The United States Bureau of Labor is predicting 11 percent growth in the construction industry between 2016 and 2026. This growth is higher than the average for all occupations and is expected to add nearly 750,000 jobs in the industry. Among specific trades and job categories showing growth, several roles stand out as being the most consistently in demand.
Not all construction jobs require manual skills or labor, so if you aren’t the physical type, there are still plenty of opportunities to work in a lucrative construction-related field. Among those “hands-off” kinds of jobs, cost estimator is one of the highest-paying, and demand for good estimators is high. Most employers do require a minimum of education and experience along with the ability to use current cost estimator software before considering someone for this job, but anyone with a finance background and proven success record with budgeting should be able to get a foot in the door.
Construction managers are also among the best paid in the industry. Many construction managers find themselves making tidy six-figure incomes after just a few years on the job, and demand for new hires remains high. Government contracts alone over the next few years are going to give rise to the need for many more teams of qualified construction professionals, all of which are going to need solid leadership to keep projects running on schedule and within budget.
Plumber
The need for plumbers in construction is spurred on by several factors, not the least of which is the upsurge of new building construction that has already begun and is anticipated to be on the rise over the next few years. There is also high demand for plumbers who can do the refurbishment of old systems and replace them with higher-efficiency, low-flow systems. It has also been observed that a larger number of plumbers have been retiring in recent years, mostly due to the Baby Boomer generation beginning to make its exit from the active workforce.
If you can say definitively that you aren’t afraid of heights, you might want to look into a job as a glazier. Glaziers are responsible for cutting and fitting windows, storefronts, and skylights. They also seal, fasten, and remove the glass from every conceivable location and from every conceivable height. The potentially hazardous nature of this job leaves it in perpetual demand, and it is a trade that is relatively easy to learn.
Concrete Finisher and Cement Mason
Masons and finishers literally lay the foundations for successful construction projects. They work with various reinforcing materials, such as rebar, then pour, spread, and level cement mixtures, and monitor the hardening of the material. They then apply sealants to create a strong and reliable foundation upon which to build. It is a role of vital importance and requires numerous hands to get the job done. That is why it has been and will remain a high-demand job in construction, and one that doesn’t require years of education or training to learn.
Painter
Good painters are always in demand. In many cases, this is one area of construction that can provide the entry-level experience that leads to better-paying and even permanent employment positions. It isn’t the most lucrative of jobs, but entry-level positions often require no skills or experience, and large jobs call for numerous painters at every skill level to complete the project on time. Some companies even offer apprenticeship programs for those who want to make painting their career.
Construction Worker
The general construction worker, or laborer, is one of the most common and perpetually in-demand jobs in construction. This is a great entry-level position for those with little education or experience, allowing employees to get in on the ground floor of an industry where there is real growth potential and opportunity to expand their skills and responsibilities. This is now, and will always be, an in-demand job on any construction site.
