The average age of the American construction worker is 41.7 years old and the industry, at large, is projected to grow 1.1% over the next 10 years.
The majority of the most in-demand construction jobs in America typically only require a high school diploma.
The average annual salary of a worker with only a high school diploma is $37,960. While the average annual salary of a construction worker is $53,123. Making Construction the 134th highest paying industry group in America.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Construction industry had 269,000 job openings while experiencing a 6.9% unemployment rate.
There is a tremendous opportunity among high school graduates to fill hundreds of thousands of vacant and in-demand construction jobs.
We have roughly 30 million Americans under the age of 45 in the workforce who have a high school diploma or equivalent as their highest level of educational achievement.
However, to prepare these candidates to fill in-demand construction jobs, construction enterprises need to establish or improve their structured on-the-job-training programs.
Allowing new employees can be quickly and efficiently onboarded, trained, and begin producing.
On-the-job training is the preeminent method to upskill America’s workforce.
It doesn’t require wide-ranging budgets, complex training courses, devoted training staff, or absences from the workplace.
All it requires is a commitment to engaging and upskilling employees to efficiently meet production demands with a strategically structured approach.
As part of our mission to bridge the gap between career seekers and employers from coast-to-coast, we’re shining our OJT spotlight on the Construction industry.
Bring you a comprehensively curated list of the Top 10 Fastest Growing Construction Jobs For High School Graduates.
Each occupation is accompanied by some quick facts, including employment projections through 2028, to help job seekers jump start their search.
Enjoy!
Top 10 Most In-Demand Construction Jobs
#1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures in compliance with site assessment, schematics, and local building codes. They plan PV system configurations based on customer needs and site conditions. And are responsible for measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting down structural framing and solar modules. The ability to read and comprehend blueprints is of extreme importance in this job. The largest employer of solar photovoltaic (PV) installers are plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors.
#2. Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems that carry water, gas, and other fluids and substances. They determine the necessary materials for a job, prepare cost estimates, connect pipes, inspect connections, and test pressure to ensure that a pipe system is airtight, watertight, and secured. Their core tools include drills, saws, welding torches, press-fitting tools, and drain cleaning tools. The ability to read and comprehend blueprints is of extreme importance in this job. The largest employer of plumbers, pipefitters, & steamfitters is plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors.
#3. HVAC & Refrigeration Technicians repair and install heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Including installing electrical components and wiring, testing various HVAC(R) systems and components, and recommending maintenance to improve system performance. Keep accurate records of work performed. The ability to read and comprehend blueprints is of extreme importance in this job. The largest employer of HVAC(R) installers and repairers are specialty trade contractors
#4. Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings, using a variety of materials, including shingles, bitumen, and metal. They professionally install roofs to keep water from leaking into buildings and damaging the interior, equipment, or furnishings. The ability to read and comprehend blueprints is of extreme importance in this job. The largest employer of roofers is roofing contractors.
#5. Construction Laborers & Helpers work on almost all construction sites, performing a wide variety of construction-related activities during all phases of construction. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and cleaning up construction sites. Or operating construction demolition equipment, digging trenches, backfilling holes. The largest employer of construction laborers and helpers are specialty trade contractors.
#6 Flooring Installers & Tile and Marble Setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile. Flooring and wall material must be measured and installed according to design plans, which is why the ability to read and comprehend blueprints is important in this job. The largest employer of flooring installers and tile and marble setters are self-employed contractors.
#7. Masonry Workers knew as masons, use bricks, concrete blocks, concrete, and natural and manmade stones to build walls, walkways, fences, and other masonry structures. They must read blueprints or drawings to calculate materials needed and to layout patterns, forms, or foundations according to plans. Brickmasons build and repair walls, floors, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures with brick, terra cotta, precast masonry panels, concrete block, and other masonry materials. Cement masons and concrete finishers place and finish concrete. They may color concrete surfaces, expose aggregate (small stones) in walls and sidewalks, or make concrete beams, columns, and panels. The largest employer of masonry workers is poured concrete foundation and structure contractors.
#8. Construction Managers often called general contractors or project managers, coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of public, residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, memorials, and bridges. They plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Preparing cost estimates, budgets, and schedules. Interpreting and explaining contracts, blueprints, and technical information to other professionals. Maintaining detailed records and reports budgets and work progress. The largest employer of construction managers is self-employed workers.
#9. Construction Equipment Operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. Using machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials at construction sites and mines. The largest employer of construction equipment operators is heavy and civil engineering contractors.
#10. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. This includes installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems. Repairing or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools. The largest employer of masonry workers is electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors.
