Top 25 best paying jobs in building products
The Highest Paying Construction Jobs in a Growing Industry
By researching the different wages provided for certain specialties, industry professionals can not only take advantage of new opportunities but also reap the benefits of higher pay. This article provides information on which construction jobs have the highest pay.
Employment opportunities in the construction industry have been growing rapidly and are expected to continue doing so. The industry suffered significant setbacks in 2020 due to the pandemic, but total construction spending recovered and peaked at $1.57 trillion in July 2021 (12% higher than 2019 average levels). A major contributing factor to this growth was the increase in residential remodeling and new construction projects, which is expected to continue into 2022.
The infrastructure bill signed by President Biden in November 2021 will provide billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects over the next decade. This is good news for construction companies or individuals seeking construction jobs as it will create a variety of opportunities for income generation.
When deciding if a job in the construction industry is right for you, it is important to look into the different types of construction work that are available in your area. In addition, research the average pay rates for different roles in construction to get an idea of your earning potential.
When working on large construction projects, it is not uncommon for there to be multiple construction contractors and subcontractors with various specialties. By considering the different wages provided for certain specialties, industry professionals can not only take advantage of new opportunities but also reap the benefits of higher pay. According to average 2020 yearly salaries, the following 10 jobs are some of the highest-paying construction jobs in the United States.
Why work in the construction field?
No matter what type of construction job you have, you will be able to work with your hands and often be outside. You could build houses, roads, hospitals, bridges, and other structures that are necessary for everyday life.
The construction field offers many chances for professional development. Employers often pay more to have workers certified to handle hazardous materials, operate high-tech equipment, ensure workplace safety, lead a team and more. As a construction worker, you may also have the opportunity to learn a trade.
High-paying construction jobs
1. Elevator Installer
As an elevator and escalator installer, you would be responsible for the installation and repair of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and chair lifts in multi-story buildings. You would need to have the ability to work in small, enclosed spaces and may need to have a license. The median salary for these professionals is $88,000.
2. Pile Driver Operator
Pile-driver operators use machines to drive pilings for retaining walls and foundations of structures. This work is crucial for the success of the project and the safety of workers. The median annual salary for pile-driver operators is around $63,00 a year.
3. Electrician
Full-time electricians must have the appropriate educational training to safely complete the requirements of this position. A state license is required. Electricians design electrical and lighting systems for buildings, outdoor structures, street lights, and more. Tasks include the planning and installation of electrical systems in new structures and the replacement of old wiring in buildings that are not up to code. The growth rate for this position in the coming decade is expected to be around 8%, which is double that of other positions. The median annual salary for electricians in the U.S. is $56,900.
4. Building Inspector
This job requires several years of work experience and a license in most states. Building and construction inspectors monitor construction projects to make sure buildings and other structures are up to code. The median salary for inspectors is almost $63,000.
5. Masonry Worker
Masonry, stonework, tile setting, and plastering are all important finishing touches that give a professional appearance. The people who complete these tasks are known as specialty contractors. Some common job titles in this field include brick masons, block masons, and cement masons. The median salary for masons is within the range of $45,000 – $50,000 per year.
6. Plumber
Most structures require plumbing. The plumber’s role begins in the design phase where they plan where fixtures and internal pipe systems should be located in the structure. When the time arrives, plumbers install pipes and fixtures for systems that transport water, gas, or other materials through houses and other buildings. The median annual salary for plumbers is $56,330.
7. Iron and Steel Workers
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron or steel beams that support buildings, bridges, and roads. They also construct large products such as high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects or replacements. Although this job is risky since it requires heavy metal beams and often working high above the ground, the median yearly salary for iron and steel workers is over $53,000.
8. Boilermakers
This job requires individuals who are able to put together and maintain boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. Boilermakers typically work at construction sites and may be required to travel. The work is physically demanding and workers may be exposed to dangerous fumes. The median pay for boilermakers is $65,350.
9. Sheet Metal Workers
sheet metal workers are responsible for installing products made out of thin metal sheets. These metals can include steel, aluminum, and other alloyed metals. Some examples of what they may have to install are heating and cooling ducts, outdoor pipes, gutters, and flashing. They may also be responsible for roofing and siding work. The median salary for sheet metal workers is $51,370.
10. Front Line Supervisors
General contractors, front-line supervisors, and on-site construction supervisors are all titles that describe the leaders who actively coordinate and direct the work at construction or extraction sites. They are responsible for planning and preparing the day’s work, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The median annual salary for front-line supervisors in construction is $67,840.
Many construction jobs that offer high pay are related to the level of risk involved. Those who wish to pursue a career in construction should carefully consider their specialty and be willing to learn detailed tasks.
Construction professionals and companies that specialize in high-paying roles can set themselves apart from the competition by learning new skills and communicating these skills to potential clients. The construction industry is rapidly growing and changing, so it is important for companies to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in order to maintain a competitive edge.
The construction industry is rapidly changing and evolving due to new technology. This is an exciting time for both seasoned professionals and new recruits interested in construction. Visit the Flashtract blog to learn more about construction technology, professions in the industry, and paperwork and processes used for every construction project.
11. Heavy equipment operator
National average salary: $24.08 per hour
Primary duties:
Operators of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, hydraulic cranes, forklifts and backhoes perform tasks such as excavating ground, paving roads and transporting and installing building materials. A high school diploma or equivalent is required by employers.
12. Mason
National average salary: $24.96 per hour
Primary duties:
Masons are responsible for tasks involving concrete, brick and stone. This includes mixing and pouring concrete for sidewalks, curbs, floors and walls. Furthermore, masons must be able to read blueprints to guarantee that their work meets the contractor’s specifications. In most areas, the only requirements for becoming a mason are a high school diploma or GED. However, some states mandate governmental certification.
Read more: What Is Mason Work? (Definition, Types and Salary)
13. Ironworker
National average salary: $25.17 per hour
Primary duties:
Ironworkers cut, weld, grind and shape metal to form columns, girders, beams and other building materials. They participate in the construction of buildings, bridges and other structures. Individuals in this role also work with heavy equipment operators to deliver finished materials to the correct place on the job site. Most employers only require ironworkers to have a high school diploma or equivalent; professional certification is usually not required.
14. Pipefitter
National average salary: $28.79 per hour
Primary duties:
Pipefitters, also referred to as steamfitters, are responsible for the design, assembly, and installation of pipe systems for a building project’s heating, cooling, and water systems. Pipefitters typically have skills in welding, brazing, soldering, and cementing pipes to ensure proper installation in a structure. Most positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent.
15. Construction inspector
National average salary: $31.22 per hour
Primary duties:
Construction inspectors ensure the completion of projects by approving plans and issuing stop-work orders when necessary to get buildings into compliance with government codes, local ordinances, and the contractor’s specifications. Individuals in this job inspect all components of a building, including the framework, plumbing and electrical systems. A high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient to become a construction inspector, but some employers prefer a college degree.
16. Building Engineer
National average salary: $31.25 per hour
Primary duties:
Building engineers oversee the creation and maintenance of structural, electrical and mechanical components of a building job. They may also analyze budgets and other reports to ensure their work fits in a project’s guidelines. Building engineers often stay on-site after construction to perform repairs and preventive maintenance. To become a building engineer, you will need a degree from a two-year college. To become an advanced building engineer, you will need a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
17. Construction Superintendent
National average salary: $34.78 per hour
Primary duties: Superintendents also coordinate construction activities and ensure that they are completed on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.
Superintendents oversee all aspects of a construction project, from hiring and managing engineers, vendors, contractors, subcontractors and consultants to coordinating construction activities to ensure they are completed on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.
Construction superintendents are responsible for ensuring that projects meet health, safety and environmental standards. It is also a superintendent’s role to keep projects within a budget and on schedule. After a job is complete, superintendents perform quality control and order any extra tasks necessary to finalize the project. Although you can become a superintendent with a high school diploma, most positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Construction work can be a stable and rewarding career. In this field, your labor produces some of society’s most important and useful structures. Many construction jobs require a wide variety of skills. Use this list of 12 construction jobs to help you find a position that meets your needs.
18. Civil engineer
National average salary: $35.08 per hour
Primary duties:
As a civil engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the construction of a variety of different projects. This can include anything from roadways and airports to bridges and power plants. It is also important to ensure that all projects meet environmental, health and safety standards. In order to become a civil engineer, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Although, many individuals in this field also hold a master’s degree.
19. Construction manager
National average salary: $44.37 per hour
Primary duties:
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing planning, design and assembly of most aspects of a job. They set attainable deadlines for a job’s completion and ensure that projects stay within budget guidelines. Construction managers also assign roles to other workers like electricians, plumbers and general laborers and supervise them in their duties. Most employers require construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree.
20. Site Safety Manager
As a site safety manager, you work with occupational health and safety inspectors to monitor a work site for compliance with health and safety regulations. Your duties include monitoring and inspecting the job site and identifying any potential hazards that may result in construction injuries or accidents. You discuss safety issues with project managers, contractors, and other building professionals, and implement all the proper safety and health policies for the site. Other responsibilities include providing health and safety training and informational services for employees.
21. Elevator Mechanic
As an elevator mechanic, you will be responsible for installing elevators, escalators, and electrical walkways, as well as other electrical machinery, such as wheelchair lifts and electrical ramps for individuals with physical disabilities. To keep equipment running smoothly, you will be required to run electrical tests, perform necessary repairs, and advise building inspectors and contractors on maintenance and repair decisions.
22. Cost Estimator
As a cost estimator, it is your responsibility to provide accurate estimates for building and construction projects. This includes estimating the cost, scope, and magnitude of the project. Additional duties include creating a financial overview, summary for development, and contingency plan for the project. You must calculate all factors including labor, resources, materials, and equipment needed for the design and construction. Important qualifications for this role include excellent communication skills and the confidence to present your fully-developed plan to the project management team.
23. Electrical Contractor
An electrical contractor is a professional who works in the construction industry in a vital role. Their duties and responsibilities require them to plan, install, and repair wiring and electrical systems in a building or for an outdoor project. An electrical contractor must be able to read blueprints and diagrams to understand the layout of the wiring and breaker boxes for the project on which they are working.
Larger projects may require the coordination of several electricians and electrical contractors to complete the project on time and within the required project guidelines. Therefore, it is important for electricians to be able to work with a team and communicate effectively.
24. Surveyor
Surveyors provide measurements of land to determine boundaries for property and other purposes. The data they provide is used for construction and engineering projects. They research land records, survey records, and land titles to pinpoint the exact boundary lines of real estate and other properties.
Surveyors use a variety of tools, like GPS and tripod infrared reflectors, to determine the precise location of roads and needed depths of building foundations. They also use their knowledge of geometry, physics, and engineering to measure land. In addition, surveyors establish land and water boundaries for deeds, leases, and other legal documents. If necessary, they also testify in court about their survey work.
25. Elevator Supervisor
As an elevator supervisor, your responsibilities are to oversee service mechanics and repair teams during the installation and maintenance of elevator equipment for either residential or commercial buildings. You are expected to regularly visit clients to inspect elevators for any needed repair work and ensure the proper completion of maintenance tasks and tests.
As the Repair Scheduler & Dispatcher, you will be responsible for organizing repair work and dispatching mechanics who answer night calls. Additionally, you will need to procure any necessary equipment and parts. Other duties include managing employees in any continuing education and safety classes, following up with clients after work is completed, and keeping accurate job site records and maintenance schedules. If needed, you will also provide mechanics with troubleshooting and advanced technical assistance.
What careers involve building things?
Great Jobs for People Who Love to Build ThingsArchitect: average $73K a year. Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. … Carpenter: average $31K a year. … City planner: average $51K a year. … Landscape architect: average $63K a year. … UI designer: average $70K a year. … Visual merchandiser: $33K a year.Great Jobs for People Who Love to Build Things | Career Adviceblog.simplyhired.com › career › job-search-tips › great-jobs-people-love-b…About Featured Snippets
What is the best building job?
Here are the 10 best construction jobs in order of pay:Construction Managers. … Elevator Installer/Repairer. … Electrician. … Plumber. … Sheet Metal Worker. … Carpenter. … Equipment Operator. … Mason.10 Best Construction Jobs For Your Career | BigRentzwww.bigrentz.com › Think Big BlogAbout Featured Snippets
What is the highest paying building job?
1. Elevator installers and repairers ($88,540) With a median salary of $88,000, elevator installers and repairers top our list of highest paying construction jobs. By 2029, opportunities are expected to grow by 7% — well above the average of 4% expected for overall job growth.Highest paying construction jobs working as an independent …www.nextinsurance.com › Blog › ContractorAbout Featured Snippets
What is the highest paid job on a construction site?
1. Elevator installers and repairers ($88,540) With a median salary of $88,000, elevator installers and repairers top our list of highest paying construction jobs.Highest paying construction jobs working as an independent …www.nextinsurance.com › Blog › ContractorAbout Featured Snippets
