A wide range of occupations working on commercial, industrial, private, or civil engineering projects are available in the construction industry.
For many, working in the construction industry is a great way to pursue a career in maintenance and repairs, remodeling, renovations, or new construction.
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You may determine if construction is the right sector for you by learning about the different careers in the industry, what they entail, and what they pay.
The advantages of working in the construction sector, examples of professions in the field, and the necessary skills for the job are all covered in this article.
Why Work in Construction?
Construction is an industry with steady employment projections, expecting 4% growth over the next ten years.
Demand for new houses, infrastructure, roadways, and other buildings creates new and continued jobs in the construction field because of economic and population growth.
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Construction roles vary with education, training, experience, or skills required, though many offer beneficial reasons for selecting one of the career opportunities in this field, which can include:
- Good pay
- Less student debt
- Job security and long-term employment
- Challenging roles with continuous learning
- Variety in day-to-day projects
- Professional development opportunities
- Career and salary growth
- Ability to contribute to communities
- Chance to stay physically fit
17 Construction Careers to Consider
1. Tile Setter
A tile setter covers walls, floors, ceilings, and stairs with various tile materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, marble, terrazzo, or mosaic. They mix and apply setting materials like grout, ensure the proper placement, and clean the tiles after installation.
Tile setters often work for construction companies or masonry contractors or are self-employed.
2. Drywall Finisher
A drywall finisher measures, cuts, and sets drywall panels around mechanical structures, wall frames, or other building elements and can create simple or ornamental surfaces through various application methods and tools.
They apply the finish material and restore or maintain plaster or putty on partitions, ceilings, and interior or exterior walls. Drywall finishers even out dents, apply the desired coating or color, and level off the top layers of a building’s exterior.
3. Quantity Surveyor
A quantity surveyor is responsible for setting and managing the budgets for construction projects. They visit job sites, review blueprints to prepare estimates, and negotiate contracts to secure specific prices for their clients.
Quantity surveyors also complete administrative tasks, such as document detailing, recording project costs, and reconciling project versus company finances.
4. Roofer
A roofer is a skilled trade worker who specializes in roof construction. They replace, repair, or install the roof on nearly any type of architecture, from single-family homes and garages to large-scale buildings like hospitals, schools, or shopping malls.
They know various roofing styles, like gabled, flat, gambrel, or hip roofs. Roofers help customers or project managers choose from tiles, wood shingles, metal, or other roofing materials and coordinate to ensure projects finish on time.
5. Elevator Technician
An elevator technician, an elevator mechanic, installs, assembles, replaces, or maintains large equipment like elevators, escalators, moving walkways, or chairlifts.
They may do large-scale installations, like assembling several pieces of each equipment type at an airport or shopping mall, or do smaller installations, like one elevator in an office building.
6. Sprinkler Fitter
A sprinkler fitter is a plumber who installs, modifies, inspects, tests, and repairs sprinkler systems. They install new fixtures or repair and replace outdated ones by soldering and welding tubes, pipes, and fittings.
Sprinkler fitters also educate the public about the importance of fire prevention, using sprinkler systems, engaging in speaking engagements, and working with community leaders.
Most sprinkler fitters work for plumbing or construction companies, though some are independent contractors.
7. Foreperson
A foreperson coordinates and supervises a crew of workers within their trade, such as masonry, electricians, or general contractors. They keep track of schedules, project deadlines or milestones, deliveries, or supplies and ensure workers do their jobs skillfully.
Forepeople can also work within subsets of the construction field, like hardscaping and landscaping on the exterior spaces of construction projects, for example.
8. Millwright
A millwright handles the installation, maintenance, and setup of industrial machinery and equipment used on construction sites.
They use specialized tools, like welders or hydraulic bolters, to align and replace the individual parts of machinery. Millwrights also move machinery on and off-site.
9. Cabinetmaker
A cabinetmaker reads architectural blueprints and builds the woodwork, cabinetry, furniture, and other ornamental design elements for a project.
They use materials like laminate, wood, and fiberglass to construct or repair pieces. Most cabinetmakers work for furniture manufacturers, construction companies, and contractors or are self-employed.
10. Glazier
A glazier is a construction worker who works with glass installation. From insulated glass that keeps warm or cool air to tempered glass that breaks less, glaziers install or replace windows, mirrors, skylights, storefronts, display cases, or shower doors.
Some glaziers also work with plastic, marble, granite, and other glass substitutes used in construction.
11. Solar Installer
A solar installer, sometimes called a photovoltaic (PV) installer, assembles and maintains rooftops or other systems that turn sunlight into energy.
They read renderings to measure, cut, and bold the framing and solar modules and perform electrical current checks to ensure the system works according to code and standards.
12. Sheet Metal Mechanic
A sheet metal mechanic fabricates and installs thin metal sheets for various construction applications. They fasten metal seams, weld, bolden, and build a support framework.
Sheet metal mechanics often work for fabrication plants, construction companies, factories, and aircraft builders.
13. Civil Engineer
A civil engineer designs and oversees public construction and projects such as airports, bridges, and roads. They research potential project locations to learn about the areas, use software to design structures and present their ideas.
Civil engineers often have administrative tasks, such as submitting permits, managing projects, and preparing estimates.
14. Structural Engineer
A structural engineer is a specialized civil engineer focused on developing structures that withstand pressure, such as bridges and dams. They evaluate existing structures or plans for structures to determine how gravity and lateral loads may affect them.
In addition, they prepare cost estimates, submit permits, and supervise construction. When necessary, structural engineers may advise on the best way to demolish structures safely.
15. Architect
An architect draws plans and designs buildings for new construction, redevelopment, or renovation.
They have high-level design and drawing skills to create safe, functional, and unique designs for projects of all sizes, like housing developments, libraries, airports, government buildings, churches, shopping plazas, highways, and city planning projects.
16. Estimator
Cost estimators have an essential job. They provide accurate estimates for any building or construction project. Estimators must have a firm grasp of a project’s costs, scope, and magnitude.
They calculate anything that impacts a construction project’s finances, from labor and materials to equipment.
17. Boilermaker
Boilermakers build, install, and maintain the large vessels in buildings that contain pressurized liquids or gases. Most boilermakers read blueprints to determine where and how to build boilers inside a structure.
They also maintain and test the installation of these vessels for leaks. Buildings use boilers to generate power or heat but may also be used in chemical storage.
Skills for Jobs in Construction
- Communication
- Physical strength and stamina
- Coordination and dexterity
- Building, engineering, and technology knowledge
- Leadership and teamwork
- Customer service
- Reading and basic math
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Project management
- Safety-mindedness
Wrapping Up
For those who know where to look, there are plenty of good chances in the construction sector. Its future is only forecast to get better over the ensuing decades, given the sector’s predicted growth.
The needs of the sector evolve along with the building. In light of this, maintain constant awareness of industry developments and trends to enhance your market standing and produce outcomes that are of the highest caliber.