15 High Paying Construction Jobs in 2023
posted on 06.26.2023
The construction industry offers a plethora of opportunities for both lucrative and fulfilling careers. From carpenters to electricians to project managers and civil engineers, there is a wide range of what is considered a construction professional as well as the varying types of projects out there.
The skills needed depend primarily on the type of job being sought. For example, an electrician needs to have an aptitude for installing and testing electrical systems and wiring, while a carpenter or framer needs to have experience building the wood frames of houses or buildings. For more labor-intensive jobs, physical aptitude is an important quality. A certain comfort level and knowledge of operating power tools and heavy equipment are often needed as well. If working on the engineering side, skills required include design, math, and analytical skills. There are some essential skills that must be in your toolbox (pun completely intended) no matter what type of construction role you're striving toward, including strong verbal communication, the ability to read and interpret blueprints, an aptitude for adhering to all safety codes and regulations, and working with a team.
Whether pursuing a four-year degree, a two-year community college program or attending trade school, high-paying construction-related job opportunities are abundant. Inside this post, we'll explore different types of roles one might find on a jobsite, the key skills needed to be successful in that role, and the kind of work the job entrails. All have excellent earning potential and in-demand trades that can lead to prosperous careers.
Read on to discover the possibilities that await within the construction industry. And remember, this is just a small peek at the types of jobs found on any given commercial project!
1.) Drilling Engineer
$120,000-$214,000 per year
Drilling engineers plan and execute the drilling operations for oil, gas, and mining companies. Drilling engineers often extract minerals, metal ores, oil, and natural gas from mines, various landforms, and underwater. Responsibilities may include inspecting new sites, analyzing data on production levels, and troubleshooting issues. Additionally, their job is to assist other energy professionals with the cost and budgeting of heavy equipment and necessary tools for drilling.
2.) Construction Executive
$152,000-$200,000 per year
A construction executive oversees construction projects and serves as a strategic lead for the operations of a construction firm. Their job duties include developing a network of vendors, negotiating service level agreements, monitoring ongoing projects using key performance indicators, preparing budgets, recruiting and retaining a diverse team of qualified construction professionals, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. The responsibilities of a construction executive are to implement strategic initiatives that help a company scale while meeting client needs and achieving business objectives.
3.) Architect
$89,000-$166,000 per year
Architects are licensed professionals who design buildings. It is the job of an architect to oversee the development of a project from its initial vision to completed construction. They must adhere to building codes and safety regulations, while simultaneously satisfying the expectations of the clients who contract them. Architects touch every aspect of a building. They meet with clients to assess all fundamental requirements and restrictions for the project, and afterward create and draw up the initial concept and design. These proposed plans will include every detail of the building, from structural design to electrical systems to exterior aesthetics. There may be several iterations between an architect and a client before the final design is solidified. Once the plan is set, an architect often assists the client with acquiring a construction crew, and may even frequent the building site of that project to ensure that timelines and quality standards are being met. Throughout a project, an architect is instrumental in the selection of the building site, cost analysis prep and budgeting plans, and mediation between the construction crew and the client. It is the responsibility of the architect to make sure that everything runs smoothly and the vision is carried out correctly and efficiently.
4.) Chief Estimator
$114,500 - $156,500 per year
A chief estimator is primarily responsible for making financial budgets and estimates to bid on a construction or design project. People in this job take into account many factors when making an estimate. These factors include the cost of building materials, cost of labor, cost of transportation, fees, tariffs, and profit margin. The chief estimator may also use software analysis, or analysis of previous estimates, to help them make predictions.
5.) Director of Construction
$107,000- $155,000 per year
A director of construction provides general supervision of construction-related projects. Duties consist of meeting with clients to discuss progress and handling various tasks at the job site or office. A director of construction is often in charge of determining manpower requirements for a project and ensuring that goals are met. Other common responsibilities are to review budgets and contracts as well as coordinating the schedules of subcontractors. Qualifications typically include a degree in construction management or a similar field of study and significant experience.
6.) Structural Analysis Engineer
$95,000-$152,000 per year
A structural analysis engineer tests equipment, buildings, and manufactured products to determine whether or not they meet performance goals, standards, regulations, and requirements. One may perform a stress test on various materials, monitor construction data, evaluate equipment or design blueprints, and otherwise help to ensure the final product is structurally sound. Most structural analysis engineers focus on building construction, but some work with aircraft, cars, or other heavy equipment instead. This job is highly time-sensitive because construction often cannot proceed until structural analysis checks are done. So, the ability to work quickly and efficiently is essential to success in this role.
7.) Stress Engineer
$101,000-$149,500 per year
As a stress engineer, you make models using various materials and apply stress to test how much strain the structures can handle. Your duties are to conduct a detailed analysis of your test cases and to report to other engineers, architects, and facilities managers. You can find stress engineer jobs in many industries, including aerospace and aviation, automotive, medical, nuclear power, and plastics. Much of this kind of work takes place in a laboratory, where time is spent building prototypes from different materials to figure out which materials and what designs can withstand the most stress.
8.) Pipeline Engineer
$94,000-$148,500 per year
The primary job duties of a pipeline engineer are to build, maintain, and repair oil and natural gas pumps, stations, pipelines, and pipeline transportation systems. Pipeline engineers have excellent mathematical and technical skills and come from a variety of engineering backgrounds, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials engineering. Pipeline engineers typically work in the oil or natural gas industries, but positions are also available in chemical manufacturing and public utilities.
9.) Land Development Manager
$96,500-$148,500 per year
The job of a land development manager is to oversee the development of property from the initial planning phase through the completion of residential, commercial, or industrial construction. This role ensures that each plan meets all regulatory requirements, creates and manages a development schedule, helps survey the land to ensure all reports are accurate, and manages relationships with contractors. Land development managers often provide regular reports to property owners about the expected schedule and budget of a project, resolve any problems that occur with the development process, and perform any other tasks as required. Land development often takes several years from beginning to end, and depending on the needs of the employer, this type of manager may oversee several properties simultaneously.
10.) Senior Electrical Estimator
$100,500-$142,500 per year
As a senior electrical estimator, the job is to manage an estimating department and provide bid proposals accurate enough to make purchase orders. These estimates must take factors like labor, materials, databases, and updates into account to produce the most accurate price possible. Senior electrical estimators often evaluate work sites, help prepare documents for projects, track market pricing, and negotiate with architects to provide pre-bid services. When not examining a site, senior electrical estimators typically spend time working in an office and talking with other senior employees. On occasion, they may need to work overtime to meet bid response deadlines.
11.) Senior Estimator
$98,000-$142,500 per year
Senior estimators are in charge of compiling accurate cost estimates for a construction or manufacturing project. This role's main job duties involve evaluating the scope of a project and developing a financial summary that stays within the budget and scheduled time frame required. They often work closely with designers and engineers to create these estimates. The primary career qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, usually in construction management, civil engineering, or building science, as well as strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. Most companies provide on-the-job training so employees gain experience while learning about the company’s specific policies.
12.) Senior Piping Designer
$95,500-$133,000 per year
Senior piping designers supervise the design and technical execution of pipelines, sewer or plumbing systems, and other similar projects. In addition to drafting and engineering duties, responsibilities involve determining the scope of the project, budgeting, and consulting with other engineering and building experts to ensure that the project layout conforms with the overall design of the building, structure, or system.
13.) Project Superintendent
$84,000-$123,000 per year
Project superintendents manage construction sites and all activity occurring within that area. They oversee all logistics, including material delivery, equipment, personnel, safety, and the construction schedule. Responsibilities may include ensuring that all safety protocols are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Other duties include communicating with senior management regarding timelines and budgets. Work is done on-site in an office, using organizational skills to collaborate with contractors, supervisors, inspectors, and others involved with the project. Safety is a primary concern, and project superintendents make sure all workers are adequately equipped, certified, and follow proper safety procedures.
14.) Architectural Engineer
$45,000-$129,500 per year
An architectural engineer's job is to oversee the planning and construction of buildings, especially during early developmental stages, to ensure architectural and structural integrity. Their work may also encompass building renovations and remodels. Their main duties are to analyze building plans and supervise construction with a focus on functionality, structural stability, and safety. Some architectural engineers focus on a specific area, such as lighting or HVAC, while others work on an entire project. The job involves close collaboration with construction crews and project stakeholders, especially architects and project supervisors.
15.) Piping Engineer
$100,500-$139,000 per year
Piping engineers design and supervise the building of piping systems that transport gas, oil, water, or sewage. Job duties include surveying work sites and evaluating environmental stress, determining project scope and cost, drafting layout plans and blueprints, and selecting materials for pipes and components for the construction of piping systems. Piping engineers typically use Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software to draft blueprints. In addition to technical and drafting skills, they also need strong project management skills to run projects efficiently from start to finish.
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When it comes to pursuing a career in construction, be it in the trades, engineering, design, or another facet of the industry, there are many high-paying options! The trades offer an opportunity to gain practical skills and enter the workforce relatively quickly. If you have a passion for construction but also desire financial stability, pursuing a construction-related degree can be an ideal choice for paving a path roward a successful and rewarding future.
In the end, choose a degree that aligns with your interests and strengths. With the right education and skills, you can build a rewarding and prosperous career in this dynamic field.
NOTE: Salary ranges were sourced from Zip Recruiter and are meant to offer a general sense of a roles' earning potential. With any job, the pay scale will vary from company to company as well as wherever the job is located.
