Latest reports on job growth show that construction remains one of the industries that continue to record employment increase which is why we present 6 easiest construction jobs that pay well. Scroll down and you will find that in some states building workers earn as much as $91,790 annually.
Three things make building industry increasingly appealing to new entrants – excellent employment prospects, solid earnings and plenty of opportunities to advance through positions. BLS reports that the field has experienced significant job losses only three times since 2012. The highest employment growth occurred near the end of last year when 65,000 new employees entered the market. The positive trend has continued in 2016 and in February there were 19,000 new jobs while unemployment was the lowest since 2000. More importantly, the sector will continue to expand in the future since it is predicted that construction will add 790,400 new positions by 2024, which is fourth largest gain among major industries.
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Good employment prospects are not the only thing that makes construction industry appealing. Annual mean wages of workers on this list range from $51,540 to $65.150 while in some states they earn more than $90,000 annually. At the same time, New York City is currently the largest and fastest-growing metro area in the nation for construction, so if you decide to pack your bags and try luck in the city that never sleeps, our previous list 6 easiest towns to commute to NCY might come in handy.
In creating the ranking of easiest construction jobs that pay well we used two criteria – first, mean annual wage, as determined by BLS, and how much the job is physically demanding. We first found out which jobs bring annual salary over $50,000 and then assigned them points from 1 to 5, with 1 point meaning not demanding at all, and 5 points meaning that the job is very physically demanding. For instance, supervisory occupations received 1 point. Workers who operate machines scored 2 points (rotary drill operators were an exception to this because these workers beside running machines also set up equipment). Two and a half points were reserved for electricians, plumbers, and similar occupations as they must rely on some physical strength and often work in uncomfortable positions. The same score was also assigned to explosive blasters. Half point more was given to elevator installers, boilermakers, tapers insulation workers. Finally, 4 points were given to brick masons and block masons, and 5 to iron, steel and rebar workers.
6. Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters
Mean annual wage: $53,160
We start our list with workers whose job is to blow up buildings. While the job might seem pretty cool at first sight, these workers carry a great responsibility as they must maintain safety on construction sites. Knowledge about public security procedures, together with the ability to closely control operations are one of the main prerequisites for getting the job. The highest paying state for the occupation is Illinois with the mean annual wage of $70,070 while Wyoming has the greatest concentration of jobs.
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5. Electricians
Annual mean wage: $54,520
There is no much doubt what electricians do. For years, the occupation has been among the most desirable ones among blue collars because of high wage, excellent employment prospects and possibility to advance. Compared to other listed occupation, electricians go through more schooling. Educational requirements include 4-year apprenticeship program while electricians who have the ambition to become supervisors should get an associate degree. Once again Alaska appears as the highest paying state with an annual wage of $78,800 while the greatest demand for the occupation is in North Dakota.
4. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Annual mean wage: $54, 620
Workers whose job is to install and repair pipes in homes, buildings, factories, etc. rank as the third on the list of 6 easiest construction jobs that pay well. The only prerequisite for getting the job is a high school diploma, and novice can learn from experienced colleagues. The demand for the occupation will be higher than the national average in next few years while Alaska currently has the highest concentration of jobs. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are best paid in Oregon where they earn $72,440 annually.
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3. Pile driver operator
Annual mean wage: $56,020
A pile driver operator runs machines which hammer piles into the ground to support different building structures. While many of these workers get the job after on-job training, vocational programs that prepare students for the occupation also exist. This is a small occupational unit with only 3,470 employees. With an annual wage of $70,120 California pays the best this type of work, while Alaska offers the best chance to find a job as a pile driver operator.
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2. Construction and building inspectors
Annual mean wage: $58,430
Construction and building inspectors inspect and monitor construction sites to make sure they compile with specifications, building codes, zoning, and other regulations. While the job is not physically demanding, these inspectors sometimes must climb ladders or inspect tight spaces. Besides a high school diploma, job requirements also include several years of work experience and on-job training. Best paying state for the occupation is Alaska with the mean annual wage of $77,800 while Delaware is the place with greatest demand for construction and building inspectors.
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1.First-Line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Annual mean wage: $65.150
The first place on our list of 6 easiest construction jobs that pay well is reserved for supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers who, as the name itself suggests, supervise and coordinate activities of trades and extraction workers. Previous work experience is essential for getting the job. In addition, supervisors usually have a degree in apprenticeship or vocational program, and they also must go through some on-job training. Currently, the highest paying state for the occupation is Alaska where supervisors earn as much as $91,790 annually while Wyoming is the easiest state to find the job.
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