The field of construction offers a range of opportunities for those seeking a hands-on career. Apart from on-site tasks, jobs in construction sector could also involve management-based roles. However, to choose the right role, one should assess key responsibilities and skills specific to each job. Also, assessing the salary range, eligibility criteria, and prerequisites mentioned in the job listing can help one determine if they are the right candidate for the role.

Types of jobs
Construction worker: This is one of the most common types of construction jobs and also the backbone of the construction industry. The job description here could be a combination of both—manual labor and skilled tasks. Manual labor includes tasks such as preparing the site and operating machinery, and skilled tasks could involve reading blueprints. The average annual salary for this construction job is $36,000 to $40,000.

Construction manager: A construction manager’s role on the site includes supervising the entire building process, project planning, hiring, and coordinating various tasks and teams. Their average annual salary could be anywhere from $80,000 to $120,000.

Surveyor: The role includes inspecting various construction sites, measuring and mapping them, and choosing the ideal site for their project based on the calculations. On average, a surveyor’s annual salary could be $70,000 to $100,000.

Glazier: This tradesperson’s duties include installing glass in windows, skylights, and storefronts according to project specifications. Their average salary may range from around $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

Mason: A mason works with bricks, concrete blocks, or stones to construct walls, walkways, and other structures. This construction job’s average annual salary is between $30,000 and $50,000.

Flooring installer: Flooring installers are responsible for working with various flooring materials to ensure proper laying, installation, and finishing of floors. Their average salary is between $40,000 and $50,000 per year.

Electrician: Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems within construction projects and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Their average annual salary in the country can be around $60,000 to $70,000.

Plumber: Plumbers install and repair plumbing systems in construction sites and ensure functional water supply and drainage systems. Their average annual salary ranges from around $50,000 to $70,000.

Carpenter: A carpenter’s job is crafting and installing wooden structures and frameworks, such as doors, windows, partitions, and more. Their average annual salary can be anywhere between $55,000 to $65,000.

Welder: Welders fuse metal frames and parts in a construction project using various welding techniques, contributing to the structural integrity of the project. Their annual salary may range from around $40,000 to $50,000 on average.

Tile setter: These tradespersons are responsible for cutting and laying tiles for floors, walls, and ceilings. Their attention to detail and precision contribute to the overall visual impact of the projects. On average, the annual salary for this construction job can be anywhere from $35,000 to $45,000.

Crane operator: The professionals here are responsible for operating cranes to safely lift and move heavy materials, contributing to the logistics of construction projects. Their average annual salary could be anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000.

Painter: Painters remove old and chipping paint from surfaces and apply and mix new paint. On average, they could earn $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

Ironworker: An ironworker assembles and installs structural iron and steel, thereby contributing to the framework and stability of construction projects. They also need to read and understand blueprints to determine the correct placement of iron and steel. They can earn $50,000 to $60,000 per year on average.

Concrete finisher: Concrete finishers focus on finishing and repairing concrete surfaces, ensuring a smooth and polished final appearance. The average annual salary for this role falls in the range of $50,000 to $60,000.

Safety manager: Safety managers play a critical role in construction projects by ensuring compliance with safety regulations and developing and implementing safety programs. On average, safety managers can earn $80,000 to $90,000 per year.

Cost estimator: These professionals analyze project requirements to estimate costs accurately, contributing to effective budgeting and financial planning for construction projects. The annual salary for this construction job can be $80,000 to $90,000 on overage.

Job requirements
Here are a few construction job requirements:

Educational qualifications: For an entry-level job in the construction industry, a high school diploma can be a basic requirement. One can also get additional training in specific fields, such as welding work, to improve their chances of getting a desired role.

Certifications: Industry-specific certifications and licenses are required for specialized roles where one needs to ensure safety, such as operating heavy machinery.

Physical fitness: As construction jobs often demand stamina, maintaining optimal physical fitness can be beneficial for meeting the physical requirements of the job.

Tips for finding a job
Search online: One can utilize job search engines and company websites to find available opportunities in the construction sector. Another key tip for getting construction job offers is creating online profiles on professional networking platforms to enhance visibility.

Attend job fairs: One can also participate in job fairs to network with recruiters and industry professionals from the construction industry. Such direct engagement can open several doors to potential job opportunities.

Reach out to companies: One can also proactively contact construction companies and approach them with a resume, expressing interest in working with them.