Construction Continues Trending Upward On Hottest Careers Lists
For the first time in my life, I feel like an early adopter. I know that traditionally only applies to products and technology. But why can’t it apply to careers as well?
Back in 2017, I cashed in 12 years of corporate sales and management experience, for a hard hat and a $25K pay cut to be an Assistant Superintendent on a $1.6M restaurant project. I’d be lying if I said that my family wasn’t riding shotgun on the struggle bus for the next 18 months.
In fact, we had to express passes. However, it was among the top 5 best decisions I’ve ever made.12 months later, I was able to leverage that experience and get hired as a Superintendent with the top company on my targeted employer list.
Since then, I’ve seen my career fulfillment grow tenfold and my salary gain back that $25K plus substantial interest. All because I grew tired of being dissatisfied doing something I didn’t enjoy and decided to trade it in to follow where my passion was leading me.
Which happened to be straight into one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
CONSTRUCTION IS BOOMING!
Over the past 12 months, the industry has seen the fastest job growth compared to any other industry. Construction spending is reaching all-time highs, in the trillions.
Vast numbers of employers in the sector are reported to be adding staff this year. This is substantiated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( findings that note that economic and population growth are likely driving the demand for new roads and infrastructure.
As a result, the demand for people who can build them has increased.
Each year Indeed releases its list of top jobs. Ranking the top 25 job titles based on salary and opportunity.
2018’s list was dominated by the construction industry, which claimed 10 of 25 spots.
Commercial project manager claimed the TOP SPOT on the list with a 277% surge in the number of Indeed job posting between 2014 and 2017. Construction Superintendent soared with 122% growth in postings, landing at #6 on the list.
Preconstruction Manager, Construction Estimator, and Construction Manager were newcomers to the list.
TOP 10 Hottest Industries for Career Seekers
-
Commercial Project Manager
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 277
- Average Base Salary: $81,023
-
Full Stack Developer
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 198
- Average Base Salary: $111,640
-
Computer Vision Engineer
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 169
- Average Base Salary: $131,297
-
Machine Learning Engineer
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 166
- Average Base Salary: $136,241
-
Preconstruction Manager
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 126
- Average Base Salary: $95,337
-
Construction Superintendent
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 122
- Average Base Salary: $85,170
-
Optometrist
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 118
- Average Base Salary: $131,692
-
Data Scientist
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 106
- Average Base Salary: $132,915
-
Chief Estimator
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 101
- Average Base Salary: $116,848
-
Development Operations Engineer
- Percent Growth in Number of Postings: 91
- Average Base Salary: $125,714
Construction Jobs Keep Growing – Employers Biggest Challenges Are Finding Skilled Workers
Who can do these jobs? Managerial level construction jobs vary when it comes to education requirements, but most prefer a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience at a minimum.
However, Construction Laborer jobs rarely have an educational requirement, if they do it is a high school diploma or GED. According to PayScale, the average hourly pay for a Construction Laborer is $15/hour and generally have no educational requirement.
Let’s put this into perspective, most retail, fast food, warehouse, and manufacturing jobs often require high school diplomas and pay minimum wage or slightly more. These career paths traditionally lead to middle management career ceilings, rarely to executive roles or ownership.
However, as a Construction Laborer one can make $3-$5/hour more than minimum wage while learning technical skills of a construction trade. They can progressively build upon this knowledge becoming a journeyman and making upwards of $30/hours in just a few years.
Or they can branch out and start their own company, becoming a business owner. Fun fact, most construction companies employ less than 100 people, small business dominates the construction industry.
Construction Industry Occupations Are Expected to Grow 11% by 2026
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction industry occupations are expected to grow 11% by 2026, which is 7% faster than the average forecast for all occupations. How do we bridge this growing talent gap?
Exposure. The next generation needs to be exposed to construction early in their educational development. Reintroducing vocational technology programs back into high school, focused on construction skilled trades would be a huge step in the right direction.
The Blue Collar Revival
Additionally, Gen X and Yers need to be exposed to construction training programs. Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training programs should be marketed to experienced blue- and white-collar professionals as an opportunity to leverage transferrable skills in an industry with abundant growth and untapped potential.
To all the professionally undervalued, underappreciated, and dissatisfied. You don’t have to settle for a career of mediocre enjoyment, inconsistent success, and negative fulfillment.
The Modern Job Seeker is here to be your personal job search strategist and employment advocate. Assisting you on your journey to find the job you want not need. The job that propels you further towards long-term career enjoyment, success, and fulfillment. The average worker will spend 90,000+ hours at work in their lifetime. Spend it doing something your passionate about!
Click either of these links to learn more about the construction industry or find training providers near you
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