Did you know that the United States will need to hire an additional one million construction workers over the next two years? Since last June, construction companies are still short almost 240,000 workers compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Now is an excellent time to change construction jobs or start a new career path. Are you curious about what the best-paid jobs in construction are?

Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on top paid construction jobs and how to get started finding ones available near you, so keep reading for more information!

What Are Construction Jobs?

Before diving into the best salary construction jobs, it helps to have a basic idea of jobs in construction. Construction is an umbrella term that includes:

  • Buildings
  • Industrial
  • Infrastructure

It can include new building constructions, remodels, engineering projects, and more.

Most industries require job-specific and general training required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) department. These training modules are crucial to keeping employees and the workplace safe.

Construction Best Paid Jobs

The highest-paid construction jobs include:

  • Elevator technicians
  • Building inspector/surveyor
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Equipment operators
  • Masonry workers
  • Building and civil engineers
  • Construction manager
  • Boilermakers
  • Architect

Like other job fields, the highest paid careers in construction typically align with education and expertise. You can get undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in many construction specialties.

There are even more basic applied-associated degrees if you don’t want to make the full commitment to a four-year degree. Recent research shows that trade schools are increasing in popularity.

Construction trade specialty programs have increased by five percent since 2019. For comparison, enrollment in physical science undergraduate degrees declined by over 30 percent.

Construction trade programs are just one of four programs that saw growth during the pandemic. Now is the time to look at best paid jobs in construction and choose a career that fits your interests. Why?

Almost 90% of contractors cannot find enough workers qualified for job sites. Labor shortages have pushed many into opening the doors to new graduates or those looking at switching careers.

Construction Jobs Salary

How much do construction workers get paid? Unfortunately – it depends on several factors, including:

  • Area of expertise
  • Years of experience
  • Where you live
  • Construction setting

Let’s lay out some of the highest-paid construction jobs’ salary averages to help you get started. Architects are one of the highest-paid jobs at over six figures per year.

Landscape architects are close behind at just under $100,000 annually. You will likely need at least an undergraduate degree, and it can be competitive!

If you want a managerial role, construction site managers average over $85,000 annually. Here are some more of the best-paid job salaries in construction:

  • Building Inspector: over $60,000
  • Engineers (structural): over $86,000
  • Elevator technician: almost $90,000
  • Boilermakers: over $63,000

Some general jobs could include painter or roofing laborers. Getting started at a lower-paying job in the field gives you experience and opportunities to work your way up the ladder if you want.

In general, construction wages have increased across the board since the pandemic. Average hourly wages increased more than three percent last year, pushing them above $30 per hour. Most wage increases stem from labor shortages and growing demand for construction workers.

Highest Paid States

If you are interested in looking towards other states for work, you’re in luck! Salaries have increased nationally, but some states saw a much larger increase that may make it worth your while to pack your belongings. Here are the states with the highest pay increases:

  • Washington
  • California
  • Massachusetts
  • Oregon
  • North Dakota

All of these states saw increases in salary from 2010 to 2020 by 40 to 60 percent. The benefit of moving to a place like Massachusetts or other states seeing considerable growth is that you get fair compensation for your time and hours and expect more growth in the future.

For example, Massachusetts’s annual 2020 salary was over $80,000 for all sectors. These states may have a higher cost of living, but you will also get paid much more than states like Wyoming, Alaska, and Louisana, which all saw very minimal growth during the past ten years.

How To Get Started in Construction

Are you wondering how to get started in construction? First, research the field you have an interest in. If you don’t know yet, try getting entry-level jobs that don’t require any experience.

They may pay less, but you can better understand what happens on a construction site. Sometimes, you can find simple contract or temporary work that will let you try out multiple fields or apprenticeships.

Once you have found out what you want to go into, research the degree needed. Some may require trades school, while others, such as engineering, might require as much as a master’s degree.

Lastly, you need a search engine that lets you find top-paying construction jobs through reliable companies. At SSA Group, we work closely with many construction and engineering sectors to help place professionals in the right career.

Finding the Best Paid Jobs in Construction

Have you wondered how to find construction jobs that pay well and appeal to your area of expertise? Whether you are getting started or have worked in the field for years, some of the best-paid construction jobs can offer well over six figures.

Between architects, engineers, and even elevator technicians, these jobs are in demand and pay well. SSA Group is an online job search that helps pair professionals and companies to narrow down your searches and find companies that interest you.

Contact us today and see how we can help you find the job of your dreams!