Career clusters

Do you like to work with your hands and problem solve? A career in construction might be a good fit for you. Think about how many of the following statements apply to you.

Things I like to do:

• Build or design outdoor spaces, houses, or other things
• Help plan how something should be built
• Use tools and machines
• Measure and cut materials
• Solve problems about space, size, or how something should be built

Ways to describe me:

• I like building things
• I follow directions carefully
• I like hands-on work
• I enjoy solving problems step by step
• I'm dependable and responsible

Problems I want to solve:

• How do we build safe, strong places to live?
• How can we make buildings that use less energy?
• How can we fix and upgrade old buildings?
• How do we build things that last a long time?
• How do we make construction work safer?

Source: The National Career Clusters Framework Career Interest Survey from Advance CTE

Many jobs in this cluster are in high demand, pay well, and have lower education requirements than in most industries. 

Explore careers by their typical level of education below. Click on a career title for a full occupation profile with average pay, typical tasks, and more, plus links to training programs that can help you prepare.

High school diploma or less, plus some training

Entry-level opportunities are available in many construction careers. Explore some below:

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Plasterers and Stucco Masons

Carpet Installers 

Helpers--Electricians

Insulation Workers

Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Pipelayers

Roofers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Tile and Stone Setters

Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Short-term certificate or associate’s degree

One to two years of training can open the door to a many construction careers. Explore by clicking on the links below.

Electricians

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Stonemasons

Boilermakers

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are great ways to earn a wage while gaining recognized credentials for a career. An apprenticeship is a paid work-based training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships in construction may be available for bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, operating engineers, cement masons, and painters. Visit Apprenticeship.gov and select "Construction" to learn more.

Bachelor's degree

Some careers typically require four-year college degrees. Explore these options:

Construction managers

Civil engineers