Job outlook improving for construction industry

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Gradual improvement throughout 2012 and into 2013 offers construction job seekers some relief, according to a new report by CareerCast.com. Residential and commercial construction are both improved over the past year with indicators pointing to continued growth.

"Newly created jobs in the construction industry provide opportunities for candidates with a diverse range of qualifications and skill sets," says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast.com. "A construction manager/site superintendent is one such career, and one of the most lucrative in the sector with a median annual salary of $82,790."

The construction manager/site superintendent oversees the day-to-day operations on-site, which is also important to the overall profitability of a project. Particularly skilled candidates for this job need to make sure projects "avoid hiccups" to prevent further cuts into those profit margins.

In recent years, construction workers with specialized trade skills have been the most in-demand amid the industry’s tumultuous times, Department of Labor statistics show. BLS projections suggest most specialty trade careers will grow over the national average in the next seven to 10 years. That means 20% to 25% more opportunities for carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Contributing to the growth of these fields are the options they offer. Some skilled workers are independent contractors with whom construction companies employ on an individual basis. Other companies choose to staff their own, full-time skilled trade workers.

Not all construction jobs entail long hours on-site. Drafters, for example, conceptualize projects in an office environment.

Candidates entering into the sector should to consider international opportunities. Spending a year or two abroad gives workers "a different perspective," which stands out both on a resume and in interviews. Australia, China and New Zealand are three nations where construction industries have remained strong during global economic turbulence.

CareerCast.com’s best construction jobs for 2013 and their median annual salary:

ARCHITECT: $73,090

BRICKMASON: $46,440

CARPENTER: $39,940

CIVIL ENGINEER: $79,340

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: $41,870

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: $82,790

COST ESTIMATOR: $58,860

DRAFTER: $47,870

ELECTRICIAN: $49,840

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER: $78,860

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: $64,180

PLUMBER: $49,140

PROJECT MANAGER: $77,890

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNER: $65,230

To read CareerCast.com’s full report, Best Jobs in Construction, visit https://construction.careercast.com/article/best-jobs-construction.