Construction is adding jobs in most states, meaning more opportunities for those hoping to enter a career in the industry. As AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson wrote on Construction Citizen this past week:
“Seasonally adjusted construction employment increased from October 2018 to October 2019 in 41 states and the District of Columbia, declined in eight states and was unchanged in Colorado, an AGC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Tuesday shows. Texas again added the most construction jobs (51,400 jobs, 6.9%), followed by California (34,400, 4.0%), Florida (25,300, 4.6%), Arizona (14,400, 8.9%) and Nevada (12,000, 13%). Nevada again added the highest percentage of construction jobs, followed by New Mexico (11%, 5,300), Arizona, New Hampshire (8.1%, 2,200) and Arkansas (7.6%, 3,800). Construction employment reached new highs (in records dating back to 1990) in Nebraska, Texas, Utah, and Washington.”
Given those numbers, a website called GroundBreak Carolinas took a look at some of the top jobs in the field heading into the new year. Some of those are:
Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers made the list of top construction careers for 2020 because of their projected job outlook from 2018-2028 of 8%. The median annual salary for sheet metal workers is $46,480 or $23.30 per hour. In addition to their qualifications, a sheet metal worker should have coordination, critical thinking skills, math skills, mechanical skills in this occupation.
Ironworkers
Ironworkers are included in the top construction careers because the position offers significant job security, with jobs growing 11% from 2018 to 2028. In May of 2018, the median salary of ironworkers was $52,770 annually or $25.37 per hour. Ironworkers install reinforcing and structural iron and steel to form and support buildings and infrastructure like bridges and roads. To become an ironworker, one should have a high school degree or equivalent, as well as an apprenticeship of 3-4 years and certification in welding or similar trade.
Glaziers
Glaziers install glass in buildings, window frames, displays, skylights, and storefronts. Like many other occupations in the construction industry, glaziers are physically demanding; they are susceptible to experience injury from cuts from tools and falls from ladders/scaffolding. In 2018, according to the BLS, the median salary for a glazier was $43,550 annually. Glazier’s occupation growth is expected to be 11% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Construction Project Managers
In terms of responsibilities, PMs are responsible for reports on costs, issues, and progress throughout the project. In 2018, the median salary pay was $93,370, or $44.89 per hour. To be successful in this role, a construction project manager needs to have the ability to handle high-pressure situations, problem-solving skills, budgeting skills, and strong leadership skills.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineers build, design, and supervise infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and tunnels, and more. Typically, civil engineers work in a variety of conditions and locations because they usually split their time between on-site and in an office. They split time in different locations so they can monitor operations or solve problems on-site. Their median salary is $86,640 annually or $41.65 per hour.
Electricians
Electricians repair, install, and maintain control systems, lighting, communications, and electrical power. To be successful, an electrician needs to be highly mechanical and knowledgeable of high standards of quality and safety. For electricians, the job expected growth rate is 10% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than most occupations. The median salary that electricians earn is $55,190 annually.
Plumbers
Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing appliances, water supply lines, in residential, commercial, or even industrial construction projects. Surprisingly, a career in plumbing made the list of top construction careers for 2020 because of the high earning potential without a college degree. According to BLS, plumbers make a median salary of $52,590, which is desirable when looking into careers because no college degree is needed, just certification, licensing, and an apprenticeship that usually takes 4-5 years.
The full list is here.
