Is Construction a Good Career?

Construction can be a good career choice for people who enjoy working with their hands, being outdoors, and building things. It offers a wide range of career paths and job titles, and can be lucrative with many skilled tradespeople earning high salaries. It's important to note that construction work can be physically demanding and even dangerous at times, requiring a certain level of skill and training.

Construction work offers a wide range of career paths and job titles. Some common construction jobs include carpenter, electrician, plumber, welder, and heavy equipment operator. Each of these jobs requires a different set of skills and qualifications, and they can offer different levels of pay and job security. Overall, whether construction is a good career choice for someone depends on their interests, skills, and goals.

This article will explore whether construction is a good career choice and highlight the best states to be a construction worker compared to national statistics. We will also provide examples of construction career paths and job titles with salaries in the top 5 states.

Construction As the Foundation of Civilization

The history of construction dates back to ancient times, with evidence of early human civilizations building structures for shelter, protection, and gathering purposes. Skilled craftsmen were highly valued and respected for their abilities and were able to build impressive structures that still stand today. Some of the most impressive ancient structures still standing include the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum in Rome.

Construction can be a great career choice for those who enjoy working with their hands, being outdoors, and building things. Construction workers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including framing and finishing buildings, installing electrical and plumbing systems, and laying roads and sidewalks. They work in a variety of settings, from residential construction sites to commercial and industrial projects.

While construction work can be physically demanding and even dangerous at times, it can also be rewarding and gratifying. Construction workers often take pride in their work, as they can see the results of their labor taking shape before their eyes. Additionally, construction work can be quite lucrative, with many skilled tradespeople earning high salaries.

Best States for Construction Jobs

If you are considering a career in construction, it's important to know which states offer the best job opportunities and salaries. According to a report from ConExpo-Con/Agg, the top ten states for construction jobs in 2021 are:

1. Texas
2. Florida
3. California
4. New York
5. Georgia
6. Pennsylvania
7. North Carolina
8. Ohio
9. Illinois
10. Tennessee

Texas, in particular, has seen significant growth in construction jobs in recent years. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, Texas added the most construction jobs of any state between December 2019 and December 2020.

Construction Jobs and Salaries in the Top 5 States

Let's take a closer look at some of the top construction jobs and salaries in the top five states for construction jobs.

1. Texas: As mentioned earlier, Texas is the top state for construction jobs in the United States. With a rapidly growing population and booming economy, there is a constant demand for construction workers in Texas. The most common construction jobs in Texas include carpenter, electrician, plumber, welder, and heavy equipment operator. According to CareerExplorer.com, the average salary for a construction worker in Texas is $34,000 per year, but skilled tradespeople can earn significantly more. For example, the average salary for an electrician in Texas is $51,000 per year, while the average salary for a plumber is $49,000 per year.
2. Florida: Florida is another state with a strong construction industry. The state is home to many high-rise buildings, beachfront properties, and theme parks that require skilled construction workers. Some of the most common construction jobs in Florida include carpenter, electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician. According to PayScale, the average salary for a construction worker in Florida is $15.67 per hour, but experienced tradespeople can earn significantly more.
3. California: California is the most populous state in the United States, and it has a thriving construction industry. The state is home to many high-profile construction projects, including the new Golden State Warriors arena in San Francisco and the new Los Angeles Rams stadium in Inglewood. Some of the most common construction jobs in California include carpenter, electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician. According to CareerExplorer.com, the average salary for a construction worker in California is $41,000 per year, but skilled tradespeople can earn significantly more.
4. New York: New York is one of the most iconic states in the United States, and it has a large and diverse construction industry. From high-rise buildings in New York City to new bridge and tunnel projects throughout the state, there is always a demand for skilled construction workers in New York. Some of the most common construction jobs in New York include carpenter, electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician. According to PayScale, the average salary for a construction worker in New York is $20.33 per hour, but experienced tradespeople can earn significantly more.
5. Georgia: Georgia is a state with a strong and growing construction industry. The state is home to many large construction projects, including the new Atlanta Falcons stadium and the expansion of the Savannah port. Some of the most common construction jobs in Georgia include carpenter, electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician. According to CareerExplorer.com, the average salary for a construction worker in Georgia is $32,000 per year, but skilled tradespeople can earn significantly more.

When considering a career in construction, it's important to note that safety training and compliance with OSHA regulations are crucial for a successful and long-lasting career. OSHAcampus.com offers a variety of courses and certifications to help candidates meet OSHA requirements and ensure a safe working environment.

Begin Your Career Today

Construction can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice for those who are willing to work hard and invest in their education and training. The industry offers a wide range of job opportunities, competitive salaries, and job security. Candidates interested in pursuing a career in construction should consider the top states for construction jobs, such as Texas, Florida, California, New York, and Georgia, and research job titles and salaries within their desired field. Additionally, taking safety training courses and becoming OSHA-certified can increase job prospects and ensure a safe working environment.