Six Top Growing Career Paths in Construction

When choosing a career, everyone wants something relevant. You likely strive for a future filled with opportunities, which is why so many people go into construction. These are the six top growing career paths in construction you can consider when thinking about your future.

1. Construction Equipment Operators

Anyone operating construction equipment must be highly skilled and properly certified. After completing your training, you could handle road graders, bulldozers and even trench excavators. It depends on the site and what your team does.

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) offers sponsored apprenticeship programs so you can learn the job while getting paid. Other companies may do the same, depending on where you live and their budget.

2. Project Managers

If you already have management experience in another industry and want to change your career, you can always look for a project management role. It’s one of the top growing career paths in construction, and you will perform essential duties such as:

• Site supervision

• Budget maintenance

• Project coordination

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the field to grow by 8% by 2029, which is much faster than other industry positions.

3. Plumbers

Plumbers are craft professionals in the specialty trade part of the construction industry. They install all water, gas and waste removal pipes. Plumbing teams may also step in to install fixtures like sinks and toilets on nearly finished residential or commercial sites.

Whether you decide to work as a plumber or fill another position, it’s crucial to check your employment status and understand how that affects you. Some plumbers are full-time employees that receive W-2 forms for tax filing purposes. Independent contractors pay state and federal taxes on their own and receive 1099 forms.

There are a few other key differences between the two employment types, so find out how your employer categorizes you to determine the best fit for your needs. You’ll know which careers in construction are best for you based on which kind of employment you want.

4. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

The BLS also determined that the solar photovoltaic installer field would increase by 51% before 2029, giving the construction industry a significant employment boost. People in this role install solar technology on residential and commercial buildings. They might produce hot water or generate electricity, depending on their design.

5. Civil Engineers

Civil engineers enjoy another one of the growing careers in construction. They receive a college education and use their mathematical knowledge for project creation and execution. You should also plan to get a professional engineering license, which signals your capability for more responsibility and could result in a well-paid position.

In this role, you would analyze survey reports, test building materials and estimate each project’s cost. Software knowledge is crucial for this career path as well.

6. Construction Laborers

Laborers hold some of the top construction jobs and consistently remain one of the fastest-growing fields. You don’t need formal training or experience to land an entry-level position and work your way up from there. This job requires hard labor, unloading materials, digging trenches and cleaning a site during the preparation phase. With time and patience, you can specialize in specific areas and build a career for yourself.

Explore Possible Career Paths in Construction

These are some of the top construction jobs to consider if you want a long-lasting career. No matter what kind of education you earn or which jobs you choose, careers in construction provide a lifetime of opportunity and plenty of room for professional growth.