Construction is an often-neglected career choice. Most people believe the best way to make money is to go into specialized fields, like medical or law. What these people don’t know is that you can make a comfortable salary in construction. You should know the best paying construction jobs in America areto redefine your career path.
Crane Operator/Construction Equipment Operators
Construction equipment operators are some of the most skilled professionals in the field. Any construction site with dump trucks, cranes, or other heavy machinery requires skilled operators. Crane operators can get special operation training in many of the different types of construction cranes. Workers must take classes and receive on-the-job training to become proficient. Construction equipment operators can expect to make about $50,000 per year or more if certified.
Carpenters
Carpenters mainly construct and fix wooden frameworks and structures. Typically, this involves stairways, doorframes, rafters, or bridge supports. Math savvy people should consider this profession. It involves calculating floor space and wall height to make precise angle cuts. It also requires some physical activity through standing and bending. Carpenters can earn a solid $40,000 salary—or more.
Plumbers
Plumbers make a great salary, more than most people may think. Plumbers fix sinks, toilets, and pipes in your home. They ensure your water supply reaches your appliances and fixtures. This job requires customer service as well as physical and mechanical service. Plumbers earn over $50,000 per year with exceeding job growth.
Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residences or businesses. Some even coordinate lighting for movie and television studios. To be an electrician requires four years of apprenticeship and licensing. Still, the average electrician makes a salary of $50,000 or more as a journeyman.
Elevator Workers
Elevator installers and repairmen earn exceptionally high salaries. They install and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Elevator technicians must undergo years in their apprenticeship, but it pays off. Most elevator techs earn between $80,000 and $100,000 yearly.
HVAC Technicians
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC techs repair heaters, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Every house has these units, but most people don’t consider learning how to fix them. This makes it easy for HVAC technicians to find work. Starting salaries draw near $46,000.
Insulation Contractors
This is probably one of the most important professions. Insulation contractors insulate your home, which keeps it warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry during thunderstorms. Insulation protects buildings from outside elements. Proper insulation saves energy, saves money, and reduces noise. It can also protect against dangerous conditions, such as providing protection over hot water pipes. Insulation contractors must maneuver around tight spaces, but their work racks up a solid $40,000 per year.
Painters
Just as their name implies, painters paint the outside and inside of buildings and homes. They apply paint, stain, and coat frameworks and structures. While painters don’t earn as high as other jobs, they can earn roughly $40,000 per year for their work.
