The 15 Best Construction Jobs for 2020
In the wake of the crisis, we find the emergence of greater opportunity in an industry that is hiring — now.
The construction industry’s recovery phase is well on its way. Even with challenges faced pre-pandemic that still remain as well as potential new challenges, the path forward includes many bright spots of opportunity.
We’ve discussed how the post-Covid-19 environment has amplified and escalated the rising labor costs and labor shortages trend. Labor shortages has been one of the major factors impacting the U.S. construction industry.
But even with the hurdles, there’s a silver lining in builder’s and construction worker’s job outlook. Our new environment is fostering changes in what consumers want, need and are willing to pay for; and this will single-handedly affect the need for increased construction development and laborers?
Let’s take a look at the top 15 construction jobs that should be on your radar for work now and in the future:
15. Construction Labors and Helpers
Median Salary: $35,800
Many workers start out with tasks such as digging ditches, cleaning highways, knocking down walls and unloading equipment. As they gain experience and certifications, they provide assistance in specialties such as roofing, structural work or carpentry.
14. Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher
Median Salary: $43,000
Knowledge of the properties of cement is essential, including how variable weather conditions may affect the pouring, leveling, setting and finishing processes. Requires on-the-job training and apprenticeship.
13. Hazardous Materials Removal
Median Salary: $43,900
Hazmat removal workers typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job. Workers may complete training that follows Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Some hazmat removal workers need federally or state-mandated training, licensing, or permits, depending on the type of waste remediation.
Median Salary:$44,180
Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators typically learn their trade on the job. Mechanical insulators may complete an apprenticeship program after earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
11. Glaziers
Median Salary: $44,630
Glaziers typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Outlook growth is faster than average (11 percent).
10. Construction Equipment Operator
Median $48,160
Many workers learn equipment operation on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent, and others learn through an apprenticeship or by attending vocational schools.
9. Carpenters
Median Salary: $48,330
Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships. Faster than average job growth and outlook.
Median Salary: 50,400
Sheet metal workers employed in construction typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Those employed in manufacturing typically learn on the job or at a technical school.
7. Structural Iron and Steelworker
Median Salary: $53,970
Learning through apprenticeship and on-the-job training
6. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Median Salary: $55,160
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.
5. Electricians
Median Salary: $56,180
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
4. Construction and Building Inspectors
Median Salary: $60,710
Most employers require construction and building inspectors to have at least a high school diploma and work experience in construction trades. Inspectors also typically learn on the job. Many states and local jurisdictions require some type of license or certification.
3. Boilermakers
Median Salary: $63,100
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program.
2. Elevator Installers and Repairers
Median Salary: $84,990
Elevator installers and repairers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Nearly all learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship. Most states require workers to be licensed.
Median Salary: $93,370
Practical experience is usually gained through internships, and those new to the field also get practical experience working as an assistant until they’ve learned the ropes to supervise their own construction project. As of June 26, 2020, according to indeed.com, the average salary for a construction manager in New York City is $90,406 with $8000 profit sharing.
Median Salaries listed were as of May 2019 as reported by BLS.
Final Word on the Best Construction Jobs for 2020 and Beyond
The health and success of the economy is inextricably linked to the future of the construction industry. From jobs that only require high school diploma or GED to the highest paying construction jobs requiring a college degree; these jobs are essential to the proper functioning of an economy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a positive career outlook for the construction industry. It has projected an 11 percent growth rate in construction from 2018–2028; it is second to Healthcare and social assistance industry with 16 percent.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Construction and Extraction Occupations) ; US News and World Report (Best Jobs 2020)
Boaz Gilad is Founder and CEO of AMAST Group.
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