Construction
More Than Hammers and Nails
There is much more to careers in construction than you may think — from fulfilling work that enables you to see what you’ve accomplished every day to active problem solving with your co-workers and an always changing environment, some of the aspects of these jobs may surprise you.
Construction is the country’s largest industry and our local market is booming. There is a big shortage of local workers, both in the skilled trades and on the administrative side. Employers are eager for practical, problem-solving people, and are offering some of the top-paying jobs in the market.
77,147
People Employed
8,871
Businesses
8,709
*New Jobs by 2025
*Represents new jobs from sector growth as well as replacement openings due to retirements by 2025.
Build your future in one of the country’s most important industries.
If you haven’t considered the construction industry in your job search, you should know about some things that make it a good option, even if you’re not a carpenter:
Opportunity
As the country’s largest industry, more people work in construction than in any other industry.
Rewarding Work
Workers in construction change how their city looks and feels. They pave the way for the future with their work.
Wages
Construction jobs offer some of the top wages in the market.
Training
Many employers will help pay for training and support. They also encourage staff.
Who Shines in Construction?
While certain skills for specific jobs are often needed, practical, creative problem-solvers are excellent fits for careers in construction, no matter what job you do in the industry. Many positions provide on-the-job-training, where you are paid while you learn.
Knowledge
- Customer & Personal Service
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration & Management
- Mechanical
- Building & Construction
Abilities
- Control Precision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Multi-Limb Coordination
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
Skills
- Operation & Control
- Speaking
- Operation Monitoring
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Explore the Variety of Jobs in Construction
From small, family-owned companies to large corporations and government employers, there are hundreds of job categories in the construction industry.
Interested?
The resources below will help you decide if a career in construction is right for you.
Pre-Apprenticeship
Pre-apprenticeship programs help prepare you for apprenticeship, which leads to a career in the construction industry.
Info Sheet
Download an info sheet with career pathways information, top occupations by education, and a sampling of local employers.
Free E-Learning Course
To see if you would be a good fit for a career in construction, take this guided overview
e-learning course.
Get a look at a day in the life of some construction employees
For more videos, check out the Day At Work videos on connectED
or the video library at Career One Stop.