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Workers in these occupations use a variety of resources to build and repair roads, homes, and other structures.

Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 663,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.

The median annual wage for this group was $55,680 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.

BLS employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a BLS Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.

OCCUPATION JOB SUMMARY ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help
Boilermakers 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 $71,140
Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons Masonry Workers

Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.

 See How to Become One $53,010
Carpenters Carpenters

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.

 High school diploma or equivalent $56,350
Construction and building inspectors 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 $67,700
Construction equipment operators 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 $55,270
Construction laborers and helpers Construction Laborers and Helpers

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.

 See How to Become One $44,310
Drywall and ceiling tile installers, and tapers 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 $57,010
Electricians Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.

 High school diploma or equivalent $61,590
Elevator installers and repairers 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 $102,420
Glaziers Glaziers

Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.

 High school diploma or equivalent $51,100
Hazardous materials removal workers 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 $47,280
Insulation workers Insulation Workers

Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.

 See How to Become One $49,350
Painters, construction and maintenance 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 $47,700
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.

 High school diploma or equivalent $61,550
Roofers Roofers

Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings.

 No formal educational credential $50,030
Sheet metal workers Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.

 High school diploma or equivalent $58,780
solar photovoltaic installers image 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 $48,800
Structural iron and steel workers Ironworkers

Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.

 High school diploma or equivalent $60,780
Tile and marble setters 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 $48,690

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024