Construction Blue Collar Careers

Construction Careers

Construction blue-collar careers involve hands-on work in building, repairing, and maintaining structures, roads, and infrastructure. These construction careers include roles such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, masons, and heavy equipment operators. Each role contributes specialized skills: carpenters frame and finish buildings; electricians install wiring and lighting systems; plumbers handle water and gas piping; and welders join metal parts in construction and manufacturing.

Additionally, roles like heavy equipment operators run machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators to prepare and develop construction sites, while masons work with bricks, concrete, and stone to build strong foundations and structures. Blue-collar construction professionals must follow safety protocols, read blueprints, and apply technical skills to complete their tasks accurately and efficiently. These construction careers are essential to creating and maintaining buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, offering rewarding work and career growth in an industry vital to everyday life. Find a construction career below!

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

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Job Growth into 2032

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Average US Salary

Scroll below to explore the different blue collar career opportunities in the construction industry!

HVAC/R Technician

An HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technician installs, maintains, and repairs climate-control systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They troubleshoot, test, and replace parts to ensure systems run efficiently. With the rise of energy-efficient technologies, HVAC/R techs also work with eco-friendly systems to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032
Potential/Average Salary: Around $53,410 per year, with experienced technicians earning up to $70,000 or more

Iron Worker

Iron workers are skilled tradespeople who construct and repair the metal frameworks of buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They assemble and install iron or steel beams, reinforcing bars, and other materials to form the skeletons of structures. This role requires physical strength, balance, and precision due to working at heights and in various weather conditions.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 4% (2022-2032)
Average Salary: $58,550 per year
Potential Salary: Experienced workers or those in high-demand regions can earn $80,000+ annually

Electrician Trade

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in buildings, homes, factories, and power plants. This includes wiring, lighting, and other electrical systems, making it one of the most popular electrical trades. Electricians can specialize in areas like residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work.

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 7% from 2022 to 2032 due to increased construction and renewable energy projects.
Average Salary: $60,040 per year, with experienced or specialized electricians earning over $100,000 annually in certain regions.

Elevator Mechanic

An elevator mechanics installs, maintains, and repairs elevators, escalators, and other lifts. They ensure safe, efficient operation of these systems, often working with complex electrical and mechanical components.

Job Outlook/ Projected Growth: Expected growth of 4%, slightly above average, due to urban development and aging infrastructure.
Average Salary: Around $88,000 annually (median pay in 2023) or more, depending on experience and location.
Key Skills: Electrical and mechanical proficiency. Problem-solving and diagnostic skills. Physical fitness for working in confined spaces. Safety-consciousness for high-risk environments. Knowledge of codes, regulations, and maintenance standards

Roofing Trade

A roofer installs, repairs, and maintains roofs on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work with materials like asphalt, metal, and shingles to ensure roofs are waterproof, insulated, and durable. Roofers often handle safety equipment, climb ladders, and work in various weather conditions to complete installations and repairs.

Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2022 to 2032
Average Salary: Approximately $48,890 annually

Plumbing Trade

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They work on pipes, fittings, and fixtures, ensuring safe water supply and waste disposal. Plumbers often troubleshoot leaks, replace old piping, and install appliances like water heaters.

Job Outlook: 4% growth from 2023 to 2032, driven by ongoing construction and maintenance demands.
Average Salary: $59,880 annually; experienced plumbers can earn over $90,000.

Heavy Equipment Operator

A heavy equipment operator operates machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and cranes to move earth, construct infrastructure, and handle material in various industries. They interpret plans, control equipment, and ensure safe, efficient operation on construction sites, mines, and more. Operators need skills in handling complex controls and safety protocols, often working outdoors in diverse conditions. Training is typically through apprenticeships or vocational programs.

Job Outlook & Salary:

Job Outlook: Expected growth of 5% from 2022 to 2032.
Average Salary: Around $56,650 per year.
Potential Salary: Experienced operators can earn over $75,000 annually in some regions.

Garage Door Technician

A Garage Door Technician installs, repairs, and maintains residential and commercial garage doors and their related systems. This role includes troubleshooting issues with door mechanisms, motors, springs, and electrical components, ensuring safe and smooth door operation. Technicians work in various environments, often driving to multiple job sites daily and performing both mechanical and electrical tasks.

Job Outlook: Steady growth, driven by residential and commercial demand. 8% growth into 2030.
Average Salary: $40,000–$55,000 per year, with potential for experienced techs to earn over $60,000.

GPS Technician

A GPS Technician installs, maintains, and repairs Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment used for navigation, surveying, and location tracking across various industries. They ensure systems provide accurate data for mapping, construction, and fleet management applications. Proficiency in troubleshooting, calibration, and working with specialized software is essential.

Job Outlook: Moderate growth, driven by demand in construction, logistics, and agriculture. 29% expected growth into 2032.
Potential/Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

Land Surveyor

A land surveyor measures and maps land boundaries, determining the exact locations of property lines and structures for construction, legal purposes, and land development. They use specialized equipment, GPS, and software to collect data on land elevation, contours, and features, ensuring compliance with legal and project requirements.

Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2022 to 2032, slower than average.
Average Salary: Approximately $65,000 per year.

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