Top Jobs and Salaries
Construction
a rewarding career that contributes to the development and progress of communities and society.
The Field of Construction
In construction, every project stands as a testament to skill, teamwork, and vision realized.
Tangible Results
One of the unique satisfactions in construction is seeing projects come to life. From the initial groundwork to the final touches, professionals in this field can point to buildings, roads, and structures and say, “I built that.” This sense of tangible accomplishment creates a lasting legacy, anchoring their contributions to the community’s growth and progress.
Diverse Opportunities
The construction industry isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It encompasses a vast range of roles, from architects envisioning the future to engineers ensuring structural integrity, and craftsmen bringing intricate details to life. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on labor, design, management, or logistics, there’s a place for you in construction, ensuring that every individual can find a path that aligns with their passion and strengths.
Job Stability
Infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving community, and as such, there’s a consistent demand for construction projects. Whether it’s the development of new housing estates, renovation of historical landmarks, or creation of state-of-the-art facilities, the need for skilled construction professionals remains constant. As urbanization continues and communities grow, the industry offers a stable and resilient employment landscape, ensuring job security for those who choose this path.
Skill Development
Construction is a dynamic field, ensuring lifelong learning for its professionals. With ever-evolving technologies and methods, workers often find themselves on the cutting edge, mastering new tools and techniques. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs offer hands-on experience, ensuring that skills are honed in real-world settings. This continuous development not only advances careers but also ensures that professionals are always at the forefront of their craft.
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Global Market
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According to Statista, the revenue of the global construction industry is expected to grow steadily over the next years. In 2030, it is projected to be more than twice as big as it was in 2020. The size of the construction market amounted to 6.4 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020, and it is expected to reach 14.4 trillion in 2030.
U.S. Employment
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The construction sector employed nearly eight million people in the United States as of July 2023.
Housing Starts
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Housing starts in the US rose by 3.9% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1.452 million in July 2023, a notable increase from previous years.
Green Building
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The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 320 billion in 2022 global green building materials market will reach USD 829.99 billion by 2032.
Labor Productivity
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Labor productivity in the construction industry has traditionally lagged behind other sectors. In the U.S., for instance, it has remained largely flat since the 1960s.
Accidents and Safety
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There are roughly 150,000 construction site accident injuries each year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Infrastructure Investment
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The World Economic Forum estimated that $3.7 trillion would need to be invested in infrastructure annually through 2040 to keep pace with projected growth.
Construction Tech
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The construction technology industry showed resilience in the face of adverse economic conditions across the world as investment during 2022 held steady at around $5.38 billion.
Prefabrication Trends
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Prefabricated and modular construction projects were expected to witness a growth rate of 6.9% between 2020 and 2026.
Youth Employment
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In the U.S., as of 2020, approximately 9% of construction workers were aged 24 or younger, highlighting the industry’s potential as a starting ground for young professionals looking to build a long-term career.
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Job Description And Salaries In Construction
Construction Laborer
A construction laborer plays a fundamental role in construction projects, handling a variety of tasks that require physical labor on construction sites including demolition, site preparation, safety, loading and unloading, mixing materials, site maintenance, and tools and machinery handling.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: High school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is common.
AVERAGE SALARY: $30,000 – $45,000 annually
Construction Manager
A construction manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards. They liaise with clients to define project objectives, cost estimates and timelines.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field. Experience is highly regarded.
AVERAGE SALARY: $95,000 – $120,000 annually.
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer designs, plans, and oversees infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings, ensuring they are structurally sound, functional, and sustainable. They analyze survey reports, create blueprints, determine project specifications, and estimate costs while collaborating with other professionals like architects and site managers.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Licensing may also be necessary depending on the jurisdiction.
AVERAGE SALARY: $65,000 – $100,000 annually.
Electrician
An electrician working for a construction company installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in new and existing structures. They interpret blueprints, ensure compliance with electrical codes, and safely wire a wide range of facilities, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Vocational training or apprenticeship. Licensing is often required.
AVERAGE SALARY: $50,000 – $90,000 annually.
Plumber
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Vocational training or apprenticeship. State licensing is typically required.
AVERAGE SALARY: $45,000 – $85,000 annually.
Surveyor
A surveyor working for a construction company provides precise measurements and analysis to guide construction projects. They use advanced tools and equipment to establish land boundaries, topographical profiles, and site layouts, ensuring that construction work aligns with design plans and legal requirements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree in surveying or a related field. Licensing is essential.
AVERAGE SALARY: $55,000 – $80,000 annually.
Mason
A mason working for a construction company specializes in building structures from individual units, commonly using materials like brick, concrete blocks, and natural stone. They interpret construction blueprints, prepare the foundation by laying out patterns, and skillfully place and bond the masonry units using mortar.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: High school diploma followed by an apprenticeship. Vocational schools also offer relevant training.
AVERAGE SALARY: $40,000 – $75,000 annually.
Architect
An architect working for a construction company conceptualizes, designs, and plans structures that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically aligned with client needs and environmental contexts. They create detailed blueprints, collaborate with engineers and other construction professionals, and oversee the construction process.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field. State licensing.
AVERAGE SALARY: $75,000 – $110,000 annually.
Heavy Equipment Operator
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: High school diploma and specialized training or apprenticeship. Licensing might be required for some machinery.
AVERAGE SALARY: $45,000 – $70,000 annually.
HVAC Technician
An HVAC technician for a construction company installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in new and existing structures. They interpret blueprints and design specifications to ensure optimal placement and functionality of HVAC units, ductwork, and related components.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Postsecondary non-degree award or apprenticeship. Licensing can be necessary.
AVERAGE SALARY: $45,000 – $75,000 annually.
Job Outlooks:
%
CONSTRUCTION LABORER
Expected to grow 4% from 2022 and 2032
%
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Expected to grow 5% from 2022 and 2032
%
CIVIL ENGINEER
Expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032
%
ELECTRICIAN
Projected to grow 6% from 2022 and 2032
%
PLUMBER
Expected to grow 2% from 2022 and 2032
%
SURVEYOR
Expected to grow 3% from 2022 and 2032
%
MASON
Expected to grow 3% from 2022 and 2032
%
ARCHITECT
Expected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032
%
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Expected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032
%
Expected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032
The Future of the Construction Industry
The construction industry’s future is poised for significant evolution, influenced by technological advancements, socio-economic shifts, and global challenges. Below is an exploration of the key trends and factors that will shape the construction sector.
Digital Transformation
The construction industry is increasingly adopting digital solutions, from Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins to augmented reality (AR) for design visualization. These technologies enable more accurate planning, reduce errors, and streamline the construction process.
Sustainability and Green Building
With growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, there’s a push towards green and sustainable construction practices. This includes the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and construction techniques that minimize environmental impact.
Prefab and Modular Construction
Prefabrication and modular construction are gaining traction because they offer faster build times, reduced waste, and often better quality control since components are built in controlled environments.
Advanced Materials
Innovations like self-healing concrete, translucent wood, and lighter yet stronger composite materials will revolutionize construction by offering improved longevity, sustainability, and aesthetic options.
Construction Robotics and Automation
Robotics and automated machinery can handle tasks from bricklaying to 3D printing entire structures, improving precision and reducing the need for manual labor in repetitive or dangerous tasks.
Workforce Evolution
As automation and digital tools advance, there’s a corresponding need for skilled labor proficient in these new technologies. This shift could lead to reduced demand for traditional roles but an increased need for tech-savvy professionals.
Safety Enhancements
Wearable tech, like smart helmets with AR capabilities and exoskeletons for construction workers, can enhance safety on site, reduce fatigue, and minimize the risk of workplace injuries.
Resilience Building
Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters, there’s a growing emphasis on constructing buildings and infrastructure that can withstand these challenges.
Salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, geographic location, industry sector, and the size and complexity of projects. Additionally, salaries may also be influenced by market demand and economic conditions.
Apart from the aforementioned positions, construction offers a wide range of other specializations. Each specialization brings unique opportunities and potential for career growth.
Salaries are just one aspect of job satisfaction. Other factors, such as work-life balance, job security, company culture, and opportunities for professional development, should also be considered when evaluating career options.
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