10 Great Careers to Pursue in Construction

The construction industry is poised to experience 7% job growth through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, data show the construction industry may need to hire an additional 430,000 workers in 2021 to keep up with the surge in demand. That means that now is the time to consider pursuing careers in construction, particularly in your area of interest and expertise. Read on to learn the benefits of working in this popular field, common specializations, and what it takes to succeed.

7 benefits of construction jobs

There are a number of reasons to pursue a career in construction.

1. High demand. There is a major demand for tradespeople today, especially for residential home projects, thanks to limited real estate inventory.
2. Active lifestyle. Not everyone thrives behind a desk all day. If you’d rather be outside than in front of a computer, construction work could be for you.
3. Accessible job training. Most construction companies offer job training and apprenticeship programs to help you gain experience.
4. Tangible results. Whether you’re building homes or repairing roads, construction work gives you the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your labor.
5. Room to grow. As you gain experience, you could grow into a leadership position, such as a construction manager, or open your own business.
6. Collaborative work environment. Construction is a team effort. If you enjoy working with others to complete a goal, then you’ll enjoy this type of work environment.
7. Job availability nationwide. Cities and towns across the nation are building homes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects. You’ll likely find opportunities in construction no matter where you live.

Top 10 careers in construction

There are a wide range of specializations you can focus on in your construction career path. Here are 10 common (and growing) options to consider. 

1. Electrician

Electricians work on electrical systems, communications, controls and lighting. They install, maintain and repair in residential and commercial settings. 

Duties may include: 

• Installing electrical systems and wiring
• Identifying and fixing issues within broken systems

This career is expected to grow 9% by 2030, according to the BLS. Many prospective electricians start their career by going to a trade school, followed by a four- or five-year paid apprenticeship program. In most states, you’ll also be required to pass a licensing exam. 

2. Carpenter

There are many specializations within the carpentry field, from residential projects like building kitchen cabinets to infrastructure projects like building bridges. There are also specializations within carpentry, such as finish carpentry.

Duties may include building:

• Door frames
• Cabinets
• Windows and molding
• Walls and floors

The job growth for carpenters is expected to remain slow at 2% through 2030. However, the BLS estimates there will be close to 90,000 job openings a year in this field. Experience is typically gained through on-the-job training.

Introduction to Cabinetry

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3. Plumber

Plumbers work on pipes and related fixtures in homes and commercial buildings, such as apartment buildings and factories.

Duties may include inspecting and repairing:

• Pipes
• Sinks and showers
• Toilets and sewage lines
• Garbage disposals

Job growth projection is below average through 2030, at just 5%. It’s common to enroll in an apprenticeship program, and state licensing is usually required. 

4. Elevator installer

Elevator and escalator installers place systems and repair existing equipment. Some have to work in small machine rooms and elevator shafts.

Duties may include:

• Reading blueprints for installation
• Building elevator cars
• Connecting electrical wiring
• Troubleshooting mechanical issues
• Performing routine maintenance

The BLS estimates 6% job growth in this field. To get started, you’ll need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Most states require a license. 

5. Construction worker

Becoming a construction worker is physically demanding, but as you gain experience on job sites, there’s the potential to become a construction manager or assume other leadership roles.

Duties may include:

• Preparing construction project sites
• Transporting materials
• Operating heavy machinery
• Building and digging

The job outlook for 2030 has a 7% growth rate. On-the-job training with a construction company is typically enough to gain experience. State licensing is not required.

6. Project manager

Construction project managers oversee every part of a construction job, either in residential or commercial buildings.

Duties may include:

• Overseeing project budgets
• Working with architects, engineers, and other collaborators
• Monitoring contractors and subcontractors
• Checking legal requirements such as building codes

Construction project management is a field with expected above-average job growth. The BLS predicts an 11% increase in jobs through 2030. A four-year college degree is usually required to become a project manager, especially if you want to work on large construction projects. Field experience is also helpful. 

7. Civil engineer

A civil engineer spends time both in an office environment as well as on construction sites. Their job entails designing and overseeing the building of infrastructure systems in the public and private sectors.

Duties may include:

• Designing infrastructure projects
• Creating budget and determining economic feasibility
• Applying for necessary permits
• Overseeing construction sites

This field is expected to see an 8% growth rate over the next nine years. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required, as is a professional engineer license.

8. Equipment operator

Equipment operators use heavy machinery to help build structures such as roads, buildings, and dams. 

Duties may include:

• Operating heavy equipment
• Maintaining equipment
• Reporting problems with machinery

The BLS expects 5% job growth for equipment operator positions. The skills to become an operator can either be learned on-site, through a vocational school, or through an apprenticeship program.

Tips for finding a job and succeeding in construction

Being successful in the construction industry isn’t just about having the right skill set; having the right attitude is just as important. 

“We hire for attitude and train for skill, meaning we try to find the people who are positive, dependable, and adaptable,” says MT Copeland instructor Jordan Smith. “If they’ve got that attitude and there’s a skillset that they need, we’re more than happy to train them.” 

Beyond attitude, it helps to be a self-starter. Show up to the job site on time and ready to work as soon as your shift starts, says Smith. “Things go wrong on construction sites,” he adds, so owning up to issues right away will help you build trust. 

Finally, think about your results rather than the amount of time put in. Push yourself to find ways to work more efficiently, whether through training or researching a new technique.

How to Succeed on the Job

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MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications, like how to build a freestanding deck. Classes include professionally produced videos taught by practicing craftspeople, and supplementary downloads like quizzes, blueprints, and other materials to help you master the skills.