BuildingCareers.org | Industry Careers

Industry Careers – Getting Started

Are you in high school thinking about graduation? Will you be seeking employment, looking for technical training, attending community college or headed for a 4-year college or university? What is your unique talent? Want an industry that is financially rewarding, gives you the option of working inside or outside, allows you to join a big corporation or become your own boss? It’s time you explored the numerous career opportunities in residential constriction. There is something for everyone! Take a journey through the sampling of entry/level-one opportunities and discover how you can find success with a career in residential construction.

Boilermaker

Bricklayer

Building Inspector

Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter

Carpenter

Carpet Installer

Ceiling Tile Installer

Coating, Painting and Spraying Machine Operator

Concrete and Terrazzo Finisher

Construction Coordinator

Construction Representative Assistant

Contractors Administrator I – Construction

Cost Engineer I – Construction

Drywall Installer

Electrician

Estimator

Field Engineer I – Construction

Floor Assembler

General Laborer

General Maintenance Worker

Glazier

Grader, Bulldozer and Scraper Operator

Hard Tile Setter

Helper-Brick and Stone Mason

Planner/Scheduler I – Construction

Boilermaker $29,699	Builds, repairs, tests, and maintains all types of boilers and high pressure vessels. Tests for structural soundness and ensures boilers operate safely and efficiently. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Bricklayer $42,130	Applies mortar and scrapes off excess to bricks. Lays and stacks bricks neatly in order to build walls and various structures. Requires a high school diploma and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor.
Building Inspector $47,623	Inspects initial construction and additional repairs to ensure adherence to contract specifications, building ordinances, and zoning laws. May be assigned to residential or commercial structures. May require an advanced degree and at least 0-2 years of experience in the field. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Cabinetmaker and Bench Carpenter $29,349	Sets-up and operates a variety of woodworking machines and uses various hand tools to fabricate and repair wooden benches and cabinets. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Carpenter $35,954	Inspects, repairs, installs, modifies, rebuilds, constructs, and maintains woodwork and other related structures. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Carpet Installer $36,680	Measures, installs, and cuts carpet and rugs. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Ceiling Tile Installer $45,830	Measures, installs, and cuts ceiling tiles. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Operator $28,641	Utilizes a sprayer to apply paint to a variety of products. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Concrete and Terrazzo Finisher $34,437	Creates, smoothes, and finishes surfaces of poured concrete floors, walls, sidewalks, or curbs. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Construction Coordinator $46,224	Coordinates construction scheduling and communication and acts as a liaison to project management concerning bids, subcontracting, progress and delays. May be responsible for estimates, schedules, materials, and purchase orders. Supervises the installation of equipment and components in assigned field. Requires technical knowledge to assist installing contractors. Requires a bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Construction Representative Assistant $34,416	Assists in observing and inspecting construction to ensure adherence to specifications and contract documents. Requires limited technical knowledge and experience in given field of inspection work. Assigned responsibility for overseeing construction work of moderate complexity. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Contracts Administrator I – Construction $43,202	Assists in the preparation, review, and administration of contractual proposals relating to construction projects. Responsible for preparing bids and negotiating specifications for materials, equipment, manpower, or other construction services. Secures all necessary approvals and ensures that standard company procedures are followed. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Cost Engineer I – Construction $45,982	Monitors and analyzes project cost estimates, expenditures, and forecasts. Requires technical knowledge of the construction work involved, and the ability to use cost-estimating methods. Requires a bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Drywall Installer $38,558	Plans, installs, and repairs drywalls to cover walls, ceilings, soffits, shafts, and movable partitions in residential and commercial areas. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Electrician $38,429	Inspects, repairs, installs, modifies, and maintains electrical/electronic systems, circuits and equipment. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Estimator $38,100	Forecasts project costs. Helps determine necessary resources for projects based on cost estimates. May require a bachelor's degree in a related field and 0-2 years of experience. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Field Engineer I – Construction $50,199	Monitors activities at construction sites. Works to ensure construction progresses as scheduled and contract specifications are adhered to. Inspects construction site daily and works with contractors to schedule deliveries. Requires a bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Floor Assembler $24,204	Assembles fabricated parts at floor stations. Tests and calibrates parts and mechanisms to meet tolerances and product specifications. Uses hand tools and power tools to assemble units according to product specifications. Identifies units that fail tests or tolerance levels and repairs as necessary. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. May require 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
General Laborer $25,164	Performs general manual labor tasks including loading, unloading, lifting, and moving materials. Assists a variety of functions with manual labor tasks as needed. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
General Maintenance Worker $29,736	Performs maintenance service and repairs in the areas of plumbing, carpentry, painting, plastering, machine servicing, electrical, or vehicle servicing. Is knowledgeable in the procedures and safety measures in area(s) of specialty. Requires 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Glazier $34,969	Installs glass in windows, skylights, store fronts, and display cases, or on surfaces such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Grader, Bulldozer, and Scraper Operator $35,949	Operates a specially equipped tractor to gouge out, level, and distribute earth. Prepares land for constructing roads and buildings. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Hard Tile Setter $42,796	Covers tabletops or other surfaces with mosaic tile squares to form decorative design. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Helper- Brick and Stone Mason $24,875	Prepares and lays brick, concrete block, tile, marble, and related materials using chisels, hammers, trowels, and other hand tools and implements. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
HVAC Mechanic $36,538	Performs maintenance and service repairs on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Installs new units or replacement parts for existing units according to specifications and established safety guidelines. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Insulation Worker $34,650	Applies insulating material to exposed surfaces of structures such as air ducts, hot and cold pipes, storage tanks, and cold storage rooms. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Land Surveyor $35,686	Surveys and investigates land surfaces to project precise measurement and location of lines, angles, points, areas, and elevations. Performs project research, boundary calculations, and records accuracy of survey data, notes, and sketches. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years experience in the field. May have to complete an apprenticeship, and/or formal training in area of specialty. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Millwright $47,107	Installs and maintains machinery and equipment using hoists, lift trucks, hand tools, and power tools. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to be certified in an area of specialty. May require 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Painter $36,964	Applies and maintains paint finishes on buildings and/or woodwork. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Paperhanger $33,883	Manually covers interior walls and ceilings of rooms with wallpaper or fabric. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Pipe Fitter $40,780	Lays out, installs, and maintains piping systems. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Pipefitter $37,851	Assembles and repairs pipe systems of various shapes, sizes, and pressures. Ensures proper placement and alignment according to blueprints and instructions. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor.
Planner/Scheduler I – Construction $55,171	Responsible for the planning and scheduling of construction work and work crew. Gathers and analyzes information to prepare reports on the progress of projects. Ensures that assignment and scheduling of work follows company policy. Evaluates current procedures and recommends changes to improve the efficiency of planning and scheduling of projects. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Plumber $36,947	Inspects, repairs, installs, modifies, and maintains plumbing fixtures in heating, water and drainage systems. Identifies electrical, plumbing and safety problems applicable to the installation and takes necessary corrective action. Performs necessary clerical duties with job and is able to read blue prints. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. May be required to meet certain certifications in plumbing. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Resteel Ironworker $34,712	Installs reinforcing steel bars, cables, or wire in order to support concrete structures. May cut, bend, and/or weld steel construction materials. Ensures proper placement and alignment according to blueprints and instructions. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. May require 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor.
Roofer $28,341	Covers roofs with roofing materials, such as composition shingles or sheets, wood shingles, or asphalt and gravel, to waterproof roof. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Tool Crib Attendant $32,309	Issues, receives, and stores hand tools and other equipment. Keeps an inventory of all tools, and orders new equipment when needed. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Welder $32,084	Joins, fabricates, and repairs metal and other weldable material by applying appropriate welding techniques. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. May require 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
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