Architecture & Construction

Summary of this Career Cluster:

Architecture and construction workers work on buildings and other structures. This includes highways, bridges, houses, and buildings. You might create the designs or plans for new structures. Or, you might use the plans to build it or manage the workers on the project.

Some architecture and construction workers do skilled trades, like carpentry, painting, or plumbing. For example, you might do all of the electrical work for a renovated office space. Or, you might work as a landscaper and take care of flowers and trees on large properties.

Video Descriptions of the Career Cluster:

Careers in this Career Cluster:

Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to search for more information about the careers listed below:

Architects

Plan and design buildings, including residences, office buildings, and other properties.

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Create computerized drawings of building features to support architectural projects.

Landscape Architects

Plan and design outdoor spaces and land areas.

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Maintain property grounds, such as lawns or gardens, to keep them looking nice.

Boilermakers

Install and maintain boiler systems.

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Build and repair walls made out of brick and similar surfaces.

Mechanical Insulation Workers

Apply insulation to pipes or ductwork.

Millwrights

Install or move machinery according to layout plans or blueprints.

Carpenters

Construct, install, or repair fixtures made of wood.

Carpet Installers

Use tools to make sure carpets are installed properly.

Mine Cutting Machine Operators

Operate machinery to cut along the surfaces of mines or quarries.

Mining Roof Bolters

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in an underground mine.

Civil Engineering Technicians

Use principles of civil engineering to plan and design construction projects.

Civil Engineers

Perform engineering duties in the planning and designing phase of construction projects..

Oil and Gas Derrick Operators

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through drill holes.

Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators

Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil or gas.

Commercial Divers

Work below the surface of water to repair or install equipment.

Construction Laborers

Perform physical tasks on a construction worksite.

Oil, Gas, and Mining Service Unit Operators

Operate equipment that services oil or mining operations.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or more types of power construction equipment.

Construction Managers

Coordinate all the work that is involved in building or maintaining structures.

Construction and Maintenance Painters

Paint a wide variety of surfaces, including walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other surfaces.

Paving Equipment Operators

Operate equipment that is used to apply concrete or similar materials to roads.

Pile-Driver Operators

Operate pile drivers that are mounted on skids, barges, or other structures to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, or foundations.

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Operate mining machines that rip materials from the mine face and load them onto conveyors.

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers

Install and repair devices that regulate and control processes in buildings.

Pipelayers

Lay pipe for sewers, drains, and water mains.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Work with pipelines that carry water, air, or other liquids or gases.

Conveyor Operators and Tenders

Tend conveyor systems that move materials or products.

Cost Estimators

Prepare cost estimates for a variety of projects.

Riggers

Set up or repair rigging for construction or related projects.

Roofers

Cover roofs with shingles and other materials.

Crane and Tower Operators

Operate mechanical cranes to lift materials.

Dredge Operators

Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in waterways.

Segmental Pavers

Lay out, cut, and put into place segmental paving units.

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains.

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Apply wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings.

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Operate a variety of drills during mineral exploration or soil testing.

Sheet Metal Workers

Make or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems on roofs.

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install and fix cables and wires that are used in electrical power or distribution systems.

Electricians

Install and repair electrical wiring in homes and businesses.

Solar Thermal Technicians

Install or repair solar systems that are designed to collect solar-heated water.

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Operate stationary engines, boilers, or other equipment to provide utilities to buildings.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

Assemble, install, or repair elevators.

Excavating and Loading Machine Operators

Operate machines to remove and load loose material.

Stonemasons

Build stone structures such as walks or walls.

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Raise, place, and join iron or steel pieces to form structures.

Explosives Workers

Set off explosives to demolish structures or rock.

Extraction Worker Helpers

Perform basic duties at a mining site.

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Fabricate and fit parts of metal products together.

Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise the activities of construction or extraction workers.

Fence Erectors

Put up fences and gates using hand or power tools.

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles

Apply covering to floors.

Supervisors of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Supervise the work of landscaping and groundskeeping workers.

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Help surveyors keep boundary lines clear in construction projects.

Floor Sanders and Finishers

Scrape, sand, and apply finish to wood floors.

Floor, Ceiling, and Wall Insulation Workers

Line and cover areas with insulation.

Surveyors

Make exact measurements to determine property boundaries.

Tapers

Seal joints between wall boards to prepare a wall surface for painting or wallpapering.

Glaziers

Install glass in windows and other structures.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install, repair, and maintain the building systems that control temperature.

Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators

Operate machines underground to load coal, ore, or rock onto conveyors.

Weatherization Technicians

Perform a variety of tasks to make homes more energy efficient

Highway Maintenance Workers

Perform manual labor to maintain or repair highways and roads.

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the inside of buildings.