The building industry offers more than just another job — you can find a rewarding career and earn a great salary. The top 25% in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there.
If you or someone you know is looking for a new career, don’t overlook a potential career path in construction. Residential construction is poised to help lead the economic recovery. Low interest rates and pent-up demand for homes places residential construction in a position to recover more quickly than some other sectors of the economy. Here are several other reasons to consider a rewarding career in construction.
Competitive Compensation
The building industry can offer competitive compensation. The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions can earn at least $60,000 annually. The gender pay gap is smaller in the construction trades. On average, women in the United States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns.
Supporting the Economy
The construction industry is critical to the economic success of our area and has positive national economic impacts, generating jobs in industries such as manufacturing and engineering. A healthy economy relies on home building, especially when that economy is in recovery. As a member of the construction industry, you will be contributing to the economic success of your community.
Staying Safe on the Job Site
The health and safety of construction workers is always a top priority in the construction industry. Employers are dedicated to preventing worker exposure to coronavirus and educating employees on what protective measures can be taken on the jobsite. The use of personal protective equipment is common on the job site as well as established cleaning and disinfecting procedures outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Support is Available to Launch a Career
Resources are available to help individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the construction industry. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has developed some great resources to learn more about various trades. There are opportunities in area high schools, community colleges and universities to explore construction careers…as well as on-the-job training with local employers. Below are a few examples of the resources available.
Carpenters: $52,850
Average National Wage
8% Growth through 2028
Carpenters are needed in all areas of construction and are often employed through the entire construction process. Thus, it is one of the most secure jobs within the industry.
In the carpentry trade you will learn to:
- Frame floors, walls, ceilings and roofs
- Build concrete forms
- Apply plywood, roof paper and shingles
- Build and set cabinets and countertops
- Install doors, windows, trim and siding
- Install floor joists, rafters and trusses
- Lay wood flooring
- Operate table saws, power drills, routers, joiners, planers and nail guns
Electrician: $60,370
Average National Wage
10% Growth through 2028
Modern life would not be possible without electricians. If you like to know how electric currents make things work, then this is the trade for you. Qualified electricians are always in demand.
In the electrical trade you will learn to:
- Cut, bend and install metal conduits and wiring
- Hook up electrical appliances
- Install electrical switches and lighting fixtures
- Wire door bells and fire alarms
- Repair power cords and plugs
- Use equipment for testing circuitry
- Safely handle power tools
- Ensure work is done according to relevant codes
HVACR: $51,420
Average National Wage
13% Growth through 2028
Install or repair heating, ventilation, and central air conditioning or refrigeration (HVACR) systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces and heating stoves.
In the HVACR trade you will learn:
- How to maintain, repair and diagnose equipment related to HVACR technology
- Energy auditing Green alternatives
- Air conditioning design and layout
- Refrigerant systems
- System charging and system evacuation
- Water treatment
- Boiler operation and safety
Learn more about the opportunities to start building a career in these and other popular trades by visiting the NAHB Careers in Construction page.
Utilize the GBA website for local resources…builders, remodelers, suppliers, skilled trades…to reach out to regarding career opportunities. We have launched an online Jobs Portal as a local resource for job postings within the construction industry.
As you talk with others in the industry…learn more about why construction is a great career choice!