CARPENTER $12.35(entry level) - $29.44(experienced) / hourly Carpenters make, on average, $40,000 per year. Carpenters work on every type of construction project. Although additional training may be necessary, it is possible to become a carpenter directly out of high school. Carpentry is one of the oldest construction trades and dates back thousands of years. Do you like building, traveling and being outdoors? Why not consider a career that is fun and offers financial freedom. Carpenters measure, cut and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass and drywall. Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction, from buildings to highways and bridges to power plants. Carpenters are able to work on every phase of construction. High school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Manual dexterity, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and basic math skills.
CONCRETE FINISHER $12.53(entry level) - $25.31(experienced) / hourly Do you enjoy working outside and with large groups? Are you interested in being able to work on all types of projects? Consider becoming a concrete finisher. Concrete finishers work with large teams of people to place and finish concrete slabs, columns, sidewalks, curbs and even architectural features. Concrete finishers can work on bridges, buildings, and utility plants just to name a few! Concrete finishers work mainly outside, but due to material requirements, will sometimes work in heated areas during the winter. Concrete finishers make, on average, over $37,260 per year. Concrete finishers are able to see immediate progress and results with their work. You can become a concrete finisher directly out of high school. Concrete finishers can work on some of the largest construction projects. Students can start right out of high school, but there are programs available to continue training at technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Coordination, strength and manual dexterity. Being physically fit is a plus as concrete finishers often work on their hands and knees. Information gathered from the Bureau of Labor statistics via www.collegeincolorado.org; current as of 09.01.17
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER $27.88(entry level) - $65.88(experienced) / hourly Do you take joy in designing and executing plans? Becoming a construction engineer may be for you! Engineers design, construct, supervise, operate and maintain construction projects and systems including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. They can also design mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Construction engineers spend most of their time in the office, but frequently visit job sites to perform observations of the work. A bachelor s degree, master s degree or project management certification is required. Additional engineering licenses may be necessary. Very strong math skills, detail oriented, strong written communication skills, and good time management. Construction engineers include: civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as a variety of other specific support engineers. Construction engineers are directly responsible for ensuring that the designed systems and building elements will work. Construction engineers are one of the highest paid professions in construction. Construction engineers all require some sort of bachelor s degree, while some may require additional degrees or certifications.
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATOR Construction estimators make, on average, over $69,170 per year! Construction estimators work with some of the newest technology. $17.99(entry level) - $50.23(experienced) / hourly Construction estimators typically require a college degree. Do you enjoy puzzles and looking at how things are put together? Do you enjoy working with cool computer software? Consider becoming a construction estimator. Estimators review plans and try to determine the cost to build a project. Estimators work with many different computer programs when putting together an estimate and often times work closely with a marketing team to get awarded work. Estimators frequently work in an office environment, but need to occasionally visit a project site prior to construction starting. A bachelor s degree, master s degree or project management certification is typically required, but it is possible to switch into estimating based on previous construction experience. Strong math skills, detail oriented, ability to read and understand complex documents, and the ability to navigate computer software.
CRAFT LABORER $10.44(entry level) - $21.61(experienced) / hourly Would you consider yourself a jack of all trades? If so, a construction laborer career might be an option to explore! They perform many basic tasks on construction sites and mostly work full time. This occupation would be a great way to get your foot in the door to other career opportunities in the construction industry. Craft laborers work on every type of construction project. Work can be inside or outside, depending on the project. Can start with almost no previous experience or training. High school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Craft laborers make, on average, over $32,790 per year. Craft laborers are often an entry position into the construction industry. Craft laborers can gain exposure to most types of construction without requiring specific skills or training. Craft laborers can start straight out of high school. Physical dexterity, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, willingness to work hard.
DRYWALL & CEILING TILE INSTALLER $15.67(entry level) - $24.70(experienced) / hourly Do you enjoy immediately seeing the fruits of your labor? Do you enjoy puzzles and working with your hands? Consider becoming a drywall and ceiling tile installer. This subdivision of carpentry focuses on framing and installing plaster board and wall board to walls and ceilings. Drywall and ceiling tile installers work exclusively indoors and can work on both new construction projects and renovations. Drywall and ceiling tile installer usually work in small groups and help transform the interiors of buildings. Although very little experience is required to enter into this trade, there are additional education opportunities, such as high school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Manual dexterity, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and basic math skills. Drywall and ceiling tile installers make, on average, almost $41,980 per year. Drywall and ceiling tile installers work almost exclusively indoors. Drywall and ceiling tile installers are one of the fastest growing trades in the Denver area.
ELECTRICIAN $13.40(entry level) - $35.48(experienced) / hourly Electricians can make, on average, almost $48,120 per year! Electricians are essential for parts of any type of occupied building. Electricians typically require training through either certified programs or apprenticeships. Electricians are in high demand in the construction industry. If you re into sound systems, robotics or tinkering with wires, you should think about a career as an electrician. Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical power systems for our homes, businesses and factories. As an electrician, you are able to work on every type of project and at almost all phases of the construction process. High school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Manual dexterity, physical fitness, good color vision to recognize different wires, aptitude for math, and ability to work with others.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR $16.31(entry level) - $28.98(experienced) / hourly Do you have an interest in operating dump trucks, bulldozers or other vehicles classified as heavy machinery? As a heavy equipment operator, you will learn how to safely use this type of equipment to move construction materials. This occupation operates equipment that clears and grades land to prepare it for construction of roads, buildings and bridges, as well as airport runways, power generation facilities, dams, levees and other structures. Equipment operators work at every type of project in some capacity. Equipment operators get to work with some of the most expensive and largest construction machinery available. Equipment Operators can make, on average, $46,260 per year. Equipment operators can work on almost any type of construction project. Students can start in high school where programs are available and continue training at technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Mechanical aptitude, experience operating mobile equipment (such as farm tractors), good physical condition, hand-eye-foot coordination. A commercial driver s license is often needed to haul equipment.
GLAZIER $12.95(entry level) - $29.94(experienced) / hourly If you enjoy adventures, scenic views and have a creative side, then try out this profession! They select, cut, install, replace and remove residential, commercial and artistic glass. Glaziers use a variety of tools including glazing knives, saws, drills, grinders, putty, and glazing compounds. They must work as a team when guiding and installing glass for large buildings. Glaziers are able to work on a wide range of projects. Often times glaziers are working high above the ground. Students can start in high school, where programs are available, and continue training at technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Must have the ability to mold and manipulate objects while paying attention to detail. Balance and hand-eye coordination are a must when working on ladders and scaffolds. Glaziers can make, on average, almost $44,300 per year. Glaziers often work in teams to install their work. Glaziers need to be comfortable with working at heights.
HVAC TECHS HVAC Techs can make, on average, almost $55,080 per year! HVAC Techs typically will work on one project for an extended period of time before moving on to the next job. $16.19(entry level) - $37.22(experienced) / hourly Can t decide between a career in mechanical systems or electronics? HVAC cover sit all! Motors, compressors, pumps, fans, thermostats, and computerized switches control systems in residential, commercial and industrial structures. Technicians can also specialize in specific equipment, such as hydronics (water-based heating systems), solar panels or commercial refrigeration. HVAC Techs work on hospitals, schools, data centers, and a wide range of other commercial projects. HVAC Techs work indoors, but can start as soon as the structure is erected. Students can start in high school, where programs are available, and continue training at technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Good hand-eye coordination, physical dexterity, mechanical and mathematical aptitude. Some states may require licensure.
IRONWORKER $15.24(entry level) - $28.86(experienced) / hourly If you are looking for an exciting career where you can balance from the top of a brand new skyscraper, then ironworking is for you! Ironworkers place and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form the infrastructure all around us. Ironworkers work on bridges, buildings, and any other steel structure. They typically begin work on the projects as soon as foundations are complete. Ironworkers almost always work outdoors. Ironworkers can make, on average, almost $42,780 per year! Ironworkers often work at heights. Ironworkers almost always work outdoors. High school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Physical dexterity, good balance, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, and welding skills are helpful.
MASON $13.00(entry level) - $29.59(experienced) / hourly Do you dream of building a structure with your own two hands or restoring historical buildings? Check out training in masonry! Brick masons, block masons and stone masons use bricks, concrete blocks and natural stones to build attractive, durable surfaces and structures. These craft professionals have created buildings, walls and roads for thousands of years and will continue to do so long into the future. Masons work mainly outdoors on exteriors of buildings, but can occasionally work inside depending on their specialization. Students can start in high school where programs are available and continue training at technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Basic math skills, good balance and physical fitness. Masons make on average almost $45,120 a year. Masons are among the oldest construction trades and have been involved with some of the most iconic projects. Masons can do a wide variety of work depending on their skill & experience.
PAINTER Painters can make, on average, almost $37,710 per year! Painters typically work indoors. You can become a painter directly out of high school, certain types of painting may require additional certifications. $11.39(entry level) - $23.86(experienced) / hourly Do you have an eye for different colors, textures and tones? Try your hand at becoming a professional painter. Painters are responsible for applying just the right paint or colors to buildings and industrial structures. This career path ranges from industrial spray painters who apply coatings to prevent deterioration to decorative artisans who create faux finishes. Painters typically work indoors, but depending on the type of project may work outdoors as well. Very little experience is required to become a painter, but additional training opportunities exist for artisan painters. Such as technical schools, community colleges and industry training. Good manual dexterity, vision, and color sense, as well as physical stamina and balance. For industrial painting additional certifications may be necessary.
PLUMBER $15.46(entry level) - $35.94(experienced) / hourly Are you tinkering with objects? Look into becoming a plumber! Plumbers do much more than fix sinks and toilets in residential homes. They design and install piping systems that distribute water and remove waste from buildings, and connect heating and cooling systems. Plumbers have to be knowledgeable in water distribution, blueprint reading, local ordinances and regulations, mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics and welding and soldering. Plumbers can work on a variety of construction projects. Work can be inside or outside depending on the project and work. Plumbers can make, on average, almost $50,820 a year! Plumbers are able work in commercial, residential and industrial construction. Plumbers can be trained either through on the job apprenticeships, unions or vocational schools. Technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships and industry training. Physical dexterity, physical fitness, often times plumbers are required to have a license prior to working.
PROJECT MANAGER $20.23(entry level) - $48.59(experienced) / hourly Do others seek your guidance to complete group assignments or project-based tasks? Transfer these leadership skills to the construction industry through project management. Project managers are essential to completing projects on time and on budget. Their duties can include planning, coordinating, budgeting and supervising construction projects from development to completion. Project managers for general contractors usually spend most of their time on site where they monitor projects and make daily decisions about construction activities. Project managers for subcontractors may work out of an office where they are managing multiple projects at once. A bachelor s degree, master s degree or project management certifications is typically required. Strong communication skills, ability to work with diverse groups, strong time management and skills, and the ability to lead and direct others. Project managers can make, on average, almost $69,890 per year. Project manager salaries may vary greatly based on background & experience. Project managers typically have some sort of college degree, but it is possible to become a project manager based on significant construction experience. Information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics via www.collegeincolorado.org; current as of 09.1.17
ROOFER Roofers can make, on average, almost $37,390 per year! Roofers are able to work on almost every type of construction project. You can become a roofer directly out of high school. $12.59(entry level) - $25.93(experienced) / hourly Take an interest in becoming a roof and rise above the rest! Roofers use a variety of materials to build roofs and cover structures such as houses, malls, and hospitals. The materials used are shingles, asphalt, wood, and aluminum. They perform routine inspections and maintenance on a building s roof and determine the best repair procedures. Safety procedures and proper personal protective equipment is key to perform these tasks. Roofers work outdoors on all sorts of buildings. Roofers typically are unable to work during extreme weather. You can start working as a roofer with no previous experience, but you can get additional certifications and industry training. Must have the ability to work at heights. Good balance and hand-eye coordination are a must when working on ladders and scaffolds.
SHEET METAL WORKER $15.31(entry level) - $30.56(experienced) / hourly Are you a visual person? Do you enjoy mechanics and fitting puzzles together? Sheet metal workers cut and mold sheets of metal into products for installing and repairing ventilation and air ducts. They also construct airplanes, automobiles and billboards. Most sheet metal fabrication shops are completely computerized, so sheet metal workers may be responsible for programming control systems on various pieces of equipment. Sheet metal workers work in factories and large warehouses most often with large computerized equipment. Students can start in high school where programs are available and continue training at technical schools, community colleges, and registered apprenticeships or industry training programs. Sheet metal workers can make, on average, almost $46,390 per year. Sheet metal workers often work in factories and large warehouses. Sheet metal workers are able to work with extremely advanced computerized equipment. Sheet metal workers typically have some sort of apprenticeship, technical school education or on the job training. Good hand-eye coordination, physical dexterity, mechanical and mathematic aptitude.
SUPERINTENDENT $25.68(entry level) - $70.08(experienced) / hourly Do you like seeing something through from start to finish? Do you like leading and directing others? Consider becoming a superintendent! Superintendents work on every type of construction project and are responsible for managing the overall construction project. Superintendents manage schedules, budget, and the day to day construction activities. Superintendents work with a very wide range of people from craft laborers to project owners. Superintendents work on job sites managing the overall project. Typically they have a job site trailer where they will have some sort of office set up. Although an associates or bachelor s degree may accelerate the career path for a superintendent, the most important education requirement is construction experience. Strong communication skills, time management, ability to understand and resolve complex problems, detail oriented and willingness to work long hours. Superintendents can make, on average, almost $95,280 per year! Superintendents & construction supervisors are ultimately held responsible for the work done on a construction project. Superintendent s salaries vary greatly depending on the type of work and experience. Having a college degree may accelerate the career path for a superintendent, but the most important requirement is construction experience.
TILE & MARBLE SETTER Tile and marble setters make, on average, almost $42,770 per year! Tile and marble setters get to work with a wide variety of materials. $14.98(entry level) - $28.15(experienced) / hourly Tile and marble setters usually work in groups. Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with different materials? Do you enjoy puzzles and working with your hands? Consider becoming a tile and marble setter! Tile and marble setter apply hard tile, marble, and wood tile to walls, floors, ceilings, and roof decks. Tile and marble setters are able to work with a variety of tools to shape and fit tiles and other material to create aesthetically pleasing spaces. Tile and marble setters work mainly indoors, but can also work outside depending on the type of work. Tile and marble setters are also able to work on both new construction projects and renovations. Tile and marble setters usually work in small groups and help transform the interiors of buildings. Although very little experience is required to enter into this trade, there are additional education opportunities, such as high school programs, technical schools, community colleges, registered apprenticeships, and industry training. Manual dexterity, physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and basic math skills.