Construction Professionals
Construction professionals specialize in building, installing, and maintaining the essential systems and structural elements that make buildings functional and safe. These skilled workers handle everything from electrical wiring and plumbing systems to insulation, roofing, and specialized installations like solar thermal systems. They work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, using blueprints and specialized tools to ensure all work meets safety codes and quality standards.
π¬Career Video
π€AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 4/6: low AI task exposure means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
6% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+4% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 13/25
πKey Responsibilities
- β’Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- β’Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- β’Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- β’Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
- β’Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- β’Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- β’Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- β’Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
π‘Inside This Career
Construction professionals begin their days early, often arriving at job sites as the sun rises to take advantage of daylight hours and coordinate with other trades. The morning typically starts with safety briefings, reviewing blueprints or work orders, and gathering the specialized tools and materials needed for the day's tasks. Whether working on residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities, these skilled workers focus on precise installation, repair, and maintenance activities that require both technical expertise and physical capability. The work varies dramatically by specializationβsome professionals might spend their day routing electrical systems through walls, while others install glass panels on high-rise buildings or apply protective coatings to surfaces.
The collaborative nature of construction means these professionals frequently coordinate with other trades, architects, and project managers throughout the day. A typical workday involves substantial hands-on work: measuring spaces, cutting materials to specifications, operating specialized equipment, and methodically installing systems or components. Many professionals split their time between new construction projects and maintenance work on existing structures. The environment can range from indoor climate-controlled spaces to outdoor work in varying weather conditions, and from ground-level residential projects to high-altitude commercial construction.
Problem-solving occupies a significant portion of each day, as professionals encounter unexpected challenges like structural obstacles, material defects, or design modifications. They must adapt their planned approach, consult with supervisors or colleagues, and implement solutions while maintaining quality standards and safety protocols. Documentation, cleanup, and preparation for the next day's work typically conclude their shift, ensuring project continuity and workplace safety.
πCareer Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
πEducation & Training
Requirements
- β’Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- β’Experience: Some experience helpful
- β’On-the-job Training: Few months to one year
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for construction professionals- Median salary: $58K/year
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π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πSpecializations
This career includes 12 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $61,590 | π’ | 47-2111.00 | View details | ||
| $61,550 | π‘ | 47-2152.00 | View details | ||
| $61,550 | π‘ | 47-2152.04 | View details | ||
| $54,850 | π‘ | 47-2171.00 | View details | ||
| $53,920 | π‘ | 47-2132.00 | View details |
πRelated Careers
Other careers in construction
πData Sources
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