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How to Get Started in Construction

Careers Paths Into the Construction Industry

High School or Career Technical Education

Apprenticeship

Community College

College/University

• Skilled Trades
• Journeyperson
• Master Craftsman
• Crew Leader
• Foreman
• Superintendent

• Administrative
• Tech Support
• Draftsperson
• Office Manager
• Safety

• Construction Manager
• Civil Engineer
• Design & Engineering
• Architect
• Accountant
• Business/Sales/Marketing

College/University

• Estimator
• Project Manager
• Senior Management
• Vice President

CFO, COO, CEO, Company Owner

Careers Paths Into the Construction Industry

APPRENTICESHIP

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• SKILLED TRADES
• JOURNEYPERSON
• MASTER CRAFTSMAN
• CREW LEADER
• FOREMAN
• SUPERINTENDENT

• ADMINISTRATIVE
• TECH SUPPORT
• ON THE JOB EXPERIENCE
• DRAFTSPERSON
• OFFICE MANAGER
• SAFETY
OR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

• ESTIMATOR
• PROJECT MANAGER
• SENIOR MANAGEMENT
• VICE PRESIDENT

CFO, COO, CEO, COMPANY OWNER

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

• ADMINISTRATIVE
• TECH SUPPORT
• ON THE JOB EXPERIENCE
• DRAFTSPERSON
• OFFICE MANAGER
• SAFETY

• ESTIMATOR
• PROJECT MANAGER
• SENIOR MANAGEMENT
• VICE PRESIDENT

CFO, COO, CEO, COMPANY OWNER

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

• CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
• CIVIL ENGINEER
• DESIGN & ENGINEERING
• ARCHITECT
• ACCOUNTANT
• BUSINESS / SALES / MARKETING

• ESTIMATOR
• PROJECT MANAGER
• SENIOR MANAGEMENT
• VICE PRESIDENT

CFO, COO, CEO, COMPANY OWNER

Jobs in Construction

There is something for everyone in the construction industry, with many opportunities available with or without a college degree. Not sure what your plan is yet? Take a look at the options below to see your available career options.

With a College Degree

Estimator

Estimator

Estimators become involved in a project in the early stages while preparing the bid, identifying and projecting costs for each phase.
Degree: Construction management or engineering
Median Salary: $68,420
Logistics Manager

Logistics Manager

Oversee the movement, distribution, and storage of materials in an organization.
Degree: Supply chain management, logistics, or business administration
Median Salary: $79,440
Site Engineer

Site Engineer

Offer advice in the planning, coordination and supervision of technical aspects of construction projects.
Degree: Construction management or civil engineering
Median Salary: $73,591
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Fleet Manager

Manages the operation and main-tenance of the organization’s motor vehicles. Develops and implements vehicle and equipment preventive maintenance program.
Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Median Salary: $85,534
architect

Architect/Civil Drafter

Plan and design various buildings and other structures. Develop plans, meet with clients and consult with engineers and other architects.
Degree: Construction Management or Architectural Studies
Median Salary: $79,380
Project Coordinator

Project Coordinator

Organize the numerous parts of a project and make sure it runs smoothly. Includes communicating status and progress to internal and external clients.
Degree: Construction science, building science, or construction engineering
Median Salary: $67,280

Without a College Degree

Construction Trades

First-line Supervisor of Construction Trades

Schedule, coordinate, and supervise the activities of construction workers. Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
Median Salary: $65,230
Laborer

Construction Laborer

Perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites, often at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions.
Median Salary: $34,810
Equipment Operator

Construction Equipment Operator

Drive, maneuver or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.
Median Salary: $46,990
Truck Mechanic

Truck Mechanic or Diesel Engine Specialist

Inspect, maintain, repair or overhaul trucks or any type of diesel engine
Median Salary: $48,000
electrician

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories. Work indoors and out-doors in nearly every type of facility.
Median Salary: $55,190
inspector

Construction Inspector

Ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications.
Median Salary: $59,700

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