Types of Jobs in Construction
The construction sector includes the ideation, creation and maintenance of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and engineering projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems.
Construction work examples include marking & grading, excavation, concreting, glazing, etc.
Construction is a large employing industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry employed 7,466,000 workers in March 2021. Moreover, employment is estimated to grow 4% by 2029, as per the reports of Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As there are many types of jobs in construction, most of them are projected to grow over the next 10 years, but some have a more solid occupational outlook than others. For instance, employment for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to increase 51% by 2029.
What Types of Jobs You Can Find Within Construction?
Construction jobs come with a wide range of tasks and working conditions, whether it be navigating tight spaces and hazardous heights, or operating heavy equipment in stormy weather.
This sector provides a wide range of job opportunities that involve designing, planning, and project management, as well as doing hands-on practical work.
In addition, jobs on a construction site require workers to possess various skills such as bricklaying, carpentry, pouring cement, putting up drywall, and installing specific types of equipment.
Types of Jobs That You Can Find in the Construction Industry
The following list discusses the types of jobs in construction along with their primary duties and average annual salaries:
1. Construction Manager
Construction managers are responsible for the overall construction management, overseeing projects from the early planning stages, right through to the final result of the construction process.
They ensure building projects are completed safely, within budget and on time. It’s also their responsibility to hire and supervise workers, create project timelines and worker schedules, coordinate daily activities for all workers, estimate costs, report on progress to clients, and basically keep everything in top shape.
Average annual salary: $78,846
2. Construction Worker
Construction worker positions require performing basic physical work like clearing, digging, and building.
Their duties include manual labor such as transporting supplies and materials to the job site, preparing the job site, testing and operating machinery and equipment, measuring and cutting building materials to exact specifications and using various hand tools and mechanical tools.
Average annual salary: $47,993
3. Plumber
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the pipes and fixtures that make up the plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings.
This includes toilets, baths, showers, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers.
They can also install central heating systems but need additional qualifications to work with gas boilers. Plumbers install new pipework, service older systems, identify and fix faults, and may attend emergency call-outs when water or heating systems are damaged.
Average annual salary: $50,501
4. Building Inspector
One of the professional job roles in the construction industry is that of a building inspector.
They determine the structural soundness of buildings and construction projects and look into everything from structural issues, scaffolds, and electrical concerns, to wear and tear and potential hazards.
They ensure that health and safety is being taken seriously across the construction site. They also review plans to ensure they meet building codes, local ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications and approve building plans that are satisfactory.
Average annual salary: $54,343
5. Cost Estimator
Cost estimators are responsible for preparing the budget for building and construction projects.
They typically do this by going to a construction site and gathering and analyzing data about the costs of material, equipment, labor, and time needed to complete the project.
Cost estimators also make recommendations for how to reduce costs and maintain detailed records comparing actual costs to estimated costs throughout the project.
Average annual salary: $68,084
6. Civil Engineer
Civil engineers plan, design, and manage large construction projects. This could include bridges, buildings, transport links, and other major structures.
They use computer modeling software and data from surveys, tests, and maps to create project blueprints.
These plans advise contractors on the best course of action and help minimize environmental impact and risk. They are also responsible for identifying and resolving any issues that occur during the design and development phase.
Average annual salary: $83,398
7. Safety Manager
Safety managers are focused on ensuring a safe work environment for construction workers at job sites by implementing safety rules and regulations that minimize the risk of accidents.
They are responsible for keeping policies up to date, meeting the latest standards, and establishing new ones from time to time as more and newer risks are discovered.
Average annual salary: $72,357
8. Painter
A painter applies paint, stain, and coatings to a wide variety of structures, including walls, interiors, and exteriors of buildings, and bridges.
They cover and protect objects such as flooring, furniture, lighting fixtures, electronics, windows, and doors near the painting area before they paint and uncover, remove the tape and clean their work area when they finish painting.
They are also responsible for ordering paint supplies and mixing the paint and other materials to achieve the desired color or texture.
Average annual salary: $49,840
9. Crane Operator
Crane operators are responsible for lifting and moving heavy materials around a construction site as safely and efficiently as possible by using various types of crane machinery.
They inspect machines and equipment daily, perform routine maintenance procedures and minor repairs as required and initiate additional repair requests from mechanics when necessary.
They also maintain visual and radio contact with ground operators according to best practices and site safety regulations.
Average annual salary: $56,689
10. Carpenter
Carpenters fabricate, remodel, and repair structures and frameworks such as doorframes, counters, cabinetry, rafters, partitions, molding, and stairways in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings using materials made from wood and other materials.
They measure and cut wood, drywall, and fiberglass using a variety of hand and power tools, shaping them for structural use. They may also use cranes or rigging hardware to install or level the framework.
Average annual salary: $45,068
11. Electrician
Electricians provide buildings with energy to light rooms, heat water, and power devices.
They are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical work for commercial and residential projects.
Electricians are trained to install electrical systems and wiring and to ensure that all systems work correctly.
They work rigorously to make sure installations are safe and are up to code. They find source problems and repair broken electrical systems.
Some electricians work with renewable technology or fiber-optics. Others service motors, transformers, street lighting, or traffic systems, or work on engineering projects.
Average annual salary: $59,190
12. Surveyor
A surveyor visits potential job sites before construction begins to inspect the site and measure and record data about the site’s location, elevation, and contour.
They then use this information to compare their data to existing records, draw and update boundary lines, determine locations for buildings and structures and outline the project’s foundation requirements.
Surveyors also present their findings to government agencies and other clients.
Average annual salary: $69,061
13. Ironworker
Ironworkers assemble the structural framework in accordance with engineered drawings and install the metal support pieces for new buildings.
They also repair and renovate old structures using reinforced concrete and steel.
They work with crane operators by moving the iron or steel into the right space by hand and then signal the crane operators to lift and position it into the right placement.
Ironworkers need to know how to read blueprints and sketches to ensure they follow the correct project specifications.
Average annual salary: $55,040
14. Pipefitter
They are involved in designing and assembling piping structures used in conveying chemicals, steam, and hot liquids at industrial, commercial, and residential properties.
Pipefitters use saws, cutting torches, and pipe threaders to cut, thread, and hammer pipes to desired specifications.
They also attach pipes to fixtures, such as tanks by means of clamps, brackets or welding equipment.
They go over a project plan and construction blueprint to fully understand pipefitting requirements. A pipefitter is also responsible for transporting the pipes and installing them.
Average annual salary: $54,106
15. Glazier
A glazier cuts and installs glass for windows, skylights, storefronts, and display cases.
They use project specifications to cut the glass to the required size, shape, and thickness.
Glaziers also remove the old or broken glass before installing the new glass and add a weather seal around the edges of the glass after installation.
Average annual salary: $40,255
The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.