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.