5 Best Jobs in Construction
By 3 min read
Construction is a competitive field with an amazing amount of growth potential. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that construction jobs will increase in number about 5-10 percent by 2024. This means that the industry is growing faster than the average, with average pay about 17 percent higher than the national average. Licensed workers in some positions are in such short supply that your chances of getting the right job after passing your exam are fairly high. Here are the five best jobs in construction, based on pay, demand and reliability.
Construction and Building Inspector
In order for buildings to be completed and approved, a building inspector must confirm that all construction or repairs meet local building codes, zoning regulations, and more. This position requires extensive knowledge of the construction industry, with added experience in various trades. Inspectors may need to have a license to test or inspect particular aspects of construction. To take on this job, you have to be prepared to go to any part of a site, from tight spaces to heights. People experienced in several inspection types are most in demand. By putting this kind of investment into your career, you could get an average wage of $58,480 per year, or more.
Electrician
If you want a job that is bursting with expansion and provides excellent job prospects for those with the proper qualifications, becoming an electrician might be a great place to start planning. Electricians are responsible for installing, retrofitting, maintaining and repairing the electrical components of a building. This includes the power and lighting needed to run individual systems within a home or commercial structure. Electricians are in high demand right now because many skilled electricians are retiring, but not enough licensed electricians are available to replace them. As such, the position of electrician carries a higher average annual salary of $52,720.
Plumber
People who go into plumbing for a career should know that there are over 400,000 active plumbers across the country, but plenty more are needed to meet California’s construction needs. Plumbers install pipework and equipment that carries liquids or gases throughout a structure. Those who also have experience building and maintaining boilers may have more flexibility in the types of jobs they take, as well as their overall pay. Plumbers are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of these systems, which means that they may have to work nights and weekends to solve emergency problems. Plumbers work in a wide variety of environments, and bring in an average wage about $51,450 per year.
Ironworker
Iron and steel are the support materials of buildings, bridges and more. Ironworkers are tasked with arranging pieces of iron and steel, positioning them in the correct places on the building, and connect them together using the proper method. Ironworkers who have a background in welding, rigging and signaling may have an easier start. The job often involves working outside in all types of weather, sometimes at great heights. Ironworkers rely on safety harnesses to avoid falling. As a result, their mean salary ranges from $47,000-$52,000 per year.
Elevator Installer
The life of an elevator installer is demanding, and the compensation proves it. If you’re willing to exchange tight living quarters and being on-call 24 hours a day, you can get one of the highest average annual salaries in the business: $78,890. This particular position is growing at a rate even faster than construction in general, so there are an increasing number of jobs available for people who can meet the strict requirements of the job, and obtain a license to install and repair elevators.
If you’re looking to get a great job in construction, you should know that there are many careers on this list and beyond that will give you the experience you need. To get these jobs, you need the right certification. When you’re ready to see which construction career paths could be in store for you, contact CSLS today!
