The Top Construction Technology Jobs Today
Construction technology jobs are on the rise, and with it comes many positions with high growth potential and salaries. Within the ConTech industry, there are many options in terms of specialties. In this article, we are taking a look at the top 10 jobs in the construction technology industry in terms of salary, career growth potential, employment rate, and 10-year growth volume.
Table of Contents
1. Construction Project Manager
Construction project manager jobs come in at the top spot, usually taking home the highest salary in the construction industry with a median salary of $91,370, or $44.89 per hour. There are projected 44,800 jobs in this industry and a large amount of room for growth in the career and increase salary over time. Construction PM’s job responsibilities include planning and overseeing construction projects, as well as budgeting and scheduling to ensure a project is meeting its deadline. Construction project manager jobs are expected to grow at an 11% rate from 2016 to 2026 and typically require a bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering.
2. Elevator Worker
Elevator installers and repairment come in at #2 on the list because of their exceptionally high salary, making an average of $80,870 per year. Their job responsibilities include installing and repairing elevators and escalators. Working as an elevator installer and repairman is considered one of the more challenging jobs in the construction industry because of the significant repercussions of consumer safety. Elevator workers are required to obtain a GED and have an apprenticeship as well as ongoing training during their career, and have an expected 12% growth rate between 2016 and 2026.
3. Electrician
Working as an electrician is a desirable job in the construction industry because of the consistency and scope of work. With an average salary of $54,110 and a high potential for salary growth with experience, electricians job responsibilities usually include designing, installing, and maintaining wiring and equipment. To become an electrician, you must become licensed and certified, along with attending technical school for training and a 4-5 year apprenticeship.
4. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers take the 4th spot on our list of top 10 construction technology jobs and work in designing infrastructure projects like roads, tunnels, and bridges. Civils typically spend their time in the office rather than on the job site and require a bachelor’s degree in civil or mechanical engineering. Civil engineers can also go to graduate school to achieve a higher earning potential, although an average civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree makes a median salary of $84,770. Civil engineering is expected to have a growth rate of 11% from 2016 to 2026, making it an appealing up-and-coming job for individuals passionate about construction technology.
5. Plumber
Surprisingly, a career in plumbing comes in at #5 on our list because of the high earning potential without a college degree. Plumbing is expected to see a 16% growth rate between 2016 and 2026, and with a median salary of $52,590, it’s easy to see why plumbing is an attractive career for many people. Job responsibilities of plumbers include installing and repairing water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and appliances for residential and commercial projects. Plumbing also has the benefit of a steady income stream when compared to other construction jobs, as a large part of the job is service maintenance. To become a plumber, you must complete a licensing and certification, as well as a 4-5 year apprenticeship.
6. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
A career in solar installation is #6 on our list because of the astronomically high projected growth rate of the solar industry. With a projected growth rate of 105% between 2016 and 2026, it’s easy to see why working in solar is such an attractive job. Solar photovoltaic installers can expect a median salary of $34,490, but this salary can rise significantly once a solar installer has established expertise. Requiring only a 2-year technical school program and an apprenticeship, being a solar photovoltaic installer is a career on the rise.
7. Wind Turbine Technician
Being a wind turbine technician is also a career on the rise because of the push for renewable energy and the high projected growth rate of the industry, coming in at a staggering 96% between 2016 and 2026. Wind turbine technicians work to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. With a median salary of $53,880, technicians are only required to attend a technical school with one year of on the job training. The ratio of individual earnings to needed education and on-the-job training makes being a wind turbine technician a popular choice of late.
8. Ironworker
Coming in at #8 on our list, ironworkers work to install rods and beams in buildings, dams, and roads. Ironworkers are essential in building skyscrapers because they install the iron and steel used to support these massive structures. With the rise of skyscraper builds, a projected 9000 jobs are opening up in this industry. With a median salary of $52,610, a career in ironworking is an attractive option for many people looking to pursue a construction technology job, especially with the rise of tools such as BIM and construction management software to assist with the job.
9. Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers, sometimes grouped with HVAC technicians, work to adjust heating and cooling systems within a building. Sheet metal workers have a higher than average risk of injury but are paid well because of these risks. With a median salary of $47,990, a career in sheet metal working is considered one of the more exciting and challenging career paths, requiring sharp mechanical and critical thinking skills.
10. Construction Equipment Operators
Coming in at #10 on our list of top construction technology jobs is construction equipment operators, who physically drive and maneuver machinery on the job site. This career is considered appealing because of the high salary compared to its low education requirements, with a median salary of $46,080. With the rise of software to assist these professionals, being a construction equipment operator is becoming a more manageable job, and the work is becoming more efficient. Construction equipment operators are required to have a GED and can either opt for vocational training or learning on the job.
Conclusion
Construction is a growing industry full of lucrative and exciting careers. There are career options in all aspects of construction technology, from being in the thick of things like a construction ironworker to working in the office as a civil engineer. There are job options at all education levels, whether it be a GED, college degree, or apprenticeships. Construction technology is a vast up and coming field with high growth potential and salaries.
