Top Construction Careers for 2020

Construction careers are on the rise because, in this industry, there is a labor shortage. Therefore, there are a lot of job opportunities with growing salaries. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, in 2019, construction employment has increased by 279,000 jobs, and the employment rate stood at an all-time low. Construction is the industry to be in; read more for the list of the top construction careers for 2020.

Construction Project Manager

Construction project managers budget, coordinate, overlook, and plan construction projects from start to finish. Typically, in terms of qualifications, Construction PMs have bachelor’s degrees, and through on the job training, they learn management techniques. But both are preferred for large construction firms. In terms of responsibilities, PMs are responsible for reports on costs, issues, and progress throughout the project. In 2018, the median salary pay was $93,370, or $44.89 per hour. To be successful in this role, a construction project manager needs to have the ability to handle high-pressure situations, problem-solving skills, budgeting skills, and strong leadership skills.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers build, design, and supervise infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and tunnels, and more. Typically, civil engineers work in a variety of conditions and locations because they usually split their time between on-site and in an office. They split time in different locations so they can monitor operations or solve problems on-site. Civils need a bachelor’s degree in either civil engineering, one of its specialties, or civil technology. For intricate or senior projects, they need a graduate degree or certification/license for qualification. Their median salary is $86,640 annually or $41.65 per hour. According to the BLS, from now until 2026, there is an expected growth rate in the civil engineering career of 11%, which makes it an appealing career to look into for 2020.

Electrician

Electricians repair, install, and maintain control systems, lighting, communications, and electrical power. To be successful, an electrician needs to be highly mechanical and knowledgeable of high standards of quality and safety, For electricians, the job expected growth rate is 10% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than most occupations on average because businesses and homes require additional wiring, which requires electricians. The median salary that electricians earn is $55,190 annually. An electrician’s work is maintenance-related, meaning they maintain the equipment and wiring through the facilities in which electricity flows.

Plumbers

Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing appliances, water supply lines, in residential, commercial, or even industrial construction projects. Surprisingly, a career in plumbing made the list of top construction careers for 2020 because of the high earning potential without a college degree. According to BLS, plumbers make a median salary of $52,590, which is desirable when looking into careers because no college degree is needed, just certification, licensing, and an apprenticeship that usually takes 4-5 years. Since a large part of this job requires time for maintenance, a benefit of plumbing is a steady income compared to other construction occupations. Plumbers are efficient in planning and client-first focused roles, which requires a strong mechanical aptitude, and problem solving-mindset.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Green technology is a current technology trend that has been increasing in the past decade, making it more mainstream. Green building is a practice of constructing, designing, and operating buildings to use fewer resources, reduce waste, and overall be more sustainable. To be more sustainable, we want to be more dependent on reusable resources. Solar Photovoltaic installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panels on a variety of buildings’ rooftops. There is a high projected growth rate in the solar industry of 63% between 2018 and 2028, which makes it a desirable job for 2020. Solar photovoltaic installers make a median salary of $42,680. However, the more experience the installer has, the salary can rise significantly.

Elevator Worker

Elevator worker’s responsibilities are fixing, installing, repairing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other types of lifts. Between 2018 and 2028, there is a predicted job growth rate of 10%, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An elevator installer or repairer will make a median salary of $79,780 a year or $38.36 per hour. An elevator worker will need to have a strong ability in analytical thinking, dependability, mechanical skills, and troubleshooting skills for success in this career. Workers can be on call 24 hours a day or work overtime when equipment needs repair. Jobs in elevators, escalators, or lifts are high in demand, especially in stores and residential and commercial buildings.

Wind-Turbine Technician

The wind-turbine technician career is growing in popularity because of the importance of renewable energy. From May 2018 to May 2028, the job outlook growth rate is predicted to rise by 57%, which is much faster than the average occupation. The median salary of a wind-turbine technician is $54,370 annually or $26.14 per hour, according to BLS. Wind-turbine technicians also go by the name “wind techs,” and their job entails installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. Their work is mostly done outdoors at great heights and in confined spaces. Windtechs need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as credentials from a technical school or certification.

Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers made the list of top construction careers for 2020 because of their projected job outlook fro 2018-2028 of 8%. The median annual salary for sheet metal workers is $46,480 or $23.30 per hour. Sheet metal workers install or fabricate products from metal sheets. For example, metal sheet products are air conditioning ducts and heating ducts. Sheet metal workers should possess a high school degree or GED, and an apprenticeship in metalworking or welding. In addition to their qualifications, a sheet metal worker should have coordination, critical thinking skills, math skills, mechanical skills in this occupation.

Glazier

Glaziers install glass in buildings, window frames, displays, skylights, and storefronts. Like many other occupations in the construction industry, glaziers are physically demanding; they are susceptible to experience injury from cuts from tools and falls from ladders/scaffolding. In 2018, according to the BLS, the median salary for a glazier was $43,550 annually. Glazier’s occupation growth is expected to be 11% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Ironworkers

Ironworkers are included in the top construction careers because it offers significant job security, with jobs growing 11% from 2018 to 2028. In May of 2018, the median salary of ironworkers was $52,770 annually or $25.37 per hour. Ironworkers install reinforcing and structural iron and steel to form and support buildings and infrastructure like bridges and roads. Most of their work involves new structures, but they also take part in demolition, decommissioning, and rehabilitating older buildings. To become an ironworker, one should have a high school degree or equivalent, as well as an apprenticeship of 3-4 years and certification in welding or similar trade. Ironworkers require physical strength, stamina, and tolerance of heights.

Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators are in an admirable occupation because of the high salary in relation to the low education requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction equipment operators are expected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028. There is a significant growth rate because there is an increase in infrastructure, which means an increase in equipment operators. In addition, the median salary for equipment operators is $46,990 annually or $22.59 per hour. Construction equipment operators drive, control, or maneuver heavy machinery that is used in the buildings of construction projects. The success of construction equipment operators is valued by great hand-eye coordination, mechanical skills, and physical stamina.

Conclusion

Careers in the construction industry are in a vast up and coming field with high growth potential and salaries. This industry has jobs that require different qualifications, some requiring a high school diploma or equivalent to degrees in engineering or tech fields to apprenticeships. Construction careers are present in different locations; ironworkers, glaziers, and electricians are going to be working onsite while construction project managers and civil engineers can work either on-site or in office.  Moreover, construction careers require problem-solving skills and knowledge of working with materials and equipment. A career in construction is ultimately going to be fast-paced considering the predicted growth rate in the industry.