If you’re interested in investigating careers in construction – salaries, responsibilities and options to pursue – you’ve come to the right place. There are dozens of potential careers within the construction field, and we’re going to highlight five in this guide. In doing so, we’ll include all the information in the title of this guide, including salaries, qualifications, and responsibilities.
But rather than giving you a list of the highest paying construction jobs, we’re going to instead focus on related positions that are not as typical. The purpose is to give you an idea how many different ways you can enter the construction field.
If you are ready to find a career in construction we recommend ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is easy to use and is free for job seekers.
Careers in Construction
1. Construction and Building Inspectors
Average Salary: $69,640
Education/Training/Experience Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, plus work experience in the construction field with on-the-job training; state licensing is typically required.
Construction and building inspectors focus on making sure new construction meets local building codes and ordinances, as well as regulations. They may also be involved in enforcing contract specifications.
Inspectors are required to work on site, which are generally new construction sites. But they may also be involved in the improvement of existing construction, such as when a building is being expanded or significantly renovated.
2. Ironworkers
Average Salary: $57,160
Education/Training/Experience Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, though an apprenticeship and on-the-job training are necessary.
Ironworkers are the people who install structural and reinforcing iron and steel for the basic supporting frame of a large building. Their work is commonly used in the construction of commercial buildings, especially skyscrapers.
Because it involves work at high elevations, it’s considered a hazardous occupation. Workers must become familiar with, and take advantage of, safety equipment to minimize the risk of falls and injuries.
They work closely with crane operators, and need to be able to read and follow blueprints, sketches, and other technical instructions.
3. Carpenters
Average Salary: $48,260
Education/Training/Experience Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with an apprenticeship and on-the-job training necessary.
Carpenters work with just about anything in a home or building that has to do with wood or wood-like composites. They can do everything from installing building framework and structures for new construction, to performing repairs and renovations on existing structures. That includes installing kitchen and bathroom cabinetry on a new or existing building.
Though carpenters are commonly employed in construction, they’re equally likely to work in repairs and renovations. And while some work for construction companies and other employers, many are also self-employed.
4. Roofers
Average Salary: $47,110
Education/Training/Experience Requirements: There are no formal education requirements or credentials; roofers learn through on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
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Much like ironworkers, roofers are engaged in what is considered to be a dangerous occupation. They’re required to work at the tops of buildings, though not on structures as high as skyscrapers. They’re responsible to install roofs on new buildings, as well as to repair and replace existing roofs.
As is typical of most construction jobs, it’s physically demanding. Roofers need to climb ladders, carry singles and supplies up those ladders, and spend extended periods of time bending and kneeling. You’ll also be working in all kinds of weather environments, including extreme heat and cold, and even in high winds.
5. Construction Workers
Average Salary: $37,520
Education/Training/Experience Requirements: On the job training; there is no formal education requirement or licensing.
Construction workers are generalists who perform virtually any task not provided by a specialist, like a carpenter, mason or electrician. That can include assembly of prefabricated floors and walls, property set up, property cleanup, and loading and unloading materials for construction. They’ll also be involved in assembling and removing bracing, scaffolding, and any temporary structures on the building site.
Though it may not be a specialization, construction workers may be an entry-level position into higher skilled construction positions. You can start out as a general construction worker, which may enable you to get into an apprenticeship program with one of the skilled building trades.
Where To Find Construction Jobs
If you’re ready to find a construction job, here are the top places we recommend. Before you start applying, be sure your construction resume is ready to go.
ZipRecruiter
There are plenty of job sources today, but the one we like best is ZipRecruiter. You can upload your resume and create a personal profile that will attract potential employers. Once you do, you’ll have access to jobs on more than 100 of the top job boards in the industry. And you can take advantage of all those services free of charge. ZipRecruiter is the best way to find construction jobs in a hurry.
For more information, read our ZipRecruiter review.
Indeed
Indeed is another great choice for job seekers because the platform pulls jobs from everywhere – other job boards, as well as local newspapers and even websites. It’s the most popular job board in the world. It’s free to use, and also provides company reviews to help you identify the employers you want to work for.
For more information, read our Indeed review.
Monster
Monster is another popular choice among job hunters. Under the setup they offer, your resume will be available to potential employers who advertise and search on the platform. The site is also strong on
information for job hunters, including and especially resources relating to the interview process. Like many other sites, they also offer a salary tool to help you get a better idea of the compensation you can expect in your next job.
For more information, read our Monster review.
If you need more help with your resume, check out our guide to the best resume writing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best career in construction?
The best career construction is the one that will work best for you. But more objectively, certain occupations – like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters – may be more flexible, because you can work in new construction, home and commercial building repair, and even be self-employed.
What is the highest paying job in construction?
The highest paying construction job is construction manager. The position pays upwards of $100,000 per year.
What are occupations in construction?
There are literally dozens of construction-related occupations. That includes construction workers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, construction managers, building inspectors, surveyors, masons, and
roofers, among others.
What is the easiest job in construction?
There really are no easy jobs in construction. Work involves getting dirty, can be hazardous, and is universally physically taxing. But if qualification is the main factor, construction workers would qualify as the “easiest”. That’s not because it’s necessarily easier than the other jobs in the field, but because it’s the easiest to enter.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, construction isn’t just a single career, but many different sub-careers within the field. You can choose whichever works best for you, based on your own preferences, type of work, compensation, work environment, and future prospects.
Once you decide what that career will be, you can begin your job search. Start that search at ZipRecruiter for the fastest results.
