According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction jobs will increase by 7% in the next seven years. While some people prefer the predictability of 8-5 office jobs, construction jobs take you to the field, where your daily schedule may differ. If you work in a mold removal company, your work will revolve around working in homes, not in an office. Yet, this doesn’t mean you can’t make a worthwhile income and enjoy the job. Discover ten construction-oriented jobs that you can make great money in.
1. Construction Managers
A construction manager oversees construction projects from start to finish. Like any manager, they ensure the construction is completed on time, within budget, and with certain safety and quality guidelines. You’ll collaborate with the owner to set project timelines, budgets, and cost estimations. As the manager, you’ll be involved in hiring and contracting services from surveying to hardscaping.
To become a construction manager, you’ll need the necessary education, skills, certifications, and experience. At a basic level, you can get a degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. Construction managers also need strong leadership, communication, and managerial skills. Certifications such as project management professional (PMP) will help you stand out in a competitive field.
According to Zip Recruiters, a construction makes a median annual income of $98,679, with high-end earners bringing home $153,000. At the corporate level, construction managers work or start companies such as general contracting firms, project management, remodeling, and custom building. Such companies rake in +1million dollars annually in revenues.
2. Architects
Architects are respected individuals who deeply understand planning, designing, and executing a construction project. They’re involved from conceptualization to construction. Donning protective headgear and a pencil, they sketch concepts that reflect the client’s vision. If you become an architect, you’ll be in charge of collaborating with engineers, roofing companies, and other professionals to ensure the feasibility of the design.
One of the reasons architects make great money is because of the rigorous training they have to undergo. Most architects need a Bachelor of Architecture from an accredited institution before obtaining a license. You must pass Architect Registration Examination (ARE) before becoming a full-licensed architect. As for experience, you can obtain it through entry-level positions and internships.
According to Zip Recruiter, you can expect to earn an average annual income of $131 322. Most architects working in firms make great salaries and get quality perks such as health insurance and membership allowances. At a corporate level, architecture firms make revenue in the +1M dollars range, with revenue depending on location and type of project.
3. Electricians
Tradespeople like electricians are highly skilled at one type of construction-related work. Electricians work with electrical systems, wiring, and equipment for proper installation and repair. While electricians can often work on a need basis in a building, they must be present even before a concrete company begins construction. That’s because most electrical work is planned and executed before major work begins.
Electricians require a high school diploma and a vocational school that offers electrical education programs. However, since electrical work is hands-on, most electricians find that the best form of preparation is an apprenticeship, where they learn from an expert in real-life situations. The apprenticeship may take several years, but the result is an individual with relevant problem-solving skills. You’ll need to get licensed after the apprenticeship.
According to Glassdoor, an electrician makes on average $59409 a year, which is similar to the average salary for other jobs in the U.S. With more experience and upskilling, electricians can increase their income to even higher levels. At the corporate level, electrical firms such as Newtron and Quantra Services are making great money in the billions annually.
4. Surveyors
Before any major construction begins, a surveyor will measure and map the land using specialized equipment. They may provide the architect and construction manager with a topographical map and the necessary data for project planning and design. Each project needs a surveyor to comply with regulatory guidelines and property lines.
For one to become a surveyor, they’ll need a degree in geomatics, surveying, or another related field. The school or program must be accredited for you to get a license, and you must pass the licensing exam. Surveying is a deep field; thus, continued education will help you stay ahead of your peers. Working under a licensed surveyor can also help you gain real-world experience.
Surveyors make great money, especially when they partner up. According to Zip Recruiter, a surveyor makes, on average, $70,179. That’s only the median pay—more experienced surveyors earn way higher than that. An annual salary of between $70,000 and $100,000 ensures most Americans a quality standard of living. At the corporate level, companies such as David Evans And Associates and Nv5 Global, Inc generate millions in profit monthly.
5. Heavy Equipment Operators
Have you seen an asphalt company use heavy rollers to make a pave way even? Technicians who operate these heavy beasts need specialized training to manage them safely. They operate heavy equipment for grinding, excavating, rolling, and lifting tasks. Not everyone can operate such machines because inexperience can lead to massive loss of life.
To become a skilled operator, an operator needs training and education through a vocational school, trade program, or apprenticeship. It’s in school where an operator will learn the necessary skills for equipment operation, safety protocol, and maintenance. In most states, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license and certification from accredited organizations.
How much a heavy equipment operator makes depends on location. For example, according to Zippia, an operator in New Jersey makes an average of $65, 211 but the national average is $39 822. To make great money as an operator, you must compare state-by-state compensation vis-à-vis the cost of living. After gaining experience, you can start your own company and rake in hundreds of thousands in monthly revenue.
6. Project Estimators
A project estimator analyzes and estimates the costs of different construction projects. While other professions in a construction project can provide estimates, having a compiled version can help give a comprehensive and accurate cost estimate for materials, equipment, and other expenses, such as hydroseeding services needed to complete the project. As a project estimator, you’ll work closely with project managers, architects, and engineers to ensure the estimates and project requirements match. Project estimators are skilled in construction practices, cost analysis, and industry trends.
Due to the nature of their work, project estimators must have strong skills in cost analysis, cost estimation, attention to detail, and proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Excel. That said, you may not find a specific degree for project estimation. Instead, a construction management, engineering, and architecture degree will provide the foundation you need because each field has coursework on project estimation. You can start as a junior cost estimator and work your way up.
Zippia estimates you’ll earn between $48,000 and $100,000 annually, with the average annual income being $70,000. That means even at an individual level, you can make great money estimating project costs. Most corporates will add cost estimation to the variety of construction-related services they offer and still make sustainable incomes.
7. HVAC Technician
Air conditioning is an indispensable necessity in America, which makes HVAC technicians vital for every construction project. They’re involved in both new construction projects and renovation projects. HVAC technicians are skilled in installing and maintaining HVAC systems at residential and commercial properties. They’re always in demand since they’re needed virtually in every state.
Like most tradespeople, HVAC technicians don’t need a university degree but must have some training. Attending a local vocational school is the most common path, but apprenticeships are quite common. As an apprentice, you can learn on-demand HVAC skills in a real-life situation. Most HVAC companies also hire through internships because they have more control over training. Besides training, some states require you to be licensed.
As an HVAC technician, you can freelance, partner, or get full-time employment. According to Talent, the average HVAC technician’s salary is $58,500 annually, with growth opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of being a technician is the possibility of starting your own company. As an HVAC company, you can rake in great money by taking in more clients and hiring other technicians.
8. Plumber
Few people are considering a plumber until an issue arises. The urgency of the needs makes plumbers some of the most needed professionals in America. They have expertise in managing plumbing emergencies and establishing and maintaining plumbing systems. Before construction can begin, the construction manager will seek the input of a plumber so that the plumbing design starts from the right foundation. Without proper plumbing design, problems such as water leaking into the walls can render a project expensive and wasteful.
Like other tradespeople, plumbers gain training through a vocational school or apprenticeship. Vocation school offers theoretical and practical approaches, while apprentices learn through practical hands-on experience. After the apprenticeship, most plumbers will get the necessary licenses and certifications to get hired easily. However, others offer plumbing services to any contractor who needs them, so they don’t go to traditional employment.
Glassdoor reports that the average salary of a plumber in the U.S. is $57 715 per year. Plumbers with an excellent track record can earn higher by leveraging their reputation. Most plumbers end up starting their firms and hiring assistants. With proper marketing, a plumbing company can grow to employ tens of other plumbers and make great money while at it.
9. Interior Designer
A less hands-on and more creative construction-related job that makes great money is interior design. Interior designers are involved in the finishing phase of construction. However, the architect or construction manager may involve them in the planning phase so that they can have a shared vision of the final project. The interior designer plans, designs, and coordinates layouts, finishes, and colors to give an ambient final look. They may also be involved in hiring tradespeople such as home painters.
Some interior designers are self-taught out of passion, but most go through formal training through a bachelor of degree in interior design. Others go through an associate degree or certification program. Some states require you to have certification, but it’s not mandatory. Interior designers are skilled in color theory, design principles, and computer-aided design (CAD). Also, since interior design is also an artistic field, designers may need a portfolio of projects they’ve worked on.
According to Zippia, interior designers make, on average, $66,607 per year, with highly sought designers commanding higher fees. Some interior designers are also content creators with interesting content that they monetize through affiliate marketing and ad placements. At a corporate level, an interior design firm can rake in millions in yearly revenues, especially those targeting the high-end market.
10. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are highly regarded professionals in most societies, even ancient ones. They’re skilled in designing, planning, and supervising infrastructure and public works projects. While they most work in making roads, water supply systems, and sewage systems, they can also work with residential and commercial construction projects. They may work with an architect, a drywall company, and construction workers in that capacity.
Salary Explorer reports that civil engineers make, on average, $88,700 annually, with salaries increasing based on experience, skills, and project complexity. Some civil engineers work alone by seeking out projects independently, while others work with other professionals. Construction firms employ others as the main engineers. Such firms sign contracts worth billions to build multi-story buildings, bridges, and other large construction projects.
The best part is that there will always be a demand for civil engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of civil to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031. With experience and expertise, you can start your consultancy or construction firm and multiply the earnings severalfold.
To bring it all together, construction is one of the largest employers that make great money. Depending on your interests, you can choose a field that matches your interests and skills. For instance, a project estimator job would be suitable if you have strong analytical and mathematical skills, while artistic people may find architecture and interior design appealing. As with every career choice, it’s essential to know that earnings depend on many factors, including location, skills, and project type.
