The Most Demanded Construction Jobs

The United States Bureau of Labor is predicting that the next four years—between 2016 and 2020—are going to be high-growth years in the construction industry. Though growth has been slower than expected, there are specific career paths that show perpetual promise, and we’ve compiled a list of 10 that you should definitely keep an eye on as in-demand, high-growth areas within the industry.

Cost Estimator

Not all construction jobs require manual labor, so if you aren’t the physical type, there are still plenty of opportunities to work in a lucrative construction-related field.

Among those “hands-off” kinds of jobs, cost estimator is among the highest paying, and demand for good estimators is high. Most employers do require a minimum of education and experience along with the ability to use current cost estimator software before considering someone for this job, but anyone with a finance background and proven success record with budgeting should be able to get a foot in the door.

Construction Manager

Construction managers are also among the best paid in the industry. Many construction managers find themselves making tidy six-figure incomes after just a few years on the job and right now, demand for new ones is high. Government contracts alone over the next few years are going to give rise to the need for many more teams of qualified construction professionals, all of which are going to need solid leadership to keep projects running on schedule and within budget.

Construction managers of all types are responsible for things like that and much more.

Plumber

Plumbers looking to work either directly for or subcontract with construction agencies are in luck in 2016. Direct hires are often required to have minimal educational credentials but will need to demonstrate having completed at least a four- to five-year apprenticeship program to be considered.

For subcontractors, it is a bit easier, although upper management will likely still want to check into experience and references before green-lighting the contract.

The need for plumbers in construction is spurred on by several factors, not the least of which is the upsurge of new building construction that has already begun and is anticipated to be on the rise over the next few years. There is also high demand for plumbers who can do refurbishment of old systems and replace them with higher-efficiency, low-flow systems. It has also been observed that a larger number of plumbers have been retiring in recent years, mostly due to the Baby Boomer generation beginning to make its exit from the active workforce.

Glazier

If you can say definitively that you aren’t afraid of heights, you might want to look into a job as a glazier. Glaziers are responsible for cutting and fitting windows, storefronts, and skylights. They also seal, fasten, and remove glass from every conceivable location and from every conceivable height. The sheer nature of this job leaves it in perpetual demand, and it is a trade that is relatively easy to learn.

Concrete Finisher and Cement Mason

Masons and finishers literally lay the foundations for successful construction projects.

They work with various reinforcing materials such as rebar, then pour, spread, and level cement mixtures, and monitor the hardening of the material. They then apply sealants to create a strong and reliable foundation upon which to build. It is a job of vital importance and requires numerous hands to get the job done. That is why it has been and will remain a high-demand job in construction, and one that doesn’t require years of education or training to master.

Painter

Good painters are always in demand. In many cases, this is one area of construction that can provide entry-level experience that leads to better-paying and even permanent employment positions. It isn’t the most lucrative of jobs, but it often requires no skills or experience, and large jobs call for numerous painters at every skill level to complete the project on time.