Construction workers are currently in high demand. Infrastructure projects happening coast to coast and the need for more housing are two of the reasons for the growth in this field. There are also opportunities in renewable energy. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that job opportunities for many construction workers between 2018 and 2028 will increase at rates that exceed the national average job growth rate. Individuals interested in entering this career field will find they have a lot of opportunities to choose from.
Construction Workers
The BLS projects that opportunities for construction workers will increase by 11 percent by the end of 2028. This is a notably higher rate of job growth than the BLS expects for all occupations during the same time period. Construction workers receive training once hired. No prior experience or post-secondary education is required. Their duties involve cleaning the worksite, unloading supplies and materials, digging trenches and operating construction equipment. As of 2018, the BLS reported that the median income for construction workers was over $34,000 per year.
Roofer
Roofing companies train their staff once they hire them, so it’s possible to enter the field without experience. If you’re interested in joining the roofing business, all you have to do is Google “roof repair [insert your city here]” to find the closest roofing company near you. For example, you could search for “ roof repair Raleigh” to find an available roofing position in North Carolina.
The BLS reported median annual incomes of $39,970 for roofers in 2018, which is a little higher than the reported $38,640 median annual income for all occupations. Their duties involve inspecting roofs, identifying the cause of damage to a roof, repairing the damage, or replacing the roof and installing ventilation. Demand for roofers is currently strong, with the BLS reporting a job growth rate of 12 percent by 2028.
Elevator Installers and Repairers
In 2018, the BLS reported elevator installers and repairers earned median annual salaries of $78,780. The BLS also indicated that jobs for these professionals were expected to grow at double the national average job growth rate. Elevator installers and repairers can learn through on-the-job training. They assemble elevators and other types of equipment, such as escalators. They investigate the cause of operational problems with elevators and escalators and perform repairs. Elevator installers and repairers may also provide routine maintenance to prevent elevators and escalators from breaking down.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
When dangerous materials need to be cleaned up, hazardous materials removal workers ensure the materials are thoroughly and safely removed. Examples include removing asbestos from an old building or cleaning up spilled chemicals. The BLS expects job opportunities for hazardous materials removal workers to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. It also reports that the median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 as of 2018. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers can learn once employed, meaning a high school diploma is all that’s required to enter this career field.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
The demand for natural energy sources has contributed to the job growth for solar photovoltaic installers. These professionals specialize in working with solar panels. They install them and maintain them so that they work properly. The BLS expects jobs for these workers to increase by 63 percent between 2018 and 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing jobs in any field. With a high school diploma, aspiring solar photovoltaic installers can learn the skills needed once employed. The median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 per year as of 2018, per the BLS.
Woodworkers and Carpenters
Working with wood is common in construction. New buildings require individuals who can put up wood frames. There is an ongoing demand for products built from wood, such as the custom millwork in Middletown, PA that customers seek out. These professionals build a range of products based on specific client needs. Carpenters enjoyed annual incomes of more than $46,000 as of 2018, per the BLS, and expected steady job growth of 8 percent between 2018 and 2028. They typically complete an apprenticeship, enabling them to earn a living while learning their trade.