Boilermaker
Boilermakers manufacture, install and fix boilers, which are used to generate electric power or provide heat to buildings. They also make, install and fix tanks and vats, which are used to store chemicals, oils and liquids. To become a boilermaker one usually does a formal apprenticeship which includes a combination of approximately four years of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Instead of an apprenticeship, some people who want to become boilermakers combine trade or technical school instruction with employer-provided training. Boilermakers earned a median annual salary of $56,100 and median hourly wages of $26.97 in 2009.Learn More About Becoming a Boilermaker
Carpenter
Carpenters build, assemble, install and repair fixtures and structures that are usually made of wood. They also work with other building materials including drywall, fiberglass and plastic. Many people who want to work as carpenters do apprenticeships that some employers offer. Others work as helpers to experienced carpenters. Some enroll in formal training programs in vocational and technical schools. In 2009, carpenters earned a median annual salary of $39,470 and median hourly wages of $18.98.Learn More About Becoming a Carpenter
Electrician
Electricians install and maintain buildings' wiring and electrical components. Aspiring electricians receive training through apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Electricians earned a median annual salary of $47,180 in 2009. The median hourly wage was $22.68.Learn More About Becoming an Electrician
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians work with heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, installing, maintaining and repairing them. Those who want to work as HVAC technicians either participate in an apprenticeship program or receive their training through classroom instruction at a trade or technical school. HVAC technicians earned a median annual salary of $41,100 and a median hourly wage of $19.76 in 2009.Learn More About Becoming an HVAC Technician
Construction Project Manager
Construction project managers, also called construction managers, supervise construction projects. They hire and supervise specialty trade contractors, such as carpenters, electricians and HVAC technicians, among others. Construction project managers usually work their way up after spending years working in specialty trades. Many employees prefer to hire prospective construction project managers who have bachelor's degrees in construction science, construction management, building science or civil engineering. Construction project managers earned a median annual salary of $82,330 and a median hourly wage of $39.58 in 2008.Learn More About Becoming a Project Manager
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ and
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/ (visited February 10, 2011).
Explore more Careers By Field or Industry
| Comparing Construction Careers | |||
| Training | License | Median Salary | |
| Boilermaker | Apprenticeship, On-the-Job or Vocational/Technical School | none | $56,100/yr. or $26.97/hr. |
| Carpenter | Apprenticeship, On-the-Job or Vocational/Technical School | none | $39,470/yr. or $18.98/hr. |
| Electrician | Apprenticeship | License required in most states and municipalities | $47,180/yr. or $22.68/hr. |
| HVAC Technician | Apprenticeship or Classroom Training | License required in some states and municipalities | $41,100/yr. or $19.76/hr.) |
| Construction Project Manager | Apprenticeship or Classroom Training | License required in some states and municipalities | $82,330/yr. or $39.58/hr.) |
