Nailing Down The Pros And Cons Of A Career In The Construction Industry
Are you considering a job in a construction company, you will need some more information on what to look out for.
Take a look at our list of the pros and cons of this industry where we break down everything you need to know about the pay, conditions and opportunities for growth.
Find out if construction offers the career path and job satisfaction you’re looking for.
Pros of Construction Work
1. You’ll Always Have a Job
Currently there is a huge demand for construction workers in every area of the industry.
Job demand is expected to grow between 9 and 12 percent over the next few years, which is higher than most industries.
You don’t need a degree, a certificate or anything but the willingness to work hard, be dedicated and show up.
You can enter this field if you’re just starting out or rebooting your career. Later, as you become more skilled and experienced, your opportunities and your pay will increase.
2. Your Job Can’t be Outsourced or Sent Overseas
Construction has to be done on the ground, by hand. Nobody can hire an overseas worker to do this job online at half the pay.
Nobody is going to move a job site overseas to hire cheaper workers.
As the country continues to grow, more and more workers will be needed for new buildings and for repairing our infrastructure.
This is a stable, growing field that anyone can enter and do well in if they work hard.
3. Great Pay
The average construction worker without specialized skills can start earning from $31,000 to $37,000 a year.
Carpenters make an average of $48,000 a year and more.
As they grow in experience, construction workers make more money. Those with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn $50,000 to $60,000 a year.
Developing specialized skills, on the job or through an apprenticeship program can help you earn even more.
Ironworkers and steelworkers make an average of $56,000.
Job cost estimators can earn $66,000 a year and construction managers earn an average of $99,000.
4. Job Satisfaction
Most people who work construction find it very satisfying. They like doing work where they actually make something.
You can point at a school, a house, a hospital or a bridge and say with pride, “I built that.”
You’re doing work that matters and will last for decades, even centuries.
Construction workers build our nation’s homes, roads and industrial buildings.
They rebuild areas that are devastated by floods and fire.
Construction workers built this country and will continue to do so.
5. Opportunities to Learn and Grow
The more you work in a construction company, the more you can open yourself up to good opportunities.
Your skills will keep you in demand and ensure you’ll always be able to make a living.
If you’re interested in developing a specialty like electrical work, roofing, or plumbing, you’ll be in a position to do that.
You’ll make the contacts you need and get the real-world experience most employers value.
Cons of Construction Work
1. Hard, Physical Work
Construction is not for the faint of heart or weak of body. If you’re not willing to put yourself to the test every day, you won’t last long in this line of work.
You have to be strong, quick, able to think on your feet and have good reflexes.
Some people just aren’t built for hard, physical labor, but if you are, your rewards will be great.
2. Working Outdoors
Whatever the weather, construction jobs must go on. Your job site may have some protection against wind and rain, or some portable heaters and fans, but it’s never going to be as comfortable as staying indoors. You’ll be working rain or shine, snow or heat.
On a well-run job site, you’ll have drinking water, rest breaks, heaters, fans and other things to keep your work conditions safe.
All the same, if you want a comfortable, climate-controlled job, you better stick to indoor work.
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This article is courtesy of AC Owen is an OKC construction company, providing construction career opportunities for those who wish to work with a progressive, growing Oklahoma City construction company.
