There are many jobs that exist on construction sites. Construction workers may be curious to know what are the jobs with the best annual salary. We’ve compiled this list of the
highest-paying jobs in the construction industry.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Construction Industry
The highest-paying construction jobs typically include:
- Construction Manager
- General Contractor
- Project Manager
- Building Inspector
- Cost Estimator
- Architect
- Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
- Superintendent
- Safety Manager
Salaries for construction jobs vary widely depending on a multitude of factors such as location, type of employer, and level of experience. Additionally, the salary for a specific job may also differ based on the specific industry the job is in such as residential or commercial construction.
Construction Manager
A construction manager oversees all aspects of a project, from planning to design to construction. Construction managers work closely alongside other professionals such as engineers, architects, and other professionals in order to complete the project on time, within budget, with the satisfaction of the customer. They also oversee the daily operations of the site, which includes scheduling, budgeting, as well as the work of subcontractors. Construction managers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or a related area, as well as several years of construction experience. They must also be familiar with building codes, safety regulations and other legal requirements. They must also possess good communication, leadership, and management skills.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2020, the median annual salary for construction managers is $95,260. The top 10 per cent of earners also earned more than $152,290.
General Contractor
A general contractor coordinates and manages all aspects of the construction project from start to finish. They supervise the entire construction process including planning, design and budgeting.
They also oversee the work of other professionals and subcontractors. General contractors ensure that the project is completed on time, within the agreed budget and to the satisfaction the client.
General contractors usually have a high-school diploma or an equivalent and several years’ experience in the construction business. Many general contractors have a degree or diploma in construction management, or a closely related field. They must also have a license from the state where they are operating. To get the license, you must pass a state-sponsored test.
General contractors must have excellent management, leadership and communication skills as well as a thorough understanding of safety and building codes. They must also have the ability to read and understand blueprints and other construction documentation.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2020 the median annual wage of general contractors was $55,050, with the top 10% earning more than $126,830.
Project Manager in Construction Jobs
A project management is responsible for planning and executing construction projects. They work closely in conjunction with clients, architect, engineers, and others to ensure that projects are completed on schedule, within budget, to the satisfaction of their client. They also manage the daily operations of construction projects, including scheduling and budgeting.
Most project managers hold a bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or another related field. They also have several years’ experience in construction. They must also possess a thorough understanding of building codes and safety regulations as well as any other legal requirements pertaining to construction. They must also have excellent management, communication, and leadership skills.
Project managers often use software for project management to keep track of important details such as the budget, schedule, progress and other aspects. They also have to be able take quick and effective decisions and solve issues.
According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual pay for project managers is $93,370 as of May 2020. The Bureau also reported that the top 10% percent of project management earned more then $144,520.
Building Inspector in Construction Jobs
Building inspectors are responsible for assuring construction projects comply with all building codes and safety regulations. Their job entails inspecting buildings, structures and equipment to make sure that they meet both local and national codes as well as standards. Typically they inspect foundation, framing, electrical wiring plumbing final inspection as well as issue permits/certificates of occupancy/enforce zoning laws.
Building inspectors typically hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, and some states require them to possess degrees in engineering, architecture or another related field. Furthermore, building inspectors need relevant construction experience as well as maintain licensing or certification from their state.
Building inspectors require excellent communication and interpersonal skills in addition to being adept at reading blueprints and other construction documents. Furthermore, they should have strong attention to detail, be able to work independently, make quick decisions quickly and solve problems efficiently.
According to data provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, building inspectors earned an average median annual wage of $60,710 as of May 2020; with top 10 percent earning more than $89,130.
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators use their knowledge of construction materials, labor and equipment costs to estimate project expenses accurately, providing clients with an accurate picture of overall budget. Cost estimators make use of blueprints, drawings and other project documents for building detailed estimates of material costs as well as labor and expenses associated with each expense incurred for each construction project they estimate – they work alongside architects, engineers and other construction professionals so as to ensure projects remain on budget and on schedule.
Cost estimators generally hold a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or related field and possess several years of experience within the construction industry. Furthermore, they must possess a deep knowledge of building codes, safety regulations and other legal requirements relevant to construction work as well as good leadership qualities and effective communication.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2020 the median annual wage for cost estimators was $66,040; those in the top 10% earned over $119,320.
Architect in Construction Jobs
An architect is responsible for designing buildings and structures to ensure they are safe, functional, and beautiful. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences before using this information to produce detailed plans and drawings for construction of structures or buildings. Architects often collaborate with engineers, construction managers, cost estimators and cost estimators so their projects are completed on schedule, within budget and to their client’s satisfaction.
Architects typically hold a professional degree in architecture from an accredited five-year program that encompasses classroom learning as well as practical experience. Furthermore, architects must obtain licensing to practice in their state and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Architects need to possess an in-depth understanding of building codes and safety regulations as well as aesthetic design preferences and aesthetic preferences. Furthermore, they should possess excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects had a median annual wage of $75,930 as of May 2020; those in the top 10% made over $129,810.
Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
Engineers are construction job professionals who use their knowledge of science, mathematics and engineering principles to design, plan and supervise various systems and structures. Engineers use their experience and skill set to ensure projects comply with safety, legal, and quality guidelines when developing them.
Civil engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings and other structures; designing water supply, sewer and drainage systems and overseeing their management; managing water consumption in homes or other establishments and managing pollution control issues in public facilities.
* Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of various electrical systems, such as power generation/distribution/lighting/equipment networks.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the installation of mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and transportation systems.
Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree and must obtain a license in their state of practice to operate as engineers. A strong understanding of building codes and safety regulations are also key qualities for an engineer to possess. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2020, civil engineers’ median annual wages were $87,060 while electrical and mechanical engineers earned median annual wages of $96,270 each respectively; 10 percent of professionals earning in these professions earned over $122,530 (civil, electrical and mechanical).
Superintendent
Superintendents in construction projects are charged with overseeing and managing day-to-day operations of a project. They work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure timely completion.
Subcontractors and other professionals working on the project are also overseen and managed to ensure it complies with building codes, safety regulations, and any legal requirements that might exist.
Superintendents typically possess at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, along with extensive experience working in the construction industry. A strong knowledge of building codes and safety regulations as well as effective management, leadership, and communication abilities is also required of this role.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2020 that superintendents earned an annual median wage of $93,370 with those in the top 10% earning more than $144,520 annually.
Safety Manager
Safety managers are professionals responsible for overseeing construction projects to ensure they comply with all relevant safety regulations and standards. Working alongside project managers, architects, engineers and other professionals – they develop and implement safety plans and procedures at construction sites as well as conduct inspections/audits of sites/workers as well as investigate accidents/incidents that arise on construction sites.
Safety managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in safety management, engineering or another relevant field and several years of experience working within the construction industry. Furthermore, they should have a deep knowledge of safety regulations as well as strong managerial, leadership and communication abilities.
Salary considerations for Safety Managers vary based on factors including location, experience and project scope and size. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics figures from May 2020, median annual wages were $105,830 with 10 percent earning over $169,130 annually.
