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The construction industry is one of those fields where almost anyone can find a job that fits their needs and level of education. You can start low, working as a helper on a site, or you can choose the higher education path and start from a better position.
The good thing about this industry is that, regardless of where you start, you always have a way to advance and improve your position. Plus, the experience and different skills increase in value as time goes by.
Not to mention that you can easily make the switch from employee to entrepreneur without having to change the field.
So, if you’re thinking about a career path in construction, here are some of the best roles to consider:
1. Heavy Equipment Operator
As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of operating (driving and maneuvering) different types of excavators, cranes, bulldozers, steam rollers, and other machines needed on the worksite.
The job is quite exciting and helps you build and develop a series of skills that can be transferred to any worksite, anywhere in the world. Of course, you’ll need specialized training and, in many cases, some type of certification, but the education period is often short (about a few months).
Plus, even though many major worksites around the world focus on using as much automation as possible, experienced operators are still needed for supervisory roles. So this is not a position that will go away anytime soon.
2. General Laborer
If you have little to no experience, you can still earn a decent living by being a jack of all trades. General laborers do a lot of low-skill jobs but also learn a lot while on the site by being in contact with various qualified workers.
Plus, the hourly wage is not bad at all (between $13 and $33/hour), considering the level of experience required. So, this can be a way to make money as a student and pay for your education, or it can be a chance to enter the industry and climb up from there.
3. Electrician
Did you know that the US goes through a shortage of electricians? As the demand for electricity increases, there are more jobs for people who can design a building’s entire network and turn it into reality.
Plus, anyone can become an electrician, as long as they have a high school diploma or GED and take a specialization class (to get officially licensed). The skills and experience are extremely valuable, and you can always move from one work site to another in the country or find a job on a site in a different country.
4. Construction Manager
If you like planning and have good people skills, then chances are you can be a good manager. This role is quite demanding as it comes with a wide range of tasks, such as budgeting, assigning tasks, organizing teams, keeping track of deadlines, and more. However, the rewards are quite impressive, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction.
Which Construction Roles Pay the Most?
The construction worker salary is often subject to debate, with some trying to convince you that the pay is not that great and that it never reaches a satisfactory level regardless of your position. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth since the demand for workers (specialized or not) is high in this field.
Plus, it’s always easy to climb to a better position by applying for a certification or learning new skills. Still, if you’re looking for the best-paid roles, the ones that have a higher level of responsibility are often the most lucrative ones.
Key Takeaway
The construction industry is a dynamic and challenging field that welcomes most types of workers. It also creates great career opportunities for beginners who don’t have the money (or willingness) to invest in long-term education.
Overall, if you’re interested in a job that will keep you active and always learning while also earning a decent wage, you’ll definitely find one in the construction industry!
