Occupational Outlook Handbook > Construction and Extraction >

Construction and Extraction Occupations

Employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations, and gain about 296,300 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 $48,610 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2020 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	$65,360
Masonry Workers	Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.	See How to Become One	$47,710
Carpenters	Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$49,520
Construction and Building Inspectors	Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.	High school diploma or equivalent	$62,860
Construction Equipment Operators	Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures.	High school diploma or equivalent	$49,100
Construction Laborers and Helpers	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	See How to Become One	$37,080
Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers	Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.	No formal educational credential	$48,830
Electricians	Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.	High school diploma or equivalent	$56,900
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.	High school diploma or equivalent	$88,540
Glaziers	Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,080
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.	High school diploma or equivalent	$45,270
Insulation Workers	Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.	See How to Become One	$45,820
Painters, Construction and Maintenance	Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures.	No formal educational credential	$42,130
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.	High school diploma or equivalent	$56,330
Roofers	Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.	No formal educational credential	$43,580
Sheet Metal Workers	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.	High school diploma or equivalent	$51,370
Solar Photovoltaic Installers	Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,470
Ironworkers	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	High school diploma or equivalent	$53,210
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters	Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.	No formal educational credential	$43,210