Building Your Career: The 8 Best Construction Jobs You Can Get

In most cases, when people think of construction jobs, they think of construction workers and foremen. However, the fact of the matter is that there are all types of jobs that you can get in the construction industry. 

Are you looking to get into construction? Wondering what types of construction jobs are out there? Here are the top 8. 

1. Construction Manager

If you're a go-getter, you might consider becoming a construction manager. Construction managers oversee every aspect of a construction project, helping with everything from budgeting to design to time management and more. They're the ones who hold everything together, ensuring that the project goes efficiently as possible. 

Project managers can be paid handsomely, sometimes making as much $120,000 a year. Average salaries run around $90,000. 

Note, however, that to become a construction manager, you might need to secure a Bachelor's degree. While it's possible to work your way up through the ranks, it's not as common as it once was. If you want to become a construction manager, you should seek out a degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture. 

2. Ironworker 

Some of the most important responsibilities on a construction site are those owned by the ironworkers. Ironworkers install beams, rods, and other metal support entities, providing buildings and other structures with the strength they need to survive. 

Ironworkers make approximately $50,000 a year and can do so with just a high school diploma. Make note, though, that in order to become an ironworker, you'll have to start as an apprentice and work your way up the ladder. Your time spent as an apprentice will serve as your education, helping you to learn important concepts and safety measures. 

3. Plumber

You can't build a modern building without plumbing. As such, construction companies need to have plumbers on their payroll. 

Note, however, that when working on construction sites, plumbers are responsible for far more than installing pipes and water appliances. They're vital in the planning process, helping to put together blueprints and plan designs. 

Construction plumbers make, on average, around $50,000 a year. You can become a plumber with just a high school diploma. However, you will need to serve as an apprentice for a few years beforehand. 

4. Elevator Workers 

One of the highest-paying construction jobs is that of the elevator worker. Responsible for installing elevators inside structures, these individuals average around $80,000 a year in salary. 

You can become an elevator worker with just a high school diploma. Generally, you'll get a job as an apprentice and work your way up the ranks. 

Note, however, that if you're going to pursue this profession, you're going to have to be able to handle heights. After all, elevators go to the top floors of skyscrapers and other tall buildings. If you can't handle staring 500 feet down into an elevator shaft, this is not the job for you. 

5. Crane Operator 

Another profession you might consider pursuing is that of the crane operator. Crane operators are responsible for transporting tools and materials from one area to another via crane. 

On average, crane operators are paid approximately $46,000 a year. However, the longer you're in the profession, the more money you can make. 

To become a crane operator, you need only a high school diploma. Make note, though, that you will have to work as an apprentice for a few years beforehand. 

6. Electrician 

Another option is to become an electrician. Construction sites need electricians both for the installation of electrical entities, and the design of electrical entities. 

Electricians on construction sites make around $52,000 a year. However, some can make as much as $44 an hour, or almost $90,000 a year 

There are a few different ways to become an electrician. One option is to work as an apprentice to an electrician and pick up important skills along the way. Another option is to take classes at a vocational school. 

Electricians generally need to be licensed as well. So, depending on your municipality, you might have to pass a licensure exam. 

7. Carpenter 

Carpenters are needed on the construction site as well. Not only do they build and install the wooden framework, but they also help in the design process, performing mathematical equations and informing architects on what is and isn't appropriate. 

Carpenters bring home a median salary of approximately $45,000. However, this can fluctuate wildly and is largely dependent on your responsibilities. 

You can become a carpenter with a high school diploma. However, before you can be accepted at a construction firm, you'll have to serve as an apprentice to an active carpenter. It might be a good idea to take some carpentry training courses as well. 

8. Brick Mason 

Buildings are fairly frequently made out of brick. As such, the construction industry has a fairly high demand for brick masons. 

Brick masons can get started with just a high school diploma. However, they will generally need to work as apprentices before striking out on their own. It's also recommended that budding brick masons take a training course. 

In some municipalities, brick masons will need to obtain licensure. To obtain licensure, you will likely need to pass an exam. Additional training might be required as well. 

Curious about pay? Brick masons have median salaries of around $50,000. However, they can make up to around $63,000. 

Find Construction Jobs Now

As you can see, the construction field is open to everyone. Whereas some construction jobs require a college degree and extensive training, others require just a high school diploma and a driven mindset. In short, if you're interested in getting into construction, there is a career waiting for you. 

Trying to find construction jobs? Jobs in Each State has you covered. Our database is filled with construction job vacancies, all of which are waiting to be filled. 

Browse our list of construction jobs now!