Myjob.Com
Employment Agency
Construction Careers: Options, Job Titles, and Descriptions
The construction sector includes the construction of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and engineering projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. Construction includes new construction and remodelling, additions, maintenance, and repairs.
​
Construction is one of the industries with the highest projections for new employment opportunities. Positions vary, ranging from unskilled labourer and helper jobs to roles that require extensive training, education, and skills.
Job Titles with the Highest Employment
​
Overall, the construction industry employed 7,505,000 workers in July 2019 according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. For 2018, the job titles with the highest number of employees included:
​
-
Carpenters – 611,070
-
Construction Labourers – 849,570
-
Construction Managers – 227,460
-
Electricians – 503,660
-
Operating Engineers and Other Equipment Operators – 245,320
-
​
Jobs with the Highest Projected Growth
​
Construction is projected to add 864,700 new jobs by 2026. Employment is estimated to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, increasing from 6.71 million jobs to 7.58 million jobs.
​
Which jobs need the most employees? All jobs in the construction sector are projected to have an increase in employment.
Projected growth ranges from 1%, which is far below the average for all jobs (8.4%), for Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, to 105% for Solar Photovoltaic Installers. Almost all of the major job categories within construction are projected to grow at above-average rates.
​
The most in-demand jobs, with higher-than-average projections for job creation, in the sector include:
​
Boilermakers
People in this role assemble, install, and repair boilers and other containers holding liquid or gas. Typically, boilermakers participate in apprenticeships for training, and the work itself has the potential for danger. (It's one of the highest-paying jobs available in the construction industry.)
​
-
Projected Growth: 9%
Construction Equipment Operators
In this job, people drive or operate equipment and machinery to build and repair roads, buildings, and more. Apprenticeships and training programs are available, but it's also very common to learn on the job.
​
-
Projected Growth: 12%
Construction and Building Inspectors
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
-
Projected Growth: 10%
-
​
Construction Laborers and Helpers
Laborers and helpers do the physical work — including digging, building, unloading, clearing, and assisting craftspeople — required on job sites. They may also operate machinery. Training for the position comes on the job.
-
Projected Growth: 12%
Electricians
​
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in both residential and commercial spaces. Training is required for this role, typically through schools or apprenticeships. Depending on the state, a license may be required as well. See a sample resume and skills list for an electrician here.
-
Projected Growth: 9%
-
​
Elevator Installers and Repairmen
People in this role put in elevators, escalators, and other moving walkways and stairs, and also maintain and repair them. More than half of all states require these workers to be licensed, and training for the job is typically achieved through an apprenticeship.
-
Projected Growth: 12%
-
​
Flooring Installers
Flooring installers and tile and marble setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile.
-
Projected Growth: 10%
-
​
Glaziers
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.
-
Projected Growth: 11%
-
​
Hazardous Material Removers
Hazardous material removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials. They also neutralize and clean up materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic.
-
Projected Growth: 17%
-
​
Ironworkers
Ironworkers can learn the correct way to install iron and steel for buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures on the job or through an apprenticeship .
-
Projected Growth: 13%
-
​
Masonry Workers
Using bricks, stone, concrete, and other materials, masons create or build walls, fireplaces, fences, and more. Programs to learn masonry are available at technical colleges, or workers can learn on the job or through an apprenticeship.
-
Projected Growth: 12%
-
​
Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, and Steamfitters
People in this role install pipes in both residential and commercial spaces. A license is usually required, and training is through apprenticeships or school programs. Review this sample resume for a plumber, along with a list of skills for plumbers.
-
Projected Growth: 16%
-
​
Roofers
Training to install and repair roofs is typically achieved on the job, although apprenticeship programs are available.
-
Projected Growth: 11%
-
​
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers
Also known as PV installers, people with this job title install solar roof panels on residential and commercial buildings. Courses are available for training, as well as apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
-
Projected Growth: 105%
-
​
More Construction Job Titles
See below for an extensive list of construction-related job titles and occupations. Use this list to help power your job search.
​
Carpenter
-
Apprentice
-
Carpenter
-
Framing Carpenter
-
Dry Wall Finisher
-
Dry Wall Installer
-
Plasterer
-
Joiner
Construction Laborers and Helpers
-
Laborer
-
General Laborer
-
Painter
-
Construction Worker
-
Ceiling Tile Installer
Electricians
-
Apprentice
-
Electrician
-
Journeyman Electrician
-
Master Electrician
Elevator Mechanic
-
Elevator Installer
-
Elevator Repair
Engineer
-
Assistant Project Manager
-
Building Inspector
-
Civil Engineer
-
Superintendent
-
Surveyor
-
Field Engineer
-
Inspector
-
Planner
-
Construction Engineer
Equipment Operators
-
Crane Operator
-
Signal Worker
-
Equipment Operator
-
Heavy Equipment Operator
Exterior Installations
-
Roofer
-
Insulation Specialist
-
Siding Contractor
-
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Masonry Workers
-
Concrete Laborers
-
Mason
Plumbers
-
Master Plumber
-
Plumber
-
Boilermaker
-
Pipe Fitter
Site Management
-
Purchasing Coordinator
-
Project Assistant
-
Project Manager
-
Safety Director
-
Safety Manager
-
Scheduler
-
Site Manager
-
Construction Assistant
-
Construction Coordinator
-
Construction Foreman
-
Construction Manager
-
Construction Superintendent
-
Construction Supervisor
-
Contract Administrator
-
Contract Manager
-
Estimator
Welder
-
Welder
-
Iron worker









