Construction has always been a promising career path for individuals who venture into it. It is one of the biggest sectors praised for its positive influence on economic growth. This career path offers a vast range of opportunities for different individuals across the globe.
In construction, the completion of any project requires a skilled team consisting of different individuals playing different roles. This ensures that the project runs smoothly and aligns with the overall objective set for that project.
In this article, I will write about the different roles or jobs in construction, their responsibilities, and salary information. So, without taking too much of your time, let’s dive in, shall we?
What are the different roles in construction?
The different roles in construction can be divided into 3 categories. They include executive, mid-level, and special jobs or skill construction jobs.
A. Executive construction jobs
Basically, those under this category are responsible for defining and implementing project goals and strategies. They monitor the progress of the project, ensuring that the project remains on track. Some construction jobs or roles that fall under this category include the following.
1. Civil engineer
The civil engineer is in charge of designing, maintaining infrastructure, and overseeing the construction. They estimate which type and quantity of material will be used for the project. They also address and resolve technical issues that may arise during the course of a project.
Their national average salary is $90,169, with the low set at $61,511 and the high set at $132,181. You will need a bachelor’s degree and a state license as a professional engineer in order to qualify for this construction role.
2. Safety engineer or certified safety manager (CSM)
The safety engineer is accountable for enforcing safety policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that there are no incidents or injuries during construction. They actively plan and implement the company’s safety programs to ensure a healthy work environment is attained.
Their national average salary is $97,012, with the low set at $64,447 and the high set at $146,032. You will need a bachelor’s degree in a health and safety field, like environmental health or an engineering field. Certifications are not required, although getting one will make you stand out when seeking career advancement.
3. Construction manager
A construction manager or superintendent is in charge of overseeing the entire construction project from start to completion. He or she will typically have extensive experience in the field and strong leadership skills. Other responsibilities include managing schedules, evaluating and approving work completed by employees, etc.
Their national average salary is $93,892, with the low set at $63,902 and the high set at $137,957. You will need a bachelor’s degree or technical certifications to acquire this role in construction.
4. Estimator
An estimator is in charge of preparing schedule, labor, and maintenance estimates. He or she handles all applicable documents needed for the project. This includes sketches, blueprints, reports, and proposals to help determine the number of materials the project will need. Another responsibility is setting up systems and procedures to monitor and report costs.
Their national average salary is $76,481, with the low set at $40,071 and the high set at $121,680. For you to be a construction estimator, you will need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as construction management.
B. Mid-level jobs
Those under this category oversee the day-to-day operation of a construction project. Some construction roles under this category include the following.
1. Surveyor
The smooth running of any project relies on the expertise of a surveyor. They perform very important duties for the company they work for. Surveyors are in charge of making precise measurements of property boundaries and taking into account important land features.
Their national average is $74,746, with the low set at $31,500 and the high set at $120,500. For you to be a construction surveyor, you will need experience working under a licensed surveyor after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
2. Project manager
A project manager supervises every aspect of the construction project. His or her duties are to procure all necessary materials needed for the project, initialize and finalize contacts, enforce safety measures to prevent accidents, and manage the budget for the project.
Their national salary is $88,514, with the low set at $56,990 and the high set at $137,474. For you to be a construction project manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
3. Architect
The architect executes the design plans of the proposed structure. They prepare reports on the project, assess the effect of the project on the environment and vice versa, set a timeline, and oversee the entire project.
Their national average salary is $108,125, with the low set at $65,518 and the high set at $178,438. To become an architect, you will need a bachelor’s degree in architecture and licensing from the state licensing board.
4. Structural engineer
The structural engineer focuses more on the structural integrity of construction projects. They also create plans to maintain the integrity of the structure. Their responsibility also includes collaborating with contractors to direct workers on the field.
Their national salary average is $95,289, with the low set at $63,484 and the high set at $142,029. For you to be a construction engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in structural engineering or civil engineering.
5. Building inspector
The building inspector’s job is to evaluate the construction site and verify that all zonal ordinances are met. When they carry out their inspection, they ensure that they report their findings to the relevant authority in the construction company’s chain of command.
Their national salary average is $61,818, with the low set at $35,092 and the high set at $108,899. For you to become a building inspector, you will need a high school diploma and work experience in the construction trade.
C. Special job
The last category is the special job or construction workers category. This category consists of either general laborers or individuals trained in a certain trade or specialty. Some of the different roles in construction under this category include the following.
1. Electrician
An electrician’s responsibility is to install, maintain, and repair all electrical systems in a building. They make use of specialized tools, wiring equipment, and blueprints. Their national salary average is $63,639, with the low set at $38,948 and the high set at $103,982. For you to become an electrician, you will need to obtain a license.
2. Plumber
Plumbers install and manage the water system within a structure. This includes installing and maintaining pipes, drainage systems, and fittings. Their national salary average is $60,404, with the low set at $34,372 and the high set at $106,151. To be a plumber, you will need a 4-5 year apprenticeship and pass an extensive exam.
3. Sheet metal workers
Sheet metal workers are individuals whose major role is to install and, in some cases, manufacture thin metal sheets used for various applications. They are also responsible for the installation of HVACs, gutters, and sidings.
Their national salary average is $46,626, with the high set at $65,500 and the low set at $32,354. For you to be a sheet metal worker, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Carpenter
Carpenters build, repair, and install structures that are made of wood. They can work indoors, like building kitchen cabinets, or outdoors, like roof construction. Their national salary average is $61,161, with the high set at $90,683 and the low set at $41,250. For you to become a carpenter, a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
5. Equipment operator
Just like the job title implies, equipment operators are individuals whose roles are to move building supplies, materials, and other hefty objects on the construction site. Their national salary average is $51,794, with the low set at $31,153 and the high set at $76,311.
6. Painter
Painters apply paint coating to many parts of a structure, from the wall, both interior and exterior, to the fence surrounding the building. Their national salary average is $69,018, with the high set at $100,179 and the low set at $47,550. You do not need a degree to be a painter, but having a high school diploma is a good start.
FAQs
What are the main roles in construction?
Some of the main roles are the role of a project manager, architect, construction manager, and superintendent.
What is the highest title in construction?
The project manager is one of the highest titles or roles in construction.
Which construction job pays the most?
Architects and construction managers are two of the most profitable roles in construction.
In conclusion – Why choose a role in construction?
The construction industry today offers different roles or job opportunities for individuals with various interests, skills, and goals pertaining to the construction field. There are countless reasons why you should go for a role in the construction industry. As a new timer, you enjoy a competitive salary and benefits packages while still gathering experience for career advancement.
Decided yet? A construction mentorship program could be a good starting point for you. See this article explaining the construction mentorship program and how it can benefit you.
Thanks for reading this article.