Occupational Outlook Handbook > Construction and Extraction >

Construction and Extraction Occupations

Employment of construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, a gain of about 704,000 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 $46,010 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 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	$62,150
Masonry Workers	Masonry workers use bricks, concrete blocks, concrete, and natural and manmade stones to build masonry structures.	See How to Become One	$44,810
Carpenters	Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,590
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	$59,700
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	$46,990
Construction Laborers and Helpers	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	See How to Become One	$34,810
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.	No formal educational credential	$45,180
Electricians	Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.	High school diploma or equivalent	$55,190
Elevator Installers and Repairers	Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.	High school diploma or equivalent	$79,780
Glaziers	Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in storefronts and buildings.	High school diploma or equivalent	$43,550
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of asbestos, lead, radioactive waste, and other hazardous materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$42,030
Insulation Workers	Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings and their mechanical systems.	See How to Become One	$41,910
Painters, Construction and Maintenance	Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, bridges, and other structures.	No formal educational credential	$38,940
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases.	High school diploma or equivalent	$53,910
Roofers	Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.	No formal educational credential	$39,970
Sheet Metal Workers	Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.	High school diploma or equivalent	$48,460
Solar Photovoltaic Installers	Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.	High school diploma or equivalent	$42,680
Ironworkers	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	High school diploma or equivalent	$52,770
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	$40,830