Construction and Extraction Occupations
OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION | 2010 MEDIAN PAY | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boilermakers |
Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $54,640 | |
Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons |
Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons (or, simply, masons) use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones to build fences, walkways, walls, and other structures. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $45,410 | |
Carpenters |
Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, and rafters—made from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $39,530 | |
Carpet Installers |
Carpet installers lay carpet in homes, offices, restaurants, and many other types of buildings. |
Less than high school | $36,090 | |
Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers |
Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Using a cement mixture, terrazzo workers create durable and decorative surfaces for floors and stairways. |
See How to Become One | $35,530 | |
Construction and Building Inspectors |
Construction and building inspectors ensure that new construction, changes, or repairs comply with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $52,360 | |
Construction Equipment Operators |
Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $39,460 | |
Construction Laborers and Helpers |
Construction laborers and helpers do many basic tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. |
See How to Become One | $28,410 | |
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers |
Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboards to walls and ceilings inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboards for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers do both installing and taping. |
Less than high school | $38,290 | |
Electricians |
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $48,250 | |
Elevator Installers and Repairers |
Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $70,910 | |
Glaziers |
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, storefronts, and display cases to create distinctive designs or reduce the need for artificial lighting. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $36,640 | |
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers |
Hazardous materials (hazmat) removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, radioactive and nuclear waste, arsenic, lead, and other hazardous materials. They also clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $37,600 | |
Insulation Workers |
Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings and their mechanical systems to help control and maintain temperature. |
See How to Become One | $35,110 | |
Oil and Gas Workers |
Oil and gas workers carry out the plans for drilling that petroleum engineers have designed. They operate the equipment that digs the well and that removes the oil or gas. |
Less than high school | $37,640 | |
Painters, Construction and Maintenance |
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls, buildings, bridges, and other structures. |
Less than high school | $34,280 | |
Plasterers and Stucco Masons |
Plasterers and stucco masons apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions for functional and decorative purposes. Some workers apply ornamental plaster. |
Less than high school | $37,210 | |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters |
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases to and in businesses, homes, and factories. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $46,660 | |
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers |
Reinforcing iron and rebar workers install mesh, steel bars (rebar), or cables to reinforce concrete. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $38,430 | |
Roofers |
Roofers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a variety of materials, including shingles, asphalt, and metal. |
Less than high school | $34,220 | |
Sheet Metal Workers |
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used for heating and air-conditioning. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $41,710 | |
Structural Iron and Steel Workers |
Structural iron and steel workers install iron or steel beams, girders, and columns to form buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are often referred to as ironworkers. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $44,540 | |
Tile and Marble Setters |
Tile and marble setters apply hard tile, marble, and wood tiles to walls, floors, and other surfaces. |
Less than high school | $38,110 |
Publish Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012