Salary Paid for a Construction Technician
Construction technicians, also known as inspectors, examine buildings, roads, bridges and other construction projects to ensure they meet building codes, government regulations and project specifications. They may be involved from the planning stages, or perform periodic inspections on completed structures. The salary paid for construction technicians depends on their employers and the location of the job.
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Types
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Because construction can encompass many specialties, construction technicians can also specialize. Home inspectors examine homes to ensure they meet acceptable standards. Many prospective buyers require such inspections as a condition of the sale. Electrical inspectors ensure the electrical systems work correctly and safely. Mechanical inspectors examine heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, while plumbing inspectors check that piping systems for water and gas are safe and efficient. Public works inspectors ensure that government constructions meet detailed contract specifications.
Education
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Depending on the level of inspection required, construction technicians may need only a high school diploma and receive most of their training on the job. However, many employers prefer those with college coursework in construction technology, building inspection and home inspection, and some experience. Many community colleges and technical institutes offer certificates and associate degrees in building inspection technology. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees can often use their education to substitute for required experience. Many jurisdictions also mandate a license or certification as a construction technician. This requires the appropriate education and passing a state-approved examination.
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Salaries
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of May 2010, the salary paid for construction technicians was a mean of $26.11 per hour or $54,320 per year, with lows at $15.37 per hour or $31,970, and highs at $38.97 per hour or $81,050 per year. More than 47 percent worked for local government, where the mean is close to the average at $26.31 per hour or $54,730 per year. The highest salaries were with electrical power generation, transmission and distribution at a mean $33.45 per hour or $69,580 per year.
States
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The states with the most work for construction technicians also had the largest populations in the U.S. California topped the list with 10 percent of the jobs and the mean at $33.78 per hour or $70,260 per year. New York ranked second with seven percent at $26.50 per hour or $55,120, and Texas was third with slightly lower percentages and pay at $25.13 per hour or $52,260 per year. The state with the best wages was the District of Columbia, with the mean at $39.23 per hour or $81,610 per year, followed by California and then Nevada at a mean $33.71 per hour or $70,120 per year.
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References
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