The construction industry is a growing field with a bright outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there may be “faster-than-average employment growth in the industry” through 2026.
There were 7.2 million construction jobs in the U.S. in July 2018, including positions in building construction, specialty trade, and heavy or civil engineering construction. The BLS concluded that there were 263,000 job openings in the construction industry in June 2018, which is also expected to continue increasing. There are many types of jobs in construction but the ones reviewed below are the top 10 in the industry.
1. Construction Manager
A construction manager supervises a job site overseeing workers and managing tasks. To become a construction manager, you may need to earn your bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as architecture or construction science.
Before you’re hired, you must prove you have construction and/or management experience, including on-the-job training. Employment in the field is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029. In May 2019, the average salary for a construction manager was $95,260.
2. Project Engineer
A project engineer is responsible for managing engineering projects, including staff, budget, and materials. They must at least hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering and, in some cases, a master’s degree is required. Most project engineers only advance to management positions after being employed for years as engineers and gaining significant experience.
Employment for project engineers is expected to increase by 3% from 2019 to 2029. In May 2019, the average salary for a project engineer in the U.S. was $144,830.
3. Construction Estimator
A construction estimator is in charge of accurately estimating the project at hand. They take into account the materials, labor, and time needed to complete a job. Construction estimators are usually only hired if they have bachelor’s degrees.
However, they may qualify for employment if they have several years of experience in the industry. These professionals use extensive computer software every day, so computer skills are essential in this position.
Employment for construction estimators is expected to decrease by 1% from 2019 to 2029. In May 2019, the average salary for a construction estimator was $65,250.
4. Construction Inspector
Construction inspectors are responsible for ensuring completed construction projects follow building codes, meet contract guidelines, and adhere to all zoning regulations.
While higher education isn’t a requirement to become a construction inspector, these professionals generally have years of experience in the construction field before advancing into their positions. In some states, construction inspectors are required to earn a certification or license before performing their jobs.
Employment for construction inspectors is expected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029. The average salary for a construction inspector in May 2019 was $60,710.
5. Carpenter
Carpenters work with wood and other construction materials to create frameworks or structures on the job site as needed. They’re not required to have completed higher education and are likely to learn skills through an apprenticeship with an experienced carpenter.
There are usually around 89,000 job openings for carpenters each year, which is expected to remain the same from 2019 to 2029. In May 2019, the average salary for a carpenter was $48,330.
6. Construction Laborer
Construction laborers help other workers with tasks on the job site that require manual labor, such as digging ditches or unloading building materials. They generally aren’t required to have a college degree but may need to learn how to perform their job and stay safe on the job site through apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training before they begin working.
Construction laborer employment is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than most other occupations. In May 2019, the average salary for a construction laborer was $36,000.
7. Roofer
A roofer repairs or replaces roofs on commercial or residential buildings. While there aren’t educational requirements for roofers, they generally need to learn the trade through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship before they’re hired. Experienced roofers can get certified through the National Roofing Contractors Association. However, for a basic roof installment, this certification isn’t necessary.
Employment for roofers is expected to grow by 2% from 2019 to 2029. The average annual salary for a roofer in May 2019 was $42,100.
8. Equipment Operator
A construction equipment operator is responsible for the maintenance and operation of heavy machinery at job sites, such as a pile driver, trench digger, or bulldozer.
Most companies require equipment operators to hold a high school diploma while some may also require them to complete vocational training before they’re hired. They may also be required to complete an apprentice program or on-the-job training before operating equipment.
Employment for equipment operators is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. The average annual salary for an equipment operator was $48,160 in May 2019.
9. Plumber
A plumber on a construction site is responsible for installing, repairing, and moving piping as necessary while adhering to all building codes and regulations. In most cases, a high school diploma is required and some companies may also require a plumber to complete vocational school before they’re hired. On-the-job training or apprenticeship is also usually required and most states require plumbers to be licensed before they can begin working.
Employment for plumbers is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. In May 2019, the average salary for a plumber was $55,160.
10. Electrician
On a construction site, an electrician is responsible for configuring, installing, and repairing electrical wiring in the building. Electricians must earn their high school diplomas and may also be required to complete vocational school before they can enter an apprenticeship program. Upon completion of the program, companies may hire these professionals but, in most cases, they must earn an electrical contractor license before they can begin working.
Employment for electricians is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than many other occupations. In May 2019, the average salary for an electrician was $56,180.
There are many interesting jobs in the construction industry associated with impressive salaries and a promising outlook for employment opportunities. Reviewing these top 10 construction jobs will help you narrow down your interests so you can find the right career for you.
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