Careers Finding a Job Construction Careers: Options, Job Titles, and Descriptions Print Don Mason / Blend Images / Getty Images Finding a Job Job Searching Career Advice Skills & Keywords Resumes Salary & Benefits Letters & Emails Job Listings Job Interviews Cover Letters Best Jobs Work-From-Home Jobs Internships Table of Contents Expand Job Titles With the Highest Employment Jobs With the Highest Projected Growth The Most In-Demand Construction Jobs More Construction Job Titles By Alison Doyle Updated on 04/16/21 The construction sector includes the construction of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and engineering projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. Construction includes both new construction and remodeling, additions, maintenance, and repairs. Construction offers many jobs with high projections for new employment opportunities. Positions vary, ranging from unskilled laborer and helper jobs to skilled construction jobs that require extensive training and education. However, most positions are available to workers with the right talents and the willingness to train, typically through an apprenticeship program. Job Titles With the Highest Employment Image by The Balance 2019 Overall, the construction industry employed 7,466,000 workers in March 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For 2020, the job titles with the highest number of employees included: Carpenters – 593,530 Construction Laborers – 827,100 Construction Managers – 235,940 Electricians – 506,950 Operating Engineers and Other Equipment Operators – 261,540 Jobs With the Highest Projected Growth Construction is projected to add 296,300 new jobs by 2029. Employment is estimated to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for all construction and extraction jobs was $48,610 in May 2020. (For comparison, the median annual wage for all occupations was $41,950.) Which jobs need the most employees? Most construction jobs are projected to grow over the next 10 years, but some have a more solid occupational outlook than others. For example, employment for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to increase 51% between 2019 and 2029. The Most In-Demand Construction Jobs The most in-demand construction jobs include: Construction Laborers and Helpers Laborers and helpers do the physical work—including digging, building, unloading, clearing, and assisting craftspeople—required on job sites. Workers in these roles typically prepare job sites and clean up after work is complete. They may also operate machinery. Training for these positions comes on the job. Projected Growth: 5%2020 Median Pay: $37,080 per year Electricians Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in both residential and commercial spaces. Training is required for this role, typically through schools or apprenticeships. Depending on the state, a license may be required as well. See a sample resume and skills list for an electrician here. Projected Growth: 8%2020 Median Pay: $56,900 per year Elevator Installers and Repairmen Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other moving walkways and stairs. Most states require these workers to be licensed, and training for the job is typically achieved through a four-year apprenticeship. Projected Growth: 7%2020 Median Pay: $88,540 per year Hazardous Materials Removers Hazardous materials 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. Many states require hazmat workers to have licenses or permits to handle specific hazardous materials. Projected Growth: 8%2020 Median Pay: $45,270 Ironworkers Ironworkers install the steel girders that support buildings, roads, and bridges. Typically, they learn their trade through an apprenticeship program that lasts at least three years, although some ironworkers may train on the job. Projected Growth: 5%2020 Median Pay: $53,210 per year Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers Also known as PV installers, people with this job title install solar roof panels on residential and commercial buildings. PV installers learn their trade through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or specialized coursework at a community college or technical school. Projected Growth: 51%2020 Median Pay: $46,470 per year More Construction Job Titles See below for an extensive list of construction-related job titles and occupations. Use this list to help power your job search. Carpenter Apprentice Carpenter Framing Carpenter Dry Wall Finisher Dry Wall Installer Plasterer Joiner Construction Laborers and Helpers LaborerGeneral LaborerPainterConstruction WorkerCeiling Tile Installer Electrician ApprenticeElectricianJourneyman ElectricianMaster Electrician Elevator Mechanic Elevator InstallerElevator Repairer Engineer Assistant Project Manager Building Inspector Civil Engineer Superintendent Surveyor Field Engineer Inspector Planner Construction Engineer Equipment Operator Crane OperatorSignal WorkerEquipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator Exterior Installation RooferInsulation SpecialistSiding ContractorSolar Photovoltaic Installer Masonry Worker Concrete LaborersMason Plumber Master PlumberPlumberBoilermakerPipe Fitter Site Management Purchasing CoordinatorProject AssistantProject ManagerSafety DirectorSafety ManagerSchedulerSite ManagerConstruction AssistantConstruction CoordinatorConstruction ForemanConstruction ManagerConstruction SuperintendentConstruction SupervisorContract AdministratorContract ManagerEstimator Welder WelderIronworker