In honor of National Skilled Trades Day, we want to open the discussion about careers that offer financial stability and personal satisfaction. It is no secret that the job market has evolved over the last few years. With an oversaturated job market and people looking for work with competitive salaries, a job in the trades could be your ticket to the rewarding future you’ve been hoping for.
The Demand for Skilled Trades
Often overlooked in traditional education settings, trade jobs offer tremendous potential for individuals at all stages of their careers. With on-the-job training and a welcoming culture, the construction industry has a diverse workforce that builds the roads that unite our communities.
According to data from www.asphaltpavement.org, 91% of contractors are currently looking to hire new employees. Additionally, the industry is seeing relatively close gender pay equality, with women making up 9.9% of the construction workforce and earning 99.1% of what men make, compared to the national average of 81.1% for women.”
One of the most compelling aspects of pursuing a career in the asphalt industry is the ability to start a fulfilling career without the burden of college debt. While individuals with bachelor’s degrees earn an average of $1,173 per week, those entering the road construction industry with only high school diplomas can earn around $846 per week. This offers tradesmen and women the advantage of starting their careers years earlier than their peers, with numerous pathways to advancement and financial independence.”
Jobs in Construction to Consider:
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Laborers
- Welders
- Truck Drivers
- Foreman and Superintendents
- Engineers
These are just a few of the fields that are part of our industry that you might want to consider looking into! You can start by checking out your local unions.
Exploring Salary Trends in the Construction Industry
A job in the trades offers competitive salaries that can rival those of traditional white-collar professions, and there are many positions to consider too. Let’s take a closer look at salary trends for various roles in construction:
Heavy Equipment Operators, Laborers, Truck Drivers: According to data from the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), heavy equipment operators, laborers, and truck drivers in the construction industry earn competitive wages, with median annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location.
Welders: The American Welding Society (AWS) reports that certified welders can make an average salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, with additional earning potential for specialized certifications and experience in high-demand industries.
Foreman and Superintendents: Construction industry associations such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) conduct salary surveys for foremen and superintendents, revealing median annual salaries of $60,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of projects.
Engineers: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that engineers in the construction industry earn competitive salaries, with median annual wages ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or higher, depending on specialization and experience level.
These salary trends highlight the rewarding career opportunities available in the construction industry and offer pathways to financial success and career fulfillment for professionals at all levels. It is a place where skilled workers are valued and rewarded for their expertise and dedication.
Job Satisfaction and Fulfillment
Beyond financial considerations, a career in the trades can also offer a sense of fulfillment and job satisfaction. Many tradespeople take pride in their work knowing that they are contributing to the construction of essential infrastructures that serve their communities.
Tradespeople often have the opportunity to work with their hands, solve practical problems, and see tangible results for their efforts. This hands-on approach can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment compared to desk-based jobs.
In conclusion, we celebrate the hard work of our tradesmen and women! We also invite those looking for a new career or even a change of occupation that offers financial security, competitive salaries, and personal satisfaction, to consider a job in the trades. With a growing demand for skilled workers and rewarding opportunities across various industries, the trades offer a promising future for those willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work!
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/home.html
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.html
National Asphalt Pavement Association- https://www.asphaltpavement.org/careers
Asphalt Pavement Alliance- https://www.driveasphalt.org/uploads/documents/APA-19132_JobsInTheAsphaltIndustry-Brochure.pdf
