🏗️

Construction & Extraction

Build structures and extract natural resources.

66 careers$50,910 median payHigh AI risk

📋 What You'll Do

•Read blueprints and technical drawings
•Measure, cut, and assemble materials
•Operate power tools and heavy equipment
•Install systems and components
•Ensure work meets codes and specifications
•Coordinate with other trades

🎓 Education & Training

Typical Path

High school diploma plus apprenticeship

Time Investment

3-5 years apprenticeship for journeyman status

Common Credentials

• Trade-specific licenses
• OSHA safety certifications
• Union certifications

👤 Who This Is For

Good fit if you:

✓Those who enjoy physical, hands-on work
✓People who like seeing tangible results
✓Individuals seeking high earning potential without college
✓Those who value craftsmanship and skill

Not ideal if you:

✗Those uncomfortable with heights or physical risk
✗People who dislike outdoor work in weather

About Construction & Extraction Careers

Construction careers build and renovate the structures where we live, work, and play. From carpenters framing houses to heavy equipment operators moving earth, these skilled tradespeople transform blueprints into reality.

This field offers high earning potential, tangible accomplishment, and paths from apprentice to business owner.

Core Skills Needed

Physical strength and staminaManual dexterity and coordinationMath and measurement skillsBlueprint readingTool and equipment proficiencyProblem-solvingSafety awareness

Construction & Extraction Careers

Explore all 66 careers in this category

Pay ≥

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Showing 50 of 66 careers

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Career	Category	Median Pay	Training	AI Resilience
Construction Managers	Construction	$104,900	4-5 years	🟠In Transition
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	Construction	$102,420	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	Construction	$76,760	6-24mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Solar Energy Installation Managers	Construction	$76,760	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Boilermakers	Construction	$71,140	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other	Construction	$68,910	4-5 years	🟠In Transition
Construction and Building Inspectors	Construction	$67,700	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Energy Auditors	Construction	$67,700	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	Construction	$67,000	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Roof Bolters, Mining	Construction	$66,660	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining	Construction	$64,070	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Pile Driver Operators	Construction	$63,550	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Tapers	Construction	$63,350	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Structural Iron and Steel Workers	Construction	$62,760	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas	Construction	$61,770	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Electricians	Construction	$61,590	6-24mo	🟢AI-Resilient
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	Construction	$61,590	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	Construction	$61,550	6-24mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians	Construction	$61,550	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Continuous Mining Machine Operators	Construction	$61,420	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Brickmasons and Blockmasons	Construction	$59,640	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Sheet Metal Workers	Construction	$58,780	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas	Construction	$58,210	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	Construction	$56,660	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Carpenters	Construction	$56,350	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	Construction	$56,160	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas	Construction	$55,750	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	Construction	$55,700	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	Construction	$54,850	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Insulation Workers, Mechanical	Construction	$53,920	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Plasterers and Stucco Masons	Construction	$52,640	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Stonemasons	Construction	$51,830	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Glaziers	Construction	$51,100	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	Construction	$50,720	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	Construction	$50,050	<6mo	🟠In Transition
Roofers	Construction	$50,030	<6mo	🟢AI-Resilient
Extraction Workers, All Other	Construction	$49,580	4-5 years	🟠In Transition
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	Construction	$48,980	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Tile and Stone Setters	Construction	$48,910	<6mo	🟢AI-Resilient
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers	Construction	$48,900	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	Construction	$48,840	<6mo	🟢AI-Resilient
Solar Photovoltaic Installers	Construction	$48,800	6-24mo	🟢AI-Resilient
Paperhangers	Construction	$48,460	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Floor Sanders and Finishers	Construction	$47,760	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Painters, Construction and Maintenance	Construction	$47,700	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall	Construction	$47,540	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Carpet Installers	Construction	$47,520	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Highway Maintenance Workers	Construction	$47,360	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Pipelayers	Construction	$47,330	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Construction	$47,280	<6mo	🟡AI-Augmented