Construction Careers
Take away construction the world would cease to exist as we know it. As essential as water and food is to individual survival, so is construction to modern society. Without houses, apartments, freeways, hotels, power facilities, bridges and massive underground utility systems we'd be back in the Stone Ages. Construction careers can include acitivies such as new construction on roadways, development of large buildings, alterations and repairs to existing structures.Career opportunities in construction are predicted to grow for many years to come, especially for experienced construction professionals. Notwithstanding the positive, outlook certain construction industries are cyclical and others are very dependent on a stable or thriving economy. Learn more about popular construction careers below.
If you'd like to find out which construction careers provide the most stability we invite you to read The Top 10 Most Stable Construction Jobs.
| Occupation | Summary | Education (Entry level) | Median Pay |
| Architect | Architects design structures, including residential houses, commercial buildings, and bridges. Architects can work independently as consultants, often own their own business, or work for an architectural or engineering firm. | Bachelor's degree | $73,090 |
| Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons | Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons (masons) work with concrete blocks, bricks and other stone-based construction materials to build decorative buildings, vaneers, fences, walls, and walkways. | High school diploma or equivalent | $44,950 |
| Carpenter | Carpenters work with wood to build various structures, including furniture, building frameworks, doorframes, rafters, partitioners, cabinetry, and siding. Specialized carpenters can develop elaborate interiors for buildings and homes. | High school diploma or equivalent | $39,940 per year |
| Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers | Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers put in and repair flooring. Job descriptions include installing and repairing tile, vinyl flooring, carpet, decorative stone flooring and wood flooring. Tile installers often remodel kitchens and bathrooms. | High school diploma or equivalent | $34,540 per year |
| Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, Segmental Pavers, and Terrazzo Workers | Cement masons, concrete finishers, and terrazzo workers all work with concrete in the process of construction. They create foundations for buildings, lay patios, build concrete floors, help build dams, and roadways. | High school diploma or equivalent | $34,340 |
| Commercial Industrial Designers | Industrial designers create the conceptual designs and schematics for all sorts of consumer products, such as appliances, vehicles and toys. They focus on developing unique styles, optimal functionality and the best user experience possible. | Bachelor's degree | $59,610 |
| Construction Workers | Construction workers are typically manual laborers and helpers that perform the basic, physical tasks that are required to construction buildings, homes, bridges and other structures. Their work is typically physically demanding. | on-the-job training | $32,300 |
| Construction and Heavy Equipment Operator | Construction equipment operators drive and operate heavy equipment and machinery used in excavation, transportation of materials, and construction of building, roadways, bridges and other structures. | High school diploma or equivalent | $40,980 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Construction and building inspectors inspect buildings and structures to make sure they're safe and meet all federal and state building codes, contract specifications, and local ordinances. | Bachelor's degree | $53,450 |
| Construction Managers | Construction managers manage the construction process for buildings, bridges, roads and other structures. The are responsible for all aspects of construction, including planning, coordinating, budgeting and supervising construction projects. | Bachelor's degree | $82,790 |
| Drafters | Drafters use specialized software and design programs to convert designs developed by engineers and architects into plans that be use by construction workers and managers. Drafters may specialize in civil, electrical, architectural or mechanical drafting. | Associate's degree | $49,630 |
| Electricians | Electricians design, install and repair electrical systems that control lighting, and control systems in homes, buildings, cities, businesses and factories. | High school diploma or equivalent | $49,840 |
| Landscape Architects | Landscape architects design and develop plans for outdoor landscapes, including parks, homes, buildings, campuses, and other recreation areas. Landscape architects focus both landscape function and aesthetics. | Bachelor's degree | $64,180 |
| Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that transport gasoline, fuels and other liquids to homes, businesses, factories and cities. | High school diploma or equivalent | $49,140 |
| Roofers | As their name suggests, Roofers install roofs on residential and commercial buildings. The build roofs using a variety of materials including traditional shingles, asphalt, ceramic and metal. | On-the-job training | $35,290 |
| Surveyors, Cartographers, Photogrammetrists, and Surveying Technicians | Cartographers and photogrammetrists analyze and interpret geographic data which they collect in order to develop charts and maps for education and political uses. Surveyors and surveying mapping technicians help cartographers and photogrammetrists collect data and take measurements used to create maps. | Bachelor's degree | $57,440 |
Source: BLS
