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Top Construction Careers: Which Jobs Pay the Most?

Written on 7/11/13

Top Construction careers: Which Jobs Pay the Most?

Working in construction can be intense and arduous - and bring opportunities to find rewarding and high-paying jobs. Finding and taking these opportunities can be tricky - but the best construction positions may become available only after you put time in as a trainee.

While some roles require academic qualifications, or a completed apprenticeship - many top construction careers begin in entry-level or labourer positions.

Check out our list of the best-paid construction jobs - and set yourself on the right track to a successful career...

Construction Supervisor: responsible for project planning, organizing and obtaining materials and arranging personnel. Supervisors are present at every level of a construction project: from the planning stages, contact with contractors, equipment and material logistics - right through to the completion of building work. The job is demanding and may require an academic qualification, although many supervisors work their way up through hands-on experience.

Line Supervisor: a narrower and more specialised appointment than the construction supervisor, the line supervisor is responsible for managing skilled workers on the building site, like plumbers, joiners and electricians. The role requires technical and mathematical abilities: line supervisors must be able to understand plans, manage schedules and co-ordinate with management personnel.

Carpenters: a diverse, essential construction job as old as it is valuable. Carpenters may be involved in projects in minor or major capacities: constructing building frames, complementing structural work or adding finishing touches, like installing cabinets or hanging doors. Apprenticeships are vital, but time spent learning the discipline is worthwhile since almost every size construction project will require a carpenter.

Electricians: highly-skilled and accredited, like carpenters, electricians are essential in all types of modern construction projects. Electricians could be expected to oversee an entire building's electrical installation, or work only one some small aspect of it - such as safely running wiring behind walls. Vocational training is a necessity for electricians since the trade is strictly governed by safety standards.

Plumbers: most plumbing careers being with apprenticeships and require multi-disciplinary skill. A plumber's vocabulary extends beyond piping and duct-work - to soldering, welding and electrical installation. Plumbers, like electricians, must meet strictly-enforced accreditation standards and be flexible enough to deal with a huge range of jobs - from drainage, waste disposal and gas central heating.

Equipment operators: from forklifts and bulldozers to excavators and cranes, many pieces of hardware and heavy machinery on a building site require skilled operators. These individuals are necessary to move and manipulate materials - essentially, making the project happen. While you may need to go through some sort of formal training or apprenticeship, qualified equipment operators are a valuable resource in every part of the industry.

The path to success...

Finding a high-paying area of the industry, which suits your ambitions, is really only the first step on a long road. Construction is notoriously competitive: you'll need to show aptitude and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Since most construction careers begin with some sort of vocational training, impressing both clients and employers in your early years as a professional will be vital in determining your career's future success.