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Workers in these occupations use a variety of resources to build and repair roads, homes, and other structures.
Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 646,100 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
The median annual wage for this group was $55,680 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.
BLS employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a BLS Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.
Image | OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION ![]() |
2023 MEDIAN PAY ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Boilermakers |
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $71,140 |
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Masonry Workers |
Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. |
See How to Become One | $53,010 |
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Carpenters |
Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $56,350 |
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Construction and Building Inspectors |
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $67,700 |
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Construction Equipment Operators |
Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings, and other structures. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $55,270 |
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Construction Laborers and Helpers |
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites. |
See How to Become One | $44,310 |
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Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers |
Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting. |
No formal educational credential | $57,010 |
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Electricians |
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $61,590 |
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Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers |
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $102,420 |
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Glaziers |
Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $51,100 |
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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers |
Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $47,280 |
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Insulation Workers |
Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems. |
See How to Become One | $49,350 |
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Painters, Construction and Maintenance |
Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. |
No formal educational credential | $47,700 |
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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters |
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $61,550 |
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Roofers |
Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings. |
No formal educational credential | $50,030 |
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Sheet Metal Workers |
Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $58,780 |
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Solar Photovoltaic Installers |
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $48,800 |
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Ironworkers |
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $60,780 |
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Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters |
Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials. |
No formal educational credential | $48,690 |
Last Modified Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024