The construction industry is an exciting and fast-paced field with faster-than-average job growth projected for the foreseeable future. In addition, some positions only require a high school degree to get started. Below are some of the top growing career paths in construction, energy and utilities, along with their national median salaries and projected job openings through 2030.
1. Construction Equipment Operators
- Projected jobs 2020-2030: 22,200
- Median salary: $49,770
Equipment operators control heavy machinery, from dump trucks to bulldozers. They play a central role in creating buildings, highways and bridges. These jobs offer a diverse range of work hours and are a good fit for those with the ability to handle different weather conditions.
2. Plumbers
- Projected jobs 2020-2030: 23,400
- Median salary: $56,330
Plumbers do a lot more than fixing clogged toilets. These essential workers ensure water supplies work from pipes and large fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, sinks and toilets. Plumbers develop blueprints to plan the placement of where pipes and fixtures should be plotted in a structure. Plumbing is an excellent job for those with strong problem-solving skills.
3. Electrician
- Projected jobs 2020-2030: 66,100
- Median salary: $56,900
The electrical field allows for diverse pathways across industrial, commercial and residential markets. Depending on individual career paths, an electric worker’s duties could range from installing light fixtures and alarm systems to maintaining high-voltage electrical equipment. Some jobs will require more physical work than others.
4. Sheet Metal Worker
- Projected Jobs 2020-2030: 4,800
- Median Salary: $51,370
Sheet metal work is a trade typically separated into three performance tasks: fabrication, installation, or maintenance. Factory workers will be placed in one type and perform the task repetitively. One can specialize in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (also known as HVAC) or architectural, industrial and service sheet metal work.
5. Carpenter
- Projected Jobs 2020-2030: 103,200
- Median Salary: $37,980
Carpenters cut, shape and install building materials for various projects. They’re involved in construction projects such as erecting building frames, roofs and floors and even building highways and bridges. Carpentry is a career with a wide variety of pathways; with experience, one can learn to work with furniture and cabinet building. This could be an excellent career for those who enjoy math.
How to Get Started
The San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Construction Career Jumpstart and Apprenticeship Readiness Program provide the education and support needed to learn the necessary skills and obtain the basic certifications required to start a career in the energy, construction and utility sector. We also offer supportive services to help place you within a union, all at no cost to you.
All data and some content in this article is derived from https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-construction-jobs.