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Construction Workers

Construction workers build and maintain the physical infrastructure that supports modern life, working with materials like sheet metal, structural steel, and solar energy systems. These professionals read blueprints, fabricate components, and install everything from HVAC ducts and building frameworks to solar panels on rooftops. They ensure all installations meet safety codes and specifications while maintaining and repairing equipment as needed.

Median Annual Pay
$58,825
Range: $37,000 - $105,010
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
🟡AI-Augmented
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

🎬Career Video

🤖AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 4/6: low AI task exposure means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

7% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+2% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 13/25

Total Score4/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

📋Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
  • Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
  • Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
  • Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
  • Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.
  • Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
  • Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.

💡Inside This Career

Construction workers shape the built environment around us, spending their days transforming raw materials into the structures and systems that power modern life. Their work typically begins early, with careful review of blueprints, safety protocols, and project specifications before heading to job sites that might include high-rise buildings, residential developments, industrial facilities, or rooftops across the cityscape. Much of their day involves precise fabrication and installation work—measuring, cutting, positioning, and securing materials ranging from metal ductwork and steel beams to solar panel arrays. They operate specialized tools and equipment, from welding torches and plasma cutters to hoists and mounting systems, always balancing efficiency with exacting safety standards.

The physical demands vary considerably depending on the project and specialization. Some days might be spent working at dizzying heights on building frameworks, while others involve detailed fabrication work in shops or warehouses. Weather conditions, project deadlines, and structural complexities all influence the daily rhythm. Construction workers collaborate closely with other trades, architects, and project managers, coordinating their installations with electrical systems, plumbing, and architectural elements to ensure everything fits together seamlessly.

Problem-solving is constant—whether adapting to unexpected structural challenges, working around existing building systems, or troubleshooting installation issues in the field. Each project brings unique technical requirements, from historic building renovations requiring custom metalwork to cutting-edge green construction incorporating the latest solar technology. The work demands both physical stamina and technical precision, with the satisfaction of seeing tangible results take shape each day.

📈Career 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.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$37,000
$33,300 - $40,700
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$45,840
$41,256 - $50,424
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$58,780
$52,902 - $64,658
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$78,620
$70,758 - $86,482
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$100,850
$90,765 - $110,935

📚Education & Training

Requirements

  • Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: Some experience helpful
  • On-the-job Training: Few months to one year

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Can earn while learning
Source: college board (2024)
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💻Technology Skills

CAD software (AutoCAD)Sheet metal softwareEstimating toolsMicrosoft OfficeCNC programmingCAD softwareRigging calculatorsSafety documentationBlueprint reading toolsSolar design softwareElectrical testing toolsInstallation documentationSafety tracking

Key Abilities

Visualization
Near Vision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Manual Dexterity
Multilimb Coordination
Information Ordering
Selective Attention
Finger Dexterity
Oral Comprehension
Written Comprehension

🏷️Also Known As

Construction WorkersAC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)Air Duct MechanicAircraft MetalsmithAircraft Sheet Metal MechanicAngle BenderAviation MetalsmithBeam WorkerCeiling InstallerChute Builder+20 more

📑Specializations

This career includes 3 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

🔗Related Careers

Other careers in construction

🔗Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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