Title: The Top 10 Construction Trades with the Most Employment Opportunities in the U.S.
Introduction:
The push for higher education has left a significant employment gap in the skilled trades sector, which offers lucrative and rewarding career paths with minimal entry requirements, paid apprenticeship programs, strong union representation, and opportunities for advancement and entrepreneurship. JobTest.org has identified the 10 construction trades that employ the most people across the U.S., providing insight into the present and future of the industry.
1. Construction Laborers:
– 2023 employment: 1,019,090
– Projected 2032 employment: 1,480,500
– Average annual job openings: 129,400
– Median pay: $45,300 annually ($21.78 per hour)
– Education and training required: Short-term on-the-job training
2. Electricians:
– 2023 employment: 712,580
– Projected 2032 employment: 811,800
– Average annual job openings: 73,500
– Median pay: $61,590 annually ($29.61 per hour)
– Education and training required: High school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship
3. Carpenters:
– 2023 employment: 700,290
– Projected 2032 employment: 964,900
– Average annual job openings: 79,500
– Median pay: $56,350 annually ($27.09 per hour)
– Education and training required: High school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship
4. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators:
– 2023 employment: 450,370
– Projected 2032 employment: 449,200
– Average annual job openings: 38,200
– Median pay: $56,160 annually ($27.00 per hour)
– Education and training required: High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training
5. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters:
– 2023 employment: 436,160
– Projected 2032 employment: 493,600
– Average annual job openings: 42,600
– Median pay: $61,550 annually ($29.59 per hour)
– Education and training required: High school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship
6. Painters, Construction, and Maintenance:
– 2023 employment: 215,910
– Projected 2032 employment: 377,900
– Average annual job openings: 29,300
– Median pay: $47,700 annually ($22.94 per hour)
– Education and training required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
7. Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers:
– 2023 employment: 203,560
– Projected 2032 employment: 197,900
– Average annual job openings: 14,200
– Median pay: $50,720 annually ($24.38 per hour)
– Education and training required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
8. Roofers:
– 2023 employment: 135,140
– Projected 2032 employment: 157,600
– Average annual job openings: 12,200
– Median pay: $50,030 annually ($24.05 per hour)
– Education and training required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
9. Sheet Metal Workers:
– 2023 employment: 116,190
– Projected 2032 employment: 126,000
– Average annual job openings: 11,400
– Median pay: $58,780 annually ($28.26 per hour)
– Education and training required: High school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship
10. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers:
– 2023 employment: 90,860
– Projected 2032 employment: 118,200
– Average annual job openings: 7,900
– Median pay: $55,700 annually ($26.78 per hour)
– Education and training required: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Conclusion:
The construction industry offers a promising career path for many Americans, with tens of thousands of job openings annually in various trades. These jobs pay well compared to other options for those without college degrees, and they come without the burden of college debt. Prospective trade workers should plan for the future, considering seasonal demands and the need to transition to less physical jobs as they age. Despite some challenges, the construction trades industry remains a viable and rewarding career choice for those seeking a skilled trade career.
