Good Careers in Construction
In 2010, 6.9 million Americans were employed in the field of construction and, by 2012, another 1 million jobs are projected to be added, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Resource. An ideal career path in construction starts out with a trade school education followed by work as an apprentice. Next, become a supervisor or project manager and eventually become an operational manager, according to NCCER. There are also various fields you can enter that will allow to you to maximize your earnings.
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Heavy Construction
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The field of heavy construction is one of the highest-paying areas in the industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, construction workers in this field earn about $22 per hour ($880 per week). This is above the construction industry's national average of $18 per hour. As a worker on a heavy construction job you might install a utility system, such as a gas line, electrical lines or fiber-optic wiring. You might work building new bridges, streets, or highways, or help parcel out a subdivision. You will work with big machinery, though not necessarily as an operator. There are many positions available in this field that do not require a license to drive construction equipment, including craftsman, carpenters, cement masons and pipe layers or pipe fitters. Heavy construction managers earn the most at about $39 per hour, while maintenance workers and painters earn the least at about $16 per hour.
Commercial Construction
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If you are looking for a lucrative position in construction, you'll want to give commercial construction a chance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Commercial construction involves the building of any type of commercial property such as skyscrapers, shopping malls, entertainment complexes or office buildings. Construction workers on commercial jobs can earn about $23 per hour ($920 per week) on average, with managers reaching about $37 per hour and laborers earning about $14 per hour, according to the labor bureau.
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Home Construction
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New residential construction, while on the decline in 2008 and 2009, is expected to increase again through the year 2018, according to labor bureau statistics. On average, home construction workers make about $17 per hour, with managers earning more and labors, painters, and maintenance workers earning the least amount. New home construction also incorporates elements of heavy construction so positions such as crane operators and other heavy machinery operators are available at residential job sites and these jobs tend to be higher paying.
Specialty Contractors
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To become a specialty contractor you will need to do your time as an apprentice and a laborer or graduate from an accredited trade school program, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Specialty contractors are seen as a midlevel management position, on par with a project manager, and their pay reflects that level of experience and responsibility. Contractors are also self-employed and, from equipment contractors to finishing and trade contractors, can earn between $21 and $23 per hour, according to labor bureau statistics, with managers reaching a high end or the pay scale of about $38 per hour and laborers earning about $13 per hour.
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References
- Photo Credit construction image by Oleg Gribanov from Fotolia.com
