Entry Construction Jobs to Introduce You to the Industry

People typically have a specific skill set in mind when they picture a construction job. However, these jobs are diverse and can fit all sorts of people well. You’ll likely find something you enjoy doing in the construction field — as long as you enjoy working with your hands. Entry construction jobs are one of the best ways to try something out with a low commitment to see what works well for you.

Construction isn’t for everyone, but you’re bound to find at least one thing you’re interested in. If you’re searching for another career, why not try construction? These jobs are easy to find and will help you understand a bit more about the industry. After some time working in a role, you’ll be able to know whether the construction field is right for you.

What Can You Expect Out of Entry Construction Jobs?

Around 8 million Americans work in construction, meaning you’ll likely feel right at home in the job — as long as you’re the right fit. Construction jobs are great for people who feel driven and want to see concrete results from their labor. Because construction jobs almost always result in a completed project, you’ll have something to look back on and even visit public buildings that you helped to work on.

You should consider entry construction jobs if you:

• Like working with your hands
• Have completed home DIYs before and love it
• Enjoy having a finished product you can look back on
• Appreciate on-the-go jobs
• Want to do something new every once in a while

Fortunately, there will be a construction job for you, no matter your skill set or preferences. People who work well when they’re challenged physically might benefit from jumping into the construction sector and finding something meant for them. 

7 Entry Construction Jobs to Help Jump-Start Your Career

Photo by Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa on Unsplash

Construction isn’t for everyone, but it’s the type of field where almost anyone can find something they like. If you plan to pivot your career, looking into the construction industry is one way to determine if these physical jobs are right for you. Not all entry construction jobs are labor intensive, though — just look at these options and how they might fit into your life.

1. Painter

While this type of painting may not be the same kind you were used to as a hobby, it might still bring you the relief and relaxation that art does. Painters make around $45,000 a year, making it a great entry-level position for anyone thinking of going into the construction field. Paint makes a space look appealing and draws the eye, so you’d be responsible for ensuring even coats and blended colors before the building is finished.

2. Carpenter

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Carpenters may be what you think of when you consider a construction job. They work with wood, one of the most versatile mediums for decoration and building. You have to be safe when cutting and working with wood, and as you work through this job, you’ll likely build the skill set you need to accomplish even more. Carpentry takes patience and precision — so it’s a great building block to base your construction career off of. 

3. Landscaper

Landscaping can be one of the most peaceful construction jobs because you’ll be out in nature and working on mainly cosmetic projects to improve the look of private and public lawns. However, this job requires you to be out in the weather — but you can do it with any skill level. As long as you can handle the environment and field things like allergies, you should be able to make it as a landscaper.

4. Construction Flagger

The construction flagger deals with the traffic around a construction site. While it doesn’t entail building anything, you’ll still be responsible for the flow of vehicles and keeping workers safe. It requires much less physical labor than many other jobs on this list, but it’s an excellent way to get your foot in the door of the construction industry and observe other jobs, just to see if the field is right for you.

5. Plumber

Photo by Marian Florinel Condruz on Unsplash

A plumber often does the unseen but necessary work. This profession ensures that private and public buildings have bathrooms and running water and can support people. A plumber might deal with some difficult work, like installing new fixtures, but they might also make repairs when something is out of order. This entry-level job will definitely keep you on your toes.

6. General Laborer

A general laborer could be for just about any job. You’ll likely be a contract worker, doing whatever the firm needs you to complete to make the project run smoothly. These jobs typically rely on much physical labor, so you should ensure you can handle various weighted objects. 

Some mediums you may work with include the following:

• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Cleaning
• Flooring
• Framing

You’ll be learning various skills that could be useful in future construction jobs. One day, you might be doing something as simple as clearing out debris, and another day, you might be working on the framework of a building. It’s a great way to learn the skills you need and dip your feet in the construction world — working as a laborer gives you a better idea of what you want to do.

7. Cleanup Crew

Every project needs someone to clean up. The cleanup crew is typically in charge of removing debris and cleaning an area so the finer details can be put into place. If you love cleaning your own home, you’ll enjoy putting in the work to clean floors, windows, trash and more. It’s an easy job if you love ensuring places are sparkling clean. You might even find it relaxing.

Pick Entry Construction Jobs to Start a New Career

If you’re still searching for something to transform your life, construction might refresh you and help you look at the world in a new way. You may start to notice buildings you helped work on, and you might gain a renewed sense of self by working on projects that make a difference in people’s lives. Entry construction jobs can be an easy way into the industry and allow you to see what something is like before following a new career path. You never know — one of these jobs may just be your calling.