9 Different Types of Construction Jobs

The construction industry is one of the fastest growing in the United States, with an estimated 109,100 new jobs appearing by 2030. As such, working in construction can be a lucrative and rewarding career for hard workers that don’t mind getting their hands dirty. You might think of construction in terms of construction worker or manager, but the industry has many types of jobs for you to explore. Here are nine different types of construction jobs you might not be familiar with. 

1. Cost Estimator 

A cost estimator is responsible for calculating a construction project’s estimated cost and timeline. 

They analyze data about the project and compile the estimated labor cost, materials and time for completing it. A cost estimator also identifies ways to reduce costs and makes money-saving suggestions to the team. 

They present all the information to the managers and clients. 

A cost estimated makes an average of $65,000 per year. 

2. Safety Manager

A safety manager implements the rules and regulations for a worksite to minimize the risk of an accident. 

Each day, they inspect the site to ensure that it’s safe for workers and check that the equipment and materials meet government safety standards.

A safety manager is also responsible for training personnel to analyze a situation and stay safe while on the job. 

If you choose to become a safety manager, you could make an average salary of $111,900 per year. 

3. Ironworker

Ironworkers are construction workers that specialize in building roads, bridges and buildings. 

They move iron and steel into the correct place by hand for machine operators to secure. Ironworkers need to be experts at reading blueprints to ensure the pieces of projects together correctly. 

$58,500 is the average salary for an ironworker. 

4. Crane Operator 

Crane operators are in charge of operating cranes and other equipment to move materials higher or lower than the worksite’s surface. 

Groundworkers give instructions using hand signals and voice commands that the crane operator follows to place items in the proper location. 

Aside from the actual operation, crane operators are responsible for inspecting their machinery, making minor repairs when needed and logging the materials they move. 

If you’re interested in a crane operator position, you can make an average of $50,000. 

5. Concrete Finisher

A concrete finisher position might be correct if you enjoy perfecting things. 

Concrete finishers follow the trucks that pour cement and ensure it lays on a smooth surface. You’d smooth out any lumps, fill in depressions, finish the corners and wash away any excess cement. 

$45,400 is the average salary for a concrete finisher. 

6. Glazier

Glaziers cut and install glass for windows, skylights and displays. 

These workers remove any old glass during a project before cutting glass in the proper size, shape and thickness. Once they complete the glass, the glazier installs and seals them. 

The average salary for a glazier in the United States is $45,600. 

7. Pipefitter

Pipefitters manipulate metals into the right shape before transporting them to install on a project site. 

A pipefitter must be skilled in cutting, welding, soldering, threading, grinding and more. 

The average U.S. salary for a pipefitter is $53,200. 

8. Tile Setter

Tile setters are responsible for cutting and installing different tiles on floors, walls and ceilings. 

If you become a tile setter, you’ll also prepare the surfaces for setting the tile, apply the grout to that surface and seal the tiles. 

$41,000 is the average salary for a tile setter. 

9. Flooring Installer

While a tile setter focuses on tile, a flooring installer works with many types of flooring materials. 

From wood and carpet to linoleum and vinyl, flooring installers lay and finish different floors in a residential or commercial building. 

If you become a flooring installer, you can make an average salary of $47,900. 

Entering Construction Work 

There are many different types of jobs in the construction industry that you can explore. By evaluating all your options, you can find the right career for you.