Have you heard that construction jobs pay well? If you have, you heard it right!
Construction is a very lucrative industry, and experienced professionals can earn as much as their counterparts with a college degree, or even more in many cases. It is one of the few industries that you can enter right out of high school, quickly advance through the ranks, and earn a good income with generous benefits.
Main duties of a builder:
1. Construction site preparation
Clean up the site and remove debris and obstacles.
Level the land to create conditions for construction.
Set up fences and safety signs to ensure safe construction.
2. Foundation construction
Dig foundation pits and ditches, assist in concrete pouring and steel bar installation.
Build and dismantle scaffolding to provide a safe platform for construction.
3. Building structure construction
Move and stack building materials (such as wood, steel, bricks).
Assist in installing formwork, doors and windows, and roofing materials.
4. Installation and removal
Assist in installing infrastructure such as pipes and cables.
Dismantle old building structures and clean up the site.
5. Construction site maintenance
Clean up garbage and keep the construction site clean.
Assist in equipment maintenance and manage material inventory.
6. Safety and quality inspection
Comply with safety regulations and wear personal protective equipment.
Assist in quality inspection, discover and report safety hazards.
7. Other auxiliary work
Assist professional workers (such as electricians and plumbers) to complete complex tasks.
Build temporary facilities and respond to emergencies.
Construction workers need to have physical strength, endurance and teamwork skills, which are the foundation of construction projects to ensure smooth construction.
Short-term vs. long-term gains
In the construction field, experienced professionals can earn a good income. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), annual salaries for popular construction jobs include the following figures: (https://tinyurl.com/3d9atv6r)
Heavy equipment operator: $62,910
HVAC technician: $65,341
Structural welder: $62,446
Pipe welder: $70,482
Plumber: $73,320
Picture framer: $52,495
Drywall installer: $54,473
Since these are average salaries, it’s worth noting that many professionals in these fields earn much more than this. Experienced employees often move into supervisory and management positions, where their salaries are even higher. ()
Highest paying cities for construction workers in the U.S.
Finally, the cities with the highest paying construction workers in the U.S. tend to reflect high demand and regional economic strength. The following cities include:
▸ San Francisco, CA
▸ New York City, NY
▸ Boston, MA
▸ Seattle, WA
Tend to offer the highest wages for construction workers. Not only do these cities offer a strong construction market, but they also have a higher cost of living, which employers factor into their salary structures. Workers in these areas can expect competitive salaries, but it is important to balance the high salary with the overall cost of living.
How to Train to Be an Architect
Training to become an architect can be done in a variety of ways. Enrolling in a university course, becoming an architectural apprentice, and learning on the job with an experienced builder are all pathways that will give you the skills you need to become a builder. Choosing to take a university course will also give you the theoretical knowledge and qualifications to progress further in the construction industry. Another option that young people often consider is becoming an apprentice. Choosing this path allows you to earn money while gaining practical experience on construction projects.
You earn more than money in construction
Besides limited earning potential, a notable feature of so-called “dead-end” jobs is that workers rarely get the chance to create anything they can be proud of. While all forms of work are honorable, not all of them produce meaningful results for workers.
Construction work, however, is very different in this regard. When the project is over, you get to see the building, bridge, dam, highway, or house you helped build. You can show it to family and friends. You can be proud of the contribution you made to your community.
In the construction industry, you get to build something tangible with your own hands. That feeling is not experienced in many other professions.
