6 MINUTE READ • CAREER READINESS

Once you graduate from high school you’ll find a world of job opportunities open up to you in a variety of fields. If you are interested in pursuing a career in construction, your earning potential and job opportunity in the construction field increases considerably. The construction occupation is set to grow 6% between 2020 and 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so going into this field is likely to promise both job security and increased wages commensurate with your experience. Read on to learn more about the top construction occupations (and their median salaries).

11 Construction Jobs for High School Grads

Construction Workers, Equipment Operators, and Inspectors

Construction workers can expect hands-on work that is physically demanding, while equipment operators may work irregular schedules and/or in unpleasant weather. Inspectors require at least 5 years of experience in the field and the field isn’t experiencing vast growth, but they do demand much higher salaries.

What they do: perform the tasks of construction sites; operate heavy machinery in construction; ensure the building meets codes and ordinances
Projected growth: 7% (average); 5% (slower than average) ; -3% (decline)
2020 median salary: $37,080 per year, or $17.83 per hour; $49,100 per year, or $23.61 per hour; $62,860 per year, or $30.22 per hour

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Many hazardous materials workers respond to emergencies and disasters, meaning schedules may vary.

What they do: identify and dispose of harmful substances
Projected growth: 7% (average)
2020 median salary: $45,270 per year, or $21.77 per hour

Insulation Workers

If you are interested in construction work, but would prefer to work indoors, you might be interested in becoming an insulation worker.

What they do: install and replace insulation
Projected growth: 5% (slower than average)
2020 median salary: $45,820 per year, or $22.03 per hour

Glaziers

If you’re not afraid of cutting your fingers on glass every once in a while, installing windows and skylights as a glazier might be for you!

What they do: install glass in windows and buildings
Projected growth: 5% (slower than average)
2020 median salary: $46,080 per year, or $22.15 per hour

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Whether you’re installing elevators and escalators or solar photovoltaic panels, you can expect to be working in cramped spaces and with heights. Construction work related to solar panels is especially expected to boom, given greater investment in green energies.

What they do: install and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; instal and maintain solar photovoltaic systems
Projected growth: 6% (average); 52% (much faster than average)
2020 median salary: $88,540 per year, or $42.57 per hour; $46,470 per year, or $22.34 per hour

Masonry Workers

Despite the decline in employment, nearly 25,000 openings for masonry workers are projected each year.

What they do: use bricks, concrete and stone to build structures
Projected growth: -2% (decline)
2020 median salary: $47,710 per year, or $22.94 per hour

Carpenters

Carpentry is a skilled profession that often requires apprenticeship prior to beginning work.

What they do: construct, repair, and install structures made of wood and other materials
Projected growth: 2% (slower than average)
2020 median salary: $49,520 per year, or $23.81 per hour

Ironworkers, Sheet Metal Workers

Want to work in metal? Becoming an ironworker or sheet metal worker might be a good fit for you. Many learn their trade through apprenticeship, so be prepared to spend time learning on the job.

What they do: install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings; fabricate or instal products made of sheet metal
Projected growth: 6% (average); 4% (slower than average)
2020 median salary: $53,210 per year, or $25.58 per hour; $51,370 per year, or $24.70 per hour

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

As a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter, you are well-equipped to own your own business and set your own schedule. However, many times you are also on call for emergencies

What they do: install and repair piping
Projected growth: 5% (slower than average)
2020 median salary: $56,330 per year, or $27.08 per hour

Electricians

It wouldn’t be unfair to stereotype electricians as workaholics - almost all of them work full time and overtime is common in the profession.

What they do: install, maintain, and repair electrical systems
Projected growth: 9% (average)
2020 median salary: $56,900 per year, or $27.36 per hour

Boilermakers

Boilermakers are not expected to experience great growth during this decade, but will have openings created through the natural lifecycle of the profession, so new boilermakers won’t struggle to find work. Overall, this is an incredibly small profession, with only 1,300 new openings each year.

What they do: assemble, install, maintain and repair boilers or other vessels that hold liquids and gases
Projected growth: -1% (no change)
2020 median salary: $65,360 per year, or $31.42 per hour

These statistics are a great method of exploring the options available to you within a given field or industry. As you come to understand more about what you are looking for in your prospective workplace, let this list guide your expectations related to your earning potential and job growth predictions.

11 Construction Jobs for High School Grads