The construction industry offers multiple career opportunities for potential candidates. These jobs include designing, civil engineering, project management, and more. To acquire these jobs, you should be tech-savvy, as many companies use construction management software like Bridgit to manage their projects.
Many people think that construction projects are all about on-site work. However, there are many key activities that take place before and after the construction. Each construction activity is a job opportunity if you have the right skill set.
This article will show you different career opportunities available in the construction industry.
Overview of the construction industry
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the US construction industry keeps growing by 7% as projected, creating new jobs. These jobs cover all construction aspects, like:
- Ideation – Conceptualization of a construction project.
- Planning – Brainstorming a construction idea and making a planning document.
- Construction – The beginning of the construction at the jobsite.
- Maintenance – Deploying a post-construction maintenance team at the construction site.
Construction jobs also deal with other professions, like repairing and remodeling existing structures. So, the construction industry is open to you. However, you must have the relevant skills to enter the industry.
Different construction jobs
Here are the eight construction jobs you can consider.
1. Contractor
A contractor either works independently or for a construction company. The contractor’s main role is to:
- Hire subcontractors – A contractor checks the subcontractors’ eligibility and hires a competent team according to the budget.
- Procure equipment – A contractor is responsible for procuring construction equipment, like machinery and vehicles.
- Plan construction – Contractors, construction managers, and the project owner plan the activities in the planning phase.
You must get experience to work as an independent contractor, which you can acquire by joining a construction company. Besides, you might not need an advanced academic qualification to become a contractor. Contractors earn around $38,700 annually, which varies from project to project.
2. Construction manager
A construction project needs different managers for its supervision, one of which is the construction manager. A construction manager manages the construction activities and ensures everything goes according to the plan.
Managing a construction project is challenging because various activities simultaneously occur during construction. That’s why a construction manager must have foresight and decision-making skills to execute a construction project smoothly.
Construction management is a senior-level post and demands at least five years of experience in construction project management. Some companies also need specific skills, for example:
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
So, you must acquire these skills by working with a competent construction manager and observing their professional practices. Construction managers earn over $76,000 annually.
3. Construction inspector
Construction inspectors are usually government employees who work with the local regulatory bodies for the development of residential and commercial projects. They inspect the job site before construction to verify the conditions required by the project development.
For example, a construction inspector might ask the construction manager or contractor to show the soil test report. They also check the ongoing construction and see whether the structure complies with the building development standards.
You must know that contractors and construction managers check the project’s feasibility before submitting the bidding proposal. That feasibility includes how the construction team will follow the construction standards during the project.
Construction inspectors have the right to report anything against the standard to the government, which might cease the project. The average annual salary of construction inspectors is over $42,500.
4. Surveyor
A surveyor is a key construction team member who visits the job site before construction and collects data, which includes:
- Elevation – A surveyor draws a diagram that shows the structure’s detailed measurements.
- Boundaries – A surveyor determines the structure’s boundaries at the construction site.
- Surrounding – A surveyor marks the areas around the jobsite which might be affected by the construction.
The surveyor compares that data with the construction plan and suggests changes. So, you must know civil engineering diagrams to become a construction surveyor. The construction surveyor’s annual salary is around $85,000.
5. Architect
Construction architects are in high demand because of two reasons. First, they are the key players in the construction planning phase as they design the building’s architecture. Second, they can easily understand construction diagrams.
Construction diagrams are the cornerstone of a project as they help the stakeholders to have a visual display of the building. Many construction managers and contractors follow the same architecture during construction.
The main advantage of being a construction architect is you become a part of the senior management where decisions are made. Construction architects earn over $81,000 annually.
6. Civil engineer
Civil engineers bring life to construction projects as they have a diverse set of skills, including:
- Technicalities – They know the technical aspects of a construction project.
- Implementation – They implement the construction methodologies at the jobsite.
- Supervision – Senior civil engineers supervise the construction and guide the junior workforce.
You must work at the construction site in most activities as a civil engineer. For example, you must be involved with the team while laying the building’s foundation. You will learn new tricks that might be different yet more effective than conventional construction.
You must have at least a bachelor’s in civil engineering degree with a license to work as a civil engineer. Civil engineers earn over $83,000 annually.
7. Building service engineer
As the name suggests, a building service engineer is responsible for the building’s internal components, like electricity, heating, and ventilation. They work with mechanical and electrical engineers during the planning and construction phase.
Building service engineers must verify the construction diagram as they are responsible for deploying the following systems:
- HVAC
- Lighting
- Water
Building service engineers earn around $57,000 annually.
8. Consultant
Construction consultancy is another job opportunity that deals with contractors and construction companies. You must have worked in the construction industry for several years to become a consultant.
Remember that companies look for experienced consultants to get the best plan and suggestions. They might also ask you to show your portfolio. So, make a strong construction portfolio by joining a renowned company and participating as much as possible.
The more you get involved, the better construction consultant you become. Construction consultants earn over $83,000 annually, which varies with experience and project type.
Conclusion
Many construction jobs want you to have an academic qualification, but that’s not enough. You must have experience in the relevant field to progress. So, choose the construction job you are most interested in and acquire more experience to thrive in the industry.