Last Updated on December 5, 2021 by Construction Digest
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in construction?
Are you considering a switch in careers, or even picking up a new trade skill to add to your resume?
Let us convince you why working in construction is great!
1. The Money
This is the most obvious and probably the biggest reason people choose construction as their profession.
Construction workers make an average of $36,000 in 2019.
Up to 25 percent of construction workers made almost $50,000 during the same year.
While this number varies according to location, level of employment and years of experience, it is almost double the national average wage rate for all other occupations, and significantly higher than many other blue collar jobs.
2. Flexible Work Schedule
When most people think of construction workers, they think of someone who digs ditches and then sits around in the sun all day waiting for concrete to dry.
This is very far from the truth. Sure, there is some sitting around on hold during certain projects, but when you’re working with so many partners across such a large project such as a new mall or office building, you won’t be waiting long before something new pops up.
Construction crews work in two or three week intervals sometimes called “Phases” that are broken into smaller sections that can last anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Within this time frame it is normal to stay at one job site during the day and move to a new one at night.
3. The Diversity Of Projects
In construction anything from schools, bridges, offices, department stores, stadiums and even amusement parks can go under construction within a few months of each other.
You’ll be constantly learning new trades as you put your old ones into practice on different kinds of projects.
If you have an interest in getting your hands dirty this is definitely for you!
4. The People
There are so many people working in construction that it would be impossible to not find someone as open minded as yourself.
In this industry there are no limits as to who you work with or what kind of projects you will encounter because construction doesn’t discriminate based on race, color, religion or gender.
You may also become a member of several different unions such as the United Steelworkers of America or the International Union of Operating Engineers.
5. The Job Security
It is rare for someone who works in construction to be out of work on any given day because no matter who you work for there is always something that needs to be done.
Between federal contractors and small businesses it is still possible to find part time employment if you are not able to commit to 40 hours per week.
Once you get your foot in the door and prove yourself worthy anything can happen.
Construction companies love to snag their best employees from each other so one day you may find yourself working for the company you started out with and the next day you might be the person offering someone else a job.
6. The Environment
One of the biggest benefits of working in construction is that there are generally less tools to take care of, which means less time spent cleaning up after work and more time relaxing or getting ready for your next project.
There are also several federal agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) who make sure you are educated on all hazardous materials before entering a work place where they are present.
Another benefit is that most construction sites have bi-lingual requirements so learning English or Spanish can help get your foot in the door even faster.
7. Educational preparation
The amount of time spent studying before entering the construction field can vary depending on your level of education, occupation and grade level.
While most students continue to study for years, some students actually take civil engineering classes that teach them about important tools than can be used while working on a project.
The amount of time you spend preparing for this job will depend on how much you already know about it and how much you willing to learn.
8. You get to build to stuff that makes you proud
How many professionals in other industries can claim responsibility for the brand-new bridge in their state?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a road, a home, a sewage system, or a school, the things you build are important to the country.
9. You’re the foundation of the economy
The development of infrastructure is key to the continued progress of the economy.
Construction projects not only provide employment but also money and new life into a community, as well as laying the foundations for future growth.
10. Everyday you learn something new
As you progress through the ranks, you’ll come across new strategies to use your head and hands to accomplish the task.
Pay attention to the experts who have been working in construction for decades if you’re a novice.
They know what they’re talking about because they’ve worked hard over the years, paying attention and learning as they go.
11. You get see and feel the end results of your work
At the end of each day at work, you’ll be able to assess how far you’ve come and how your crew have performed.
It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of a construction job to watch a project progress from start to finish every day.
Yes, we know, there are times when nothing seems to move forward, but let’s focus on the positive stuff for a change.
12. Every day is something new
Forget the 9 to 5 cubicle jobs; every construction site presents its own unique set of problems.
You’ll also have the ability to alter things up with each new project, rather than becoming bored and burning out. This keeps it interesting and there is never a boring day.
13. You get to collaborate with a team
Another way you’ll put your talents to use is by collaborating with your team to overcome difficulties and solve issues on the job.
Because each member of the crew depends on everyone else to complete the task, strong networks are built on construction projects.
Yeah, some of the individuals you have to work with may drive you mad, but at the end of the day, you succeed together.
14. Ability to travel
Construction projects tend to be spread across different geographic regions.
In some instances, travel can be overseas to different countries. This creates an opportunity for construction workers to travel and experience new locations each time.
The best part is that in most cases, travel and lodging is paid for by the employer.