Two things to note when you’re looking at this list:
- What you earn in your city or state may be higher or lower than what’s listed here, as these wages are based on national averages. Construction worker salaries can vary based on many factors, including your skill level, experience and your local job market.
- All of these jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. None of them require a college degree. Many of them will also require you to complete an apprenticeship program before you can get to work.
1. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers ($106,580)
Those working in this field don’t just install, repair and perform routine maintenance. They also work on escalators, moving walkways and chair lifts. They’re responsible for ensuring the equipment is safe, working correctly and up to code.
Many states require elevator installers and repairers to have a license.
With a median salary of $106,580, elevator and escalator installers and repairers top our list of highest paying construction jobs nationwide. By 2034, opportunities are expected to grow by 5% — faster than the average of 3.1% expected for overall job growth.
But if you’re not comfortable in small spaces, this profession might not be your best bet. Elevator installers and repairs often work in small, enclosed areas, such as crawl spaces, machine rooms and elevator shafts.
It’s also important to consider that job opportunities can be limited in smaller communities without many multi-story buildings. But if you live within commuting distance of a major metro area, you’ll likely find more opportunities.
2. Boilermakers ($73,340)
Boilermakers install and repair boilers, vats and other large containers that hold liquid or gas. They test and inspect the machines to ensure they’re working correctly, clean the equipment, and repair and replace components.
Boilermakers often work at construction sites and may travel away from home for extended periods. It can also be physically demanding, and it’s sometimes necessary to work in cramped conditions.
While boilermakers earn a good living, job growth is projected to decline 2% in the next decade. However, there are still about 800 openings for this job projected each year on average.
3. Construction and building inspectors ($72,120)
Construction workers and building inspectors are some of the highest-paid contractors in the construction industry with a median salary of $72,120.
Many state and local authorities require construction and building inspectors to have a license or other certification. Professionals in these jobs monitor construction projects to ensure that buildings, streets, bridges, sewer systems, and other structures are up to code. They make sure construction adheres to zoning regulations and meets the contract’s requirements. And they typically submit their findings to project stakeholders and regulatory agencies once the project is complete.
This isn’t the job for you if you’re just starting your career. Typically, this work requires several years of related work experience in the construction field. But if you’ve worked in the industry for a while, it could be a good opportunity for you to boost your earning potential.
Though there is expected to be a 1% decline in these roles over the next decade, 14,800 job openings are projected each year to fill vacancies left by workers who retire or switch to other roles.
4. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters ($62,970)
These professionals install and repair pipes, fixtures and related systems that transport water, gas and additional materials through homes and commercial buildings. They also clean out drains to prevent back-ups and other issues.
Plumbers must be licensed and carry plumber insurance in most states. Many also attend vocational or trade school.
Employment for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is expected to grow 4%; a little faster than average for all occupations. About 44,000 new jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average.
5. Electricians ($62,350)
Electricians install and maintain the electrical systems, communications, lighting and control systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Most states require you to have an electrician license before you can work in this field. Together with electrician insurance, these are usually prerequisites to a successful career.
If you’re looking for a high-paying contract job with plenty of opportunities (approximately 81,000 openings projected yearly), this might be a good fit. From 2024-2034, the expected job growth for electricians is 9% — about three times the expected growth rate for all occupations.
6. Ironworkers ($61,940)
Ironworkers install iron and steel components during the construction of new buildings, roads, bridges and other structures. They also reinforce existing structures and assist with the demolition of older buildings.
This job can be physically demanding. It’s often required for workers to work at great heights. However, if you’re interested in getting into this line of work, you often only need a high school diploma to get started. And you can learn on-the-job or through an apprenticeship.
The construction of large projects such as high-rise buildings nationwide is expected to drive employment. Similarly, infrastructure maintenance and replacing of old buildings, roads and bridges will also likely contribute to job growth. From 2024-2034, ironworkers’ expected occupational growth is 4% — about average for all occupations.
7. Sheet metal workers ($60,850)
Sheet metal workers make or install products constructed from thin metal sheets, including steel, aluminum and alloyed metals.
They’re responsible for choosing the right type of sheet to use based on a construction job’s requirements. Projects they work on include heating and cooling ducts, outdoor pipes, gutters and flashing.
There won’t be as many opportunities for sheet metal workers compared to some of the other jobs on this list. Job growth in this profession is projected to be about 2% over the next decade, or about 10,600 jobs per year. However, almost every building requires sheet metal for ducts and other structural systems, so you might be able to find opportunities in your community.
8. Carpenters ($59,310)
Carpenters cut, shape, install and repair walls, floors, door frames and other structures made of wood, plastic, fiberglass and drywall.
Carpenters are an integral part of many construction projects, including bridges, commercial buildings, residential properties and more. Currently, employment opportunities for carpenters is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034.
Some states require carpenters or anyone working in carpentry to carry a carpenters license before they work. And they are often required to carry carpenter insurance due to the risk of injury and property damage on the job.
9. Drywall installers, ceiling tile installers and tapers ($58,800)
Drywall and ceiling tile installers place drywall panels over walls and ceilings. These panels cover insulation, electrical wires and pipes and help dampen sound. Tapers prepare the drywall for finishing.
Like many construction-related jobs, the work can be physically demanding, and you need an eye for precision as you’re working on interiors. However, formal educational credentials are usually not required for this job, making it easier to enter for a beginner.
There is a 4% growth projected from 2024-2034 (about the same as the average for all jobs), with more than 8,800 openings for drywall contractors projected annually.
10. Construction equipment operators ($58,320)
We’ve all seen heavy equipment on job sites, such as excavators, bulldozers and backhoes. Construction equipment operators drive and control these and other types of machinery used to build structures, roads and buildings.
Operators can sometimes have irregular schedules; working at night is sometimes an essential for this profession. Job growth is expected to be 4% over the next ten years, which is about average for all occupations.
11. Masonry workers ($56,600)
What carpenters do with wood, masons do in stone. Masons use brick, block, stone and concrete to build structures. While they often work on buildings and foundations, their work encompasses much more. Masonry workers also build walkways and sidewalks, walls, and decorative finishes (including things like granite kitchen countertops and fireplaces).
Masonry workers typically learn their trade through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Similarly, many technical schools offer masonry programs. Depending on the state where you work, you may be required to have a masonry license and mason insurance.
The demand for masons largely depends on overall demand for new buildings and road construction. Employment of masonry workers is projected to grow 2% through 2034, which is slower than average for all occupations. However, as brick and stone are very popular for interiors and exteriors, it’s likely that demand for this type of work will continue.
