians, was $52,170.
Construction of buildings is expected to employ approximately 1.7 million people in 2026. General contractors and other businesses with primary responsibility for an entire building or remodeling project are included in this sub-sector.
View Chart Data From 2016 to 2026, employment growth in this sub-sector is anticipated to be faster than average for all but one of the occupations, which are carpenters. In this sub-sector, employment in each of the other occupations is expected to rise by about 14%. With a median annual wage of $90,380 in 2017, construction managers had the highest pay out of the occupations.
Highway, utility, and other infrastructure projects are the primary focus of heavy and civil engineering construction; In 2026, this sub-sector is expected to employ nearly 1.2 million people.
View Chart Data The BLS anticipates much faster-than-average employment growth for the occupations over the 2016–26 decade in heavy and civil engineering construction. The fastest growth in employment is anticipated for electrical power-line installers and repairers, with a projected 39% increase in heavy and civil engineering construction. In addition, of the occupations, these installers and repairers had the highest median annual wage—$60,320.
The majority of construction careers require specific skills and abilities, like dexterity, physical endurance, and the capacity to solve problems. Many of the necessary skills are acquired by construction workers on the job. In point of fact, for workers to become competent in all but one of the jobs, on-the-job training is typically required.
Plumbers and sheet metal workers are two examples of occupations where apprenticeships are common. In other occupations, new employees may receive informal on-the-job training from experienced workers.
You can choose from a variety of jobs in the construction industry, whether you have little formal education or want to get one. At the entry level, jobs like roofers and carpenters’ helpers typically do not necessitate a formal education. Additionally, a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED, is usually sufficient to enter more than half of the occupations.
Heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers, as well as HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers, typically require a certificate or other post-secondary non-degree award for entry. Construction managers, cost estimators, and civil engineers—the three occupations with the highest pay—typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry.
Why work in construction?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady employment growth of 4% over the next ten years in the construction industry. Due to the expansion of both the economy and the population, there is a demand for brand-new houses, infrastructure, roads, and other buildings, which results in the creation of new and ongoing construction jobs.
The education, training, experience, and skills required for construction roles vary, but many offer good reasons to choose this career path, including:
- Good pay
- Less student debt
- Job security and long-term employment
- Challenging roles with continuous learning
- Variety in day-to-day projects
- Professional development opportunities
- Career and salary growth
- Ability to contribute to communities
- Opportunity to stay physically fit
Construction jobs skills
As a modern construction worker, it is advantageous to possess a mix of hard and soft skills. Consider learning these skills if you want to succeed in the industry:
- Communication
- Physical strength and stamina
- Coordination and dexterity
- Building, engineering and technology knowledge
- Leadership and teamwork
- Customer service
- Reading and basic math
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Project management
- Safety-mindedness
Jobs in construction – List of jobs in construction
Consider these 12 positions in the construction industry if you’re considering this career path:
1. Tile setter
National average salary: $35,885 per year
Primary duties:Â A tile setter installs tiles made of ceramic, porcelain, marble, terrazzo, or mosaic on walls, floors, ceilings, and stairs. They mix and apply setting materials like grout, make sure the tiles are put in the right place, and clean them up after they are installed. Tile setters may be employed by construction firms, masonry contractors, or independently.
2. Drywall finisher
National average salary:Â $39,293 per year
Primary duties:Â A drywall finisher uses a variety of application techniques and tools to create simple or ornamental surfaces by measuring, cutting, and setting drywall panels around mechanical structures, wall frames, or other building elements.
On partitions, ceilings, and interior or exterior walls, they apply the finishing material and restore or maintain plaster or putty. Drywall finishers level off top layers of a building’s exterior, apply the desired coating or color, and even out dents.
3. Sprinkler fitter
National average salary:Â $45,502 per year
Primary duties:Â Sprinkler fitters are professionals in the plumbing industry who install, modify, test, inspect, and repair sprinkler systems. By soldering and welding tubes, pipes, and fittings, they either replace or install new fixtures or repair and replace old ones.
Through speaking engagements or collaboration with community leaders, sprinkler fitters also inform the general public about the significance of fire prevention and the utilization of sprinkler systems. The majority of sprinkler fitters are employed by construction or plumbing firms, though some work for themselves.
4. Roofer
National average salary: $46,061 per year
Primary duties: A trades-person who focuses on the construction of roofs is known as a roofer. From single-family homes and garages to large buildings like hospitals, schools, and shopping malls, they can replace, repair, or install the roof. They are familiar with a variety of roofing designs, including hip, gambrel, gabled, and flat roofs. Roofers coordinate to ensure that projects are completed on time and assist customers or project managers in selecting from tiles, wood shingles, metal, or other roofing materials.
5. Foreman
National average salary:Â $50,299 per year
Primary duties:Â A group of workers in their field, such as electricians, general contractors, or masonry workers, are coordinated and overseen by a foreman or foreperson. They ensure that workers competently perform their duties and keep track of schedules, project milestones or deadlines, deliveries, or supplies. For example, hardscaping and landscaping on the exterior spaces of construction projects are subsets of the construction field that foremen can work in.
6. Millwright
National average salary:Â $54,761 per year
Primary duties: On construction sites, industrial machinery and equipment are set up, maintained, and installed by a millwright. Aligning and replacing individual components of machinery is accomplished with specialized tools like welders or hydraulic bolters. Moving machinery both on and off-site is another job for millwrights.
7. Cabinetmaker
National average salary:Â $54,962 per year
Primary duties:Â A cabinetmaker builds the woodwork, cabinetry, furniture, and other ornamental design elements for a project after reading architectural blueprints. They construct or repair pieces using laminate, wood, and fiberglass. The majority of cabinetmakers are self-employed or employed by furniture manufacturers or construction firms.
8. Elevator technician
National average salary:Â $57,024 per year
Primary duties:Â Large pieces of machinery like chairlifts, escalators, moving walkways, and elevators are installed, assembled, replaced, and maintained by an elevator technician. They might install several pieces of each kind of equipment at an airport or shopping mall, which is a large-scale installation, or they might install one elevator in an office building, for example.
9. Glazier
National average salary:Â $59,585 per year
Primary duties:Â A construction professional who works with the installation of glass is known as a glazier. Glaziers install or replace windows, mirrors, skylights, storefronts, display cases, and shower doors. They also install or replace tempered glass, which is less likely to break. Insulated glass keeps warm or cool air in. Plastic, marble, granite, and other construction-use glass substitutes are also utilized by some glaziers.
10. Solar installer
National average salary:Â $62,669 per year
Primary duties:Â Rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy are assembled and maintained by a solar installer, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) installer. They read renderings to measure, cut, and bold the solar modules and framing, as well as conduct electrical current checks to ensure that the system complies with standards and code.
11. Sheet metal mechanic
National average salary:Â $64,090 per year
Primary duties:Â For a variety of construction purposes, a sheet metal mechanic fabricates and installs thin metal sheets. They join metal seams, weld, bold, and construct support structures. Sheet metal mechanics frequently work in factories, construction firms, aircraft manufacturers, or fabrication facilities.
12. Architect
National average salary:Â $108,583 per year
Primary duties:Â A licensed and skilled professional who draws plans and designs buildings for new construction, redevelopment, or renovation are known as architects. They possess advanced design and drawing abilities, enabling them to produce designs that are secure, useful, and one-of-a-kind for projects of all sizes, including housing developments, libraries, airports, government buildings, churches, shopping plazas, highways, and projects related to city planning.
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