10 Most Demanded Construction Jobs in 2018

The rise in construction jobs has come with the increase in infrastructure spending. 30,000 jobs have opened up across the country in construction just over the last couple months. Now is the time to consider a career in construction. Here is a list of the most in-demand construction jobs in 2018.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar power is a growing industry in the United States, as such solar panel installers are a needed almost everywhere. Installer jobs are expected to increase 105% in the next ten years. Solar photovoltaic installer positions require a high school diploma or GED and on the job training. And the average yearly earnings are around $48,000 and growing. Solar panel installers are the fastest growing on our list of construction jobs.

Plumber

Plumbing construction jobs are also on the rise in the United States. These jobs are expected to grow 16% over the next ten years and only continue to grow with all the construction projects. Plumbing positions require a high school degree or GED and training that is usually completed through an apprenticeship or technical school.  Since plumbing jobs are on the rise so are wages, the average plumber is making $51,450 per year.

Iron Workers

Next on our list of construction jobs is ironwork. Iron workers install reinforcing iron and steel in buildings, bridges, roads, and more. Due to the increase in construction, iron working jobs are increasing at a rate of 13%. Iron workers use apprenticeships in order to learn their trade, though some learn on the job. And they take home about $50,830 depending on location and years in the trade. With the fast industry growth, iron working is a good career for those that don’t mind heights.

Masonry Worker

Masonry workers, or masons, are the ones that lay bricks, stones, concrete blocks, and other stone-like material to build walls, fences, and other structures. Most masons learn through an apprentice program or on the job and hold a high school diploma. Masonry jobs are expected to grow by 12% over the next decade, leaving workers with lots of opportunities. The average pay is $41,330 per year but should continue to grow with the construction industry.

Construction Laborer

Since construction projects are growing, so is the need for general construction laborers. These laborers perform many of the physical labor on construction sites. Construction labor jobs require short training on the job and are a great start for those interested in construction. These jobs are expected to grow 12% over the next decade providing lots of experience and opportunities for those interested. The average pay is $15.49 per hour, but with many jobs going into overtime laborers can take home more.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

The recent increase in elevator installation is spurring a need for more installers and repairers. Some elevator repairers can be on call for 24 hours, and often have to work in crawl spaces or at great heights. However, this job has a 12% growth rate, and many make $37.93 an hour, not including overtime. Anyone interested in elevator installation and repair will have to go through an apprenticeship, and most states require licenses for workers.

Construction Manager

Since the rise in construction projects, there is an increased need for construction managers. Their job is a mixture of office and field work, since they plan, coordinate, budget and supervise projects from their beginning. Construction managers often have a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering or another construction related field and some on the job training. Or they have many years of construction experience. As a whole, construction managers are experiencing an 11% growth rate and make around $89,300 a year, making them one of the best paying construction jobs.

Glazier

Glaziers install glass into storefronts, buildings, skylights, windows, and more. As buildings move to incorporate more glass and natural light glaziers are seeing an expected 11% growth in jobs for the next 10 years. Like many construction jobs, those interested in becoming a glazier should have a high school diploma or GED. And can expect to learn the trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job-training. The average pay for glaziers is around $41,920 a year.

Roofer

With the rise in construction projects comes a rise in the need for roofers. Roofers, of course, install, replace, and repair roofs. Roofing doesn’t require any formal education credential and can be learned entirely through on-the-job training. The industry is expecting an 11% increase in roofing jobs over the next several years with roofers take home $37,760 on average.

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers fabricate all products made from the thin metal sheets. Many sheet metal workers have their high school diploma or GED and learn their trade through apprenticeships. Metal working jobs have an expected 10% growth rate for the next decade, making sheet metal workers valuable. And sheet metal workers make an average $46,940 per year.