If you desire a profession with a changing daily schedule, you may want to consider a job in construction. A career in this field offers many opportunities for advancement and high job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction jobs are expected to grow at a rate higher than all other jobs between 2016 and 2026. Many career opportunities are available in the construction field, from entry-level jobs to jobs for highly skilled or certified workers.
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Why should I work in the construction industry?
All types of construction jobs involve working with your hands, often outdoors and in various locations. As a construction worker, you will construct houses, roads, hospitals, bridges, and other structures necessary for everyday living. As a result, there are many opportunities for professional advancement in the construction industry, as companies pay more to have workers certified in hazardous materials handling, high-tech equipment operation, workplace safety, and team leadership. Working in construction may also afford you the chance to learn a trade.
Construction jobs with high pay
While you should also consider your skill set, goals, education, and core values, salary is often the most important factor for finding the perfect job. Listed below are 12 high paying jobs in construction you should consider in your job search:
1. Heavy equipment operator
The average national salary is $19.90 per hour
The primary responsibility of heavy equipment operators is to operate machines such as bulldozers, hydraulic cranes, forklifts, and backhoes. The tasks performed by workers in this position include excavating and paving roads, as well as transporting and installing building materials. Heavy equipment operators are usually required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Construction inspector
National average salary: $23.97 per hour
Primary duties: Construction inspectors oversee the completion of projects to ensure they meet government codes, local ordinances, and the contractor’s specifications. The construction inspector must approve plans that meet codes and issue stop-work orders when necessary to get buildings into compliance. Individuals in this job inspect all components of a building, including the framework, plumbing, and electrical systems. You can become a construction inspector with a high school diploma or GED, but some employers prefer a college degree.
3. Mason
The average national salary is $19.93 per hour
Masonry workers perform concrete, brick, and stone-related tasks. Masons mix and pour concrete to build sidewalks, curbs, floors, and walls. For masons, it is also important to read blueprints to ensure that the work they do meets the requirements of their contractors. Typically, you can become a mason with just a high school diploma or a GED, though some states require that you hold a government-issued certification.
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4. Plumber
The average national salary is $25.07 per hour
Plumbers map and install pipes according to blueprints during construction projects. This occupation deals with drainage fixtures, toilets, sinks, and pipes for air, water, and other liquids. With a high school diploma, you can become a plumber, but most states also require certification.
5. Ironworker
The average national salary is $20.09 per hour
The primary duties of an ironworker include cutting, welding, grinding, and sizing metal to become columns, beams, girders, and other building materials. They are involved in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. In addition, individuals in this role deliver finished materials to the correct location on the job site in collaboration with heavy equipment operators. The majority of employers only require ironworkers to have a high school diploma or equivalent and professional certification.
6. Electrician
The average national salary is $25.26 per hour
Electricians install, maintain, and design wiring systems in construction projects. They install lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, and electrical control systems. Most electricians need only a high school diploma or GED, but many states also require a license.
7. Building Engineer
The average national salary is $25.71 per hour
The job of a building engineer is to create and maintain the structural, electrical, and mechanical elements of a building. To ensure that their work fits in with the guidelines of a project, they may also review budgets and other reports. After construction, building engineers often stay on-site to perform maintenance and repairs. An entry-level building engineer needs to have a degree from a two-year college, while advanced building engineers need a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
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8. Pipefitter
The average national salary is $26.71 per hour
A pipefitter’s primary responsibilities include designing, assembling, and installing pipe systems for a building’s heating, cooling, and water systems. To ensure that pipes are properly installed in a structure, pipefitters usually perform welding, brazing, soldering, and cementing. You can work as a pipefitter with a high school diploma or equivalent.
9. Boilermaker
The national average wage is $31.59 per hour
Boilermakers are responsible for installing steam boilers in new construction projects, also known as boiler houses. Additionally, they may be responsible for cleaning and maintaining boiler systems after construction is complete. To become a boilermaker, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an apprenticeship program.
10. Civil engineer
The national average salary is $79,496 per year
Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of a variety of projects, including roads, airports, bridges, harbors, power plants, public and private buildings, among others. Civil engineers are also responsible for ensuring that projects meet environmental, health, and safety requirements. As a civil engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree, although many also hold a master’s degree.
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11. Construction manager
The national average salary is $76,326 per year
The primary responsibility of construction managers is to plan, design, and assemble most aspects of a job. They also make sure that projects stay within budget guidelines and set attainable deadlines. Managers also assign roles to other workers like electricians, plumbers, and general laborers and supervise them. Many employers require construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree.
12. Construction Superintendent
The national average salary is $85,320 per year
Superintendents oversee all aspects of a construction project. Engineers, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants must be hired and managed by them. Supervisors ensure health, safety, and environmental standards are met. A superintendent is also responsible for keeping projects within budget and on schedule.
As soon as a job is complete, the superintendent performs quality control and assigns any extra tasks required to complete the project. Even though a high school diploma can lead to a position as a superintendent, most positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Construction work can be an exciting and rewarding career. You create some of society’s most important and useful structures in this field. Construction jobs are available for a wide range of skill levels. Find a job that pays well by using this list of 12 construction jobs.