Construction management experts are in charge of various construction-related tasks. These experts assist in making sure projects are completed on schedule by construction crews. You might choose the one that best suits your goals and interests by learning about all the careers available in construction management. In this post, we identify the best careers in construction management and examine their salaries.
What is Construction Management?
The process of supervising a construction project is known as construction management. Professionals in this industry can fill a wide range of positions associated with various construction-related stages. They could oversee a construction crew, help organize the first designs, and set project budgets and deadlines.
They work to develop new streets, bridges, homes, and office buildings during various construction stages. These management roles are positions of leadership. Most people in these professions have specialized training, degrees, or work experience that aids them in managing construction project teams.
Careers in Construction Management
Roles that play an important part in building the structures in our cities and towns are included on this list of the Best careers in Construction management. Construction managers, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and electricians are required to create new structures and renovate old ones.
Consider the following careers if you are interested in a position in construction management:
#1. Field Engineer
National average salary: $71,090 per year
An expert who fixes issues and evaluates project efficiency is a field engineer. They have a wide range of specialization options, including building. Construction field engineers can consult with clients and the engineering team on the requirements of a project, assist in developing fresh ideas for substantial projects, and evaluate the systems and building process. To increase effectiveness, they could also examine the materials and offer suggestions.
#2. Construction Superintendent
National average salary: $77,703 per year
A project’s daily activities are under the control of a construction superintendent. They frequently monitor construction projects on job sites. Writing cost estimates for the project, making work schedules for the team members, and keeping an eye on the development of the building are often among their duties. To make sure it complies with safety standards, they could also examine the building’s quality.
#3. Sustainability Consultant
National average salary: $78,655 per year
Environmental specialists known as sustainability consultants assess the energy usage of businesses and offer recommendations. They might contribute to the creation of ecologically friendly structures while the project is being built. They might counsel clients on environmentally friendly options, look into current building practices, and assess building materials.
#4. Construction Manager
National average salary: $78,965 per year
Construction managers are experts who supervise the building stage of a project. They might be in charge of ordering supplies, placing material orders, and overseeing the workers on the construction team. They also analyze local laws and regulations to make sure the crew constructs the project safely. Also, they could also bargain costs with subcontractors and provide updates to the client or project owner.
#5. Construction Project Manager
National average salary: $81,358 per year
A construction project manager is in charge of overseeing a building project at every level, from the preliminary design through the finished result. Their responsibilities include working with clients to establish project deadlines, handling a project budget, selecting team members, and keeping an eye on development. Additionally, they could create budgets for every aspect of a project, such as the price of the land and marketing.
#6. Site Engineer
National average salary: $87,953 per year
A site engineer is a specialist who oversees specific phases of the building process. Their responsibilities include working with land surveyors, examining the building plans, and making sure the construction project complies with safety guidelines and requirements. Additionally, they might offer clients advice on project designs and job site locations.
#7. General Contractor
National average salary: $88,293 per year
A construction team is managed by general contractors, who are industry experts. They might take on residential or industrial construction projects. Depending on the scope of the project, their roles might vary. Still, typical ones include overseeing a team of experts on the job site and making sure a building complies with local safety regulations.
#8. Construction Project Director
National average salary: $92,210 per year
A manager of significant construction projects is a construction project director. All teams and departments, including those led by other construction managers, are under their management. Their responsibilities may also include assigning assignments to various project teams and breaking large projects down into smaller milestones.
Best Careers in Construction
Working in the construction industry has several outstanding benefits, like job security, high economic demand, fantastic professional growth prospects, and frequently greater earnings than the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 10% increase in employment in the construction sector over the next 10 years, and the sector is rife with opportunities. Jobs in this area are particularly appealing to job seekers because of their competitive perks and salary, interesting work, and low entry hurdles.
Here are the 10 best careers in construction in order of pay:
#1. Construction Managers
According to research from U.S. News, construction management is not only regarded as one of the greatest careers in the sector but is also one of the best jobs in the nation.
Average Salary
Construction managers typically earn the highest salaries in the sector due to the duties that are demanded of them. A construction manager typically makes $93,370 per year, or $44.89 per hour, according to the BLS.
#2. Elevator Installer/Repairer
The need for elevator installers grows along with the opening of new stores and the completion of residential and commercial development projects. Over ten years, the BLS expects this region to add 10% more jobs.
This, along with the high pay and ongoing need for maintenance and repairs, make this an extremely alluring job path. Here’s an overview of why being an elevator installer is one of the best careers in construction:
Elevator technicians perform more than just installing and repairing elevators, as the title of the title suggests. According to the BLS’s official occupational description, they “assemble, install, maintain, and replace elevators, escalators, chairlifts, moving walkways,” and other comparable devices in buildings.
Average Salary
The average salary for an elevator installer and repairer was $79,780, in May 2018. However, wages can differ based on the industry an installer works in.
#3. Electrician
Being an electrician has many advantages, including the freedom to set your hours, the reported 10-year job growth as noted by the BLS, union benefits, and many more. Because of the variety of the work, it can be both luxurious and thrilling. It’s one of the highest-paying occupations that someone without a college degree may have.
Average Salary
According to a BLS survey, the average yearly salary for an electrician is $55,190, but the top 10 percent made almost $94,620.
#4. Plumber
Anyone who has ever experienced low water pressure, a leaky faucet, or an offensive odor can understand why the plumbing industry is still in such high demand. The BLS anticipates a 14% increase in demand for plumbers over the next ten years.
Average Salary
The BLS reports that the average plumber makes $53,910 a year, however, the bottom 10% can earn as little as $32,100. Nevertheless, plumbers are among the top 10 highest-paying occupations one can hold without a college degree, according to U.S. News.
#5. Sheet Metal Worker
The construction of structures for the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors is expected to increase by about 8% in the next ten years. Because of this and the fact that workers frequently change positions, there is a lot of work available at a great rate for this position.
Average Salary
Sheet metal workers enjoy some of the highest pay among blue-collar workers with an average salary of $48,460 or the equivalent of $23.30 an hour. Depending on characteristics including project kind and location, pay in this industry varies considerably; in 2018, the highest-earning 10% made over $86,200, while the lowest 10% earned less than $27,780.
#6. Carpenter
The building industry’s equivalent of a jack of all trades is the carpenter. Over the next ten years, this type of job is expected to grow at an estimated eight percent annual rate due to an aging workforce, growing interest in prefabricated homes, and other factors.
Average Salary
According to the BLS, a carpenter makes an average pay of $46,590. However, salaries will vary depending on specialties and industries. For instance, rough carpenters typically make $43,600, while a carpenter working on a non-residential project may make $51,260 on average.
#7. Equipment Operator
Even though automated construction equipment may appear to be a threat to machine operators, heavy equipment operators are still required at these sites to oversee, manage, and work alongside these machines.
Average Salary
A construction equipment operator is one of the top-paying careers one may have without a degree, according to U.S. News. According to the BLS, the median pay for operators of construction equipment is $46,990.
#8. Mason
Concrete has been the most widely utilized material for construction since the Roman era. Future construction materials will feature improved concrete that is light-generating and self-healing. Other materials that have endured the test of time include brick and stone, both of which are quite popular.
Average Salary
Masons can make an average salary of $44,810 or less depending on the sort of masonry work. Stoneworkers usually make around $41,220, cement and concrete masons can make up to $43,500, and brick and block masons can make up to $50,950.
#9. Glazier
A glazier was undoubtedly involved if there is a mirror in a bathroom or safety glass on the top floor of a building. Glaziers play a crucial role in the building industry since they are experts at measuring, cutting, handling, and installing any glass-related product.
Average Salary
Glaziers typically make $43,550 annually, with the lowest paid earning only $26,910 in comparison. The top-paid workers in this field, however, earn $81,950 annually, or a little under double the average salary for the sector.
#10. Solar Installer
A solar installer, also known as a solar photovoltaic (PV) installer, is a relatively recent addition to the construction industry and is expected to expand as more people transition to renewable energy sources as a result of climate change.
Solar installers are ranked in the top 100 jobs in the U.S. by U.S. News as having the number two best construction job, the eighth best construction career that doesn’t require a college degree, the twenty-second highest-paid job without a degree, and the top 100 jobs overall.
Average Salary
According to the BLS, solar installers made an average of $42,680 in 2017. Solar installers in the top 10 percent made over $63,580, while those in the bottom 10 percent earned less than $30,180.
What Education Do Construction Management Professionals Need?
Different construction management careers may have various educational requirements, but these roles normally demand at least a bachelor’s degree. With an associate’s degree or a high school diploma, it might be possible to work as a general contractor or construction manager on smaller projects. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management may equip you for these varied positions if you’re interested in a career in this field.
What is the highest salary in construction?
Most lucrative construction jobs:
- Site Safety Manager. Salary range: $66,500-$92,500 per year.
- Civil Engineer. Salary range: $65,000-$89,500 per year.
- Construction Superintendent. Salary range: $60,000-$89,500 per year.
What type of career is a construction worker?
The construction industry focuses on the ideation, creation, and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Is construction a growing field?
Yes. It is anticipated that overall employment in the construction and extraction industries will increase by 4% between 2021 and 2031, which is approximately average.
What is the hardest trade in construction?
Roofers often experience the greatest accidents and fatalities each year among all construction industries. Furthermore, it is the hardest job, according to contractors themselves.
What blue-collar jobs pay the most?
High-paying blue-collar jobs:
- Construction and building inspector.
- Structural iron and steel worker.
- Locomotive engineer.
- Radio and telecommunications equipment installer.
- Gas plant operator.
How long does it take to learn construction?
Apprenticeships typically last 2-4 years and combine in-class education with practical work experience.
Is construction worker hard work?
Yes. There is a lot of pressure on a lot of construction workers. In fact, according to a poll by StrongArm Technologies, 47% of construction workers currently report feeling anxious at work.
What do construction workers stand on?
Scaffolding is a complex framework made of pipes or wood that enables building contractors to construct and maintain structures securely.
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