13 Highest Paid Construction Jobs
Construction is one of the most productive and sustained industries in the world. The demand for construction work is skyrocketing with each passing day and so is the need for construction workers.
Construction jobs are extremely rewarding due to their long-term surety and high economic demand. The career growth is great with higher than average salaries for people of all levels.
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the construction industry will be adding 4% more jobs (higher than any other industry) between the period 2019-29.
If you want to do something new with a promising salary, then a construction job might be an appropriate choice for you. We are discussing here the 13 best highest paid construction Jobs that you can opt for a successful future.
All these jobs have different demands and require different sets of skills. Grab the information and choose your interest.
Why Should You Work in the Construction Field?
Working in the construction field is about mastering a trade. You will work as a construction worker to build something new for this world such as houses, roads, buildings, hospitals, etc.
These highest paid construction Jobs allow you to earn by hand by working at different locations often outside. Working in the construction field will develop you professionally.
Here, you will get a chance to play a leadership role, operate heavy equipment, handle hazardous material, create a safe work environment, or manage a team. You will get hands-on experience to excel in your career.
13 Highest Paid Construction Jobs That Pay Well
Here we are discussing the pros and cons of the 13 high-demand jobs in Canada that you can find in the construction industry.
1. Mason
With the growing population, man needs to make more and more buildings. Masonry forms the basis of the construction industry. A mason mainly deals with bricks, concrete, and stone.
He should be able to read the blueprints and build accordingly. You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a mason. One can enter this field after high school by taking some appropriate training.
Average National Salary:
The average salary of a mason in the U.S is about $44,810 per year or $19.33 per hour, depending on the type of masonry work.
2. Plumber
Plumbers are important in construction work as they map, install and maintain pipelines. They fix all the problems found in the plumbing system. For instance, fixing leaky pipes in the kitchen or bathroom.
The work may look filthy but it is a high-paying job in many countries. Most states require a plumbing license to hire you but there is no specific education requirement.
Average National Salary:
The average national salary of a plumber in the U.S is $53,910 per annum or $25.07 per hour.
3. Electrician
Electricians install electrical systems, maintain circuit pathways, and repair electrical devices. Every newly built building requires an electrician to connect with the power supply.
This is one of the highest-paying professions that you can opt for with your high school diploma. However, licensing is the mandatory requirement to be an electrician.
Average National Salary:
The average national salary of an electrician in the U.S is $59,190 a year or $25.26 per hour.
4. Glazier
These professional workers follow blueprints to install windows and mirrors in new buildings and deal with other glass fixtures.
Glazier works to fill your homes and offices with natural skylight. It is a high-risk job that requires some exceptional skills in measuring, cutting, and handling glass.
The Allegiant infrastructure of modern buildings is increasing the demand for professional glaziers. Although certification is not required, one needs to enter an apprenticeship program.
Average National Salary:
The average salary of a U.S glazier is about $43,550 a year on average.
5. Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers are high in demand in both residential and commercial construction projects. These professionals monitor heating and cooling systems. One should specialize in cutting, welding, and shaping metal to become a metal sheet worker.
Although it is a high-risk job, high pays as well due to these risk factors. Sheet metal workers learn apprenticeships or by taking coaching in different technical programs.
A high school diploma holder is eligible for the job.
Average National Salary:
An average sheet metal worker in the U.S is making $48,460 a year or $23.30 an hour.
6. Equipment Operator
Equipment operators are there to operate heavy machinery used in the construction industry. They operate and control bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes, steam rollers, and hydraulic cranes.
Their main task is to transport building material using these machines. All heavy equipment operators need proper training either in the workplace or in a training school. Licensing depends on the type of equipment and difficulty level.
However, a high school diploma is a must-have to go for this job.
Average National Salary:
According to U.S news, an equipment operator can make $46,990 a year or $19.9 per hour on average.
7. Boilermaker
Boilermakers construct and maintain the large tanks and containers to store fluids in ships and various buildings. These tanks then work to generate electricity and heat. They need to learn the construction and fitting of tanks, valves, regulators, and other such things.
In addition, their job involves testing, cleaning, and repairing already made tanks. It is a high-paying job but not high in demand.
A boilermaker starts his career with a four-year apprenticeship and then gets required training on a job site. They also need to pass a licensing exam in some countries.
Average National Salary:
A typical U.S boilermaker makes up to $31.59 per hour.
8. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and monitor the construction of various mini and mega projects. These projects may include bridges, roadways, power plants, harbors, airports, and many other private or public buildings.
They consider all the aspects to meet safety, health, and environmental standards. A civil engineer follows all government regulations.
Unlike other construction jobs, civil engineering demands a bachelor’s degree (at least), licensing and training certificates, and diplomas.
For these reasons, a civil engineer earns a lot more than the rest of the construction team.
Average National Salary:
A U.S civil engineer earns almost $76,496 per year.
9. Construction Manager
A construction manager basically manages the whole project on the site. He plans the project, assigns the specific tasks to the workers, monitors the progress, updates the client, and ensures the completion of tasks within the project budget.
Construction managers are also responsible for scheduling walkthroughs, arrangement of extra workers, and dealing with emergencies on the site. He makes sure to meet the deadlines.
Most employers will ask for a bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering to hire you for this job.
Average National Salary:
BLS states the average national salary of a construction manager in the U.S to be $93,370 per year or $44.89 per hour.
10. Carpenter
Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades in construction. A carpenter’s work is far beyond just hammering and nailing.
Before making some items of infrastructure, he covers many milestones including accurate measurements, cuttings, and framing of wood or glass.
He deals with simple mathematical calculations to complex trigonometric formulas. Carpenters can be residential or industrial depending on their work.
Most carpenters prefer to be self-employed. You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a carpenter. Commonly, a carpenter learns through apprenticeship or by working as a helper.
Average National Salary:
In the U.S, a typical residential carpenter earns up to $43,600 a year, and non-residential carpenters up to $51,260 each year.
11. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers
With the increasing need for renewable energy resources, demand for solar photovoltaic installers is increasing. Their work includes assembly, installation, and maintenance of solar panels on a commercial or industrial level.
It is relatively a new job in the construction industry but pays very well as compared to many other construction trades.
You can go for the job even with your high school degree but a technical school must be attended. At least, one year of job training is a must.
Average National Salary:
Their average salary lies somewhere between $44,890 to $55,680 per year.
12. Elevator Installer
Elevators and escalators are an important part of the infrastructure of hotels, offices, malls, and buildings. With the advancement of the business industry, the need for elevator installers is increasing.
These professionals install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, or other moving walkways. This job is a little risky as you have to work in tight and bounded spaces.
To become an elevator installer, you need a high school diploma along with a 4-year apprenticeship. This is a good job to consider due to high demand.
Average National Salary:
Elevator installers earn $42.57 an hour or $88,540 a year on average in the USA.
13. Tapers
Tapers are construction professionals that perform the finishing of interior walls before their painted. Their work includes the removal of any cement stain or grudge already present on the wall.
They make the surface of walls smooth to get beautiful paint. Though this is not a full-time job, it pays well when the work is enough.
You don’t need any specific degree to become a taper. It only requires a knack in your skill to progress.
Average National Salary:
A taper can make $28.58 an hour or $59,450 a year in the USA.
Conclusion
Construction is an evergreen industry producing millions of jobs around the globe. Moreover, with the growing human population, construction opportunities are growing at a pace faster than ever before. There are tons of amazing job opportunities with promising and rewarding careers.
There are many highest paid construction Jobs that don’t even require any college degree. Indeed, your skills matter the most. Some are about the experience while some require less training.
If you are thinking of getting into this booming industry, then consider these 13 skills the best ones. We wish you all the best!
The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.