7 of the Best and Highest-Paying Construction Jobs

With plenty of job opportunities, high economic demand and a low barrier to entry, the construction industry has a lot to offer to potential workers. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the construction industry will grow by 10% between 2018 and 2028. They also report a higher than median salary for people who work in this sector. If you want to start or grow your construction career, consider one of these high-paying or high-opportunity jobs.

1. Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee all aspects of project coordination, including role assignment, budget management and deadline scheduling. They perform top-level organization to ensure project timeliness, safety, efficiency and compliance.

• Average salary: $93,370 a year/$44.89 per hour
• Required training: Bachelor's degree in most cases, plus previous industry experience

2. Heavy Equipment Operator

Equipment operators oversee and control heavy equipment like excavators and cranes. The BLS predicts that this job will grow by 10% between 2018 and 2028, offering plenty of opportunities to aspiring operators.

• Average salary: $48,160 per year/$23.16 per hour
• Required training: High school diploma and equipment training such as on-the-job experience or vocational school

3. Elevator Technicians

Elevator technicians work with elevators and similar structures such as escalators, moving walkways and chairlifts. Job duties include assembly, installation, maintenance and replacement. According to the BLS, this occupation has a much higher than median growth rate and salary.

• Average salary: $84,990 per year/$40.86 per hour
• Required training: High school diploma and four-year apprenticeship

4. Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design, build and supervise infrastructure projects such as buildings, roads and bridges. Depending on the nature of their position, a civil engineer may also perform some of the duties associated with a construction manager.

• Average salary: $87,060 per year/$41.86 per hour
• Required training: Bachelor's degree, with graduate degree or certification often required for promotion

5. Electrician

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical equipment and systems. In construction, they install electrical systems in new construction projects and perform ongoing maintenance. The highest-earning 10% of electricians earn $96,580, or around $40,000 more than the median salary.

• Average salary: $56,180 per year/$27.01 per hour
• Required training: High school diploma and apprenticeship or technical school

6. Plumber

Plumbers install and maintain building systems related to moving liquids and gases. According to the BLS, the demand for plumbers will grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028.

• Average salary: $55,160 per year/$26.52 per hour
• Required training: High school diploma, apprenticeship/technical school and plumbing license

7. Solar Installer

Solar installers assemble, install and maintain solar energy panels. The rise of green energy across the world has led to a projected 63% growth for this job from 2018 to 2028.

• Average salary: $44,890 per year/$21.58 per hour
• Required training: High school diploma and one year of on-the-job training

Count on The Cat® Rental Store

Professionals throughout the construction industry count on Caterpillar for dependable equipment and service. The Cat® Rental Store offers more than 1,300 global locations, low-hour equipment and top-of-the-line customer service.

For more information on our rentals, browse our online inventory, submit a quick quote or call us at 1-800-RENT-CAT.