Careers in Construction
FACTS:
- Construction is the second-largest industry in the nation and accounts for nearly ten percent of all businesses - mostly small, privately owned firms.
- Construction today is not just about bricks and mortar or hammer and nails. Contractors use high-tech tools and machinery to build everything from roads and dams to houses and skyscapers.
- According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are careers for all kinds of interests in the construction industry. There is something for almost everyone, from hands-on crafts (mason) to creative types (architect) to nature lovers (landscape contractor) to number crunchers (cost engineer) to high-tech (CAD operator).
- Architects and engineers are needed to design what’s being built. Laborers and skilled craftsmen will do the actual building. Project managers will oversee the work, while account managers and others labor behind the scenes.
- The construction industry has created more self-made millionaires than any other industry.
NC Salaries (2007 Data):
|
Occupation |
Median Salary |
Education Required |
| Carpenter |
$31,300 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Brick and Block Mason |
$35,300 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Electrician |
$35,900 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Concrete Finisher |
$27,800 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Construction Laborer |
$24,300 |
OJT |
| Crane Operator |
$39,500 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Drywall Installer |
$28,900 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Electrician |
$35,900 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Painter |
$28,200 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Plumber |
$35,800 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Roofer |
$27,900 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Welder |
$33,000 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Building Inspector |
$45,200 |
2-year program |
| Septic Tank Cleaner |
$30,900 |
Varies (OJT, Apprenticeship program) |
| Architect |
$72,600 |
4 or 5 year college or university |
| Landscape Architect |
$64,200 |
4 or 5 year college or university |
| Surveyor |
$55,500 |
4-year college or university |
| Surveyor Technician |
$32,400 |
2-year college |
| Civil Engineer |
$68,000 |
4-year college or university |
| Civil Engineer Technician |
$41,000 |
2-year college |
| Safety Engineer |
$66,400 |
4-year college or university |
| Safety Technician |
$46,500 |
2-year college |
| Cost Estimator |
$52,900 |
Varies (2 or 4 year program) |
| Architectural Drafter |
$44,000 |
2-year college |
| Model Maker |
$35,800 |
2-year college |
| Interior Designer |
$43,100 |
Varies (OJT or 2-year program) |
| Machinist |
$33,800 |
2-year college |
NC Salaries by catagory:
Websites for career research:
|
|
