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Construction and Extraction Occupations

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Employment of construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, a gain of about 747,600 new jobs. Overall growth in the economy and population will increase demand for new buildings, roads, and other structures, which will create new jobs in construction and extraction occupations.

The median annual wage for all construction and extraction occupations was $44,730 in May 2017, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,690.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2017 MEDIAN PAY
Boilermakers	Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.	High school diploma or equivalent	$62,260
Masonry Workers	Masonry workers, also known as masons, use bricks, concrete blocks, concrete, and natural and manmade stones to build walls, walkways, fences, and other masonry structures.	See How to Become One	$42,900
Carpenters	Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$45,170
Construction and Building Inspectors	Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.	High school diploma or equivalent	$59,090
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	$46,080
Construction Laborers and Helpers	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	See How to Become One	$33,450
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers	Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. Many workers both install and tape wallboard.	No formal educational credential	$43,970
Electricians	Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.	High school diploma or equivalent	$54,110
Elevator Installers and Repairers	Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.	High school diploma or equivalent	$79,480
Glaziers	Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.	High school diploma or equivalent	$42,580
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Hazardous materials (hazmat) 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.	High school diploma or equivalent	$41,400
Insulation Workers	Insulation workers, also called insulators, install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings and their mechanical systems.	See How to Become One	$39,930
Painters, Construction and Maintenance	Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges, and other structures.	No formal educational credential	$37,960
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	High school diploma or equivalent	$52,590
Roofers	Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings, using a variety of materials, including shingles, bitumen, and metal.	No formal educational credential	$38,970
Sheet Metal Workers	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.	High school diploma or equivalent	$47,990
Solar Photovoltaic Installers	Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.	High school diploma or equivalent	$39,490
Ironworkers	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	High school diploma or equivalent	$51,320
Flooring Installers and Tile and Marble Setters	Flooring installers and tile and marble setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile.	No formal educational credential	$40,250