Jobs in the Construction Industry That Are in High Demand

Why Are Construction Workers in Demand?

Experts say the shortage of trained construction professionals is the result of decreased interest in the field due to physical demand and an increase in competition from other industries, including transportation and manufacturing, which have been siphoning construction’s potential pool of talent. 

For those in the construction trades, work is easy to find. In 2022, the construction industry’s unemployment rate was only 4.6%, the second lowest on record. And the work continues to come in for builders. Construction starts have not slowed despite rising interest rates. 

Further, public and private investment in complex projects like microchip manufacturing and renewable energy infrastructure is expected to increase the demand for trained and experienced construction workers. That comes at a tough time for an aging industry, in which nearly 25% of construction workers are over the age of 55 and are expected to start retiring over the next few years.

The Top 5 Careers in Building & Construction

What construction jobs are in high demand? Some of the best jobs in the construction industry right now include millwrights, pipelayers, excavation equipment operators, civil engineers, and construction managers. 

Every construction manager and recruiter likely has a long list of positions to fill, but these are the five roles that are likely at the top of their lists:

1. Millwright/Industrial Mechanic

Millwrights install, maintain and repair on-site machinery. Building companies rely on millwrights to support the rest of the workforce and keep projects on schedule. The role demands plenty of ongoing training to keep up with changing technologies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated a national workforce of 39,240 in 2021. Nearly 6,000 millwrights work directly in commercial and civil construction and another 10,000 are employed by construction equipment contractors. 

2. Pipelayer

Pipelayers install and maintain infrastructure related to sewers, drains and water mains. Working closely with grading and excavation experts, pipelayers work in challenging conditions and often need to make on-the-job adjustments to initial plans. There were approximately 33,330 professional pipelayers in 2021 with more than half working for utilities, local governments and municipalities.

3. Excavation Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment and excavation equipment operators keep projects moving. Training and a track record of safety are highly prioritized by those recruiting for equipment operator roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 466,900 workers were employed as excavation, heavy or construction equipment operators, with an estimated 22,000 shortfall to meet industry needs.

4. Civil Engineer

The demand for civil engineers is rising as infrastructure development and modernization take center stage worldwide. Rapid urbanization and demand for sustainable solutions have driven the need for skilled professionals to design, build and maintain critical infrastructure. As governments and private sectors invest in infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and address aging systems, civil engineers are becoming increasingly vital in shaping the future of cities and communities. Civil engineer employment is expected to grow 6% through 2033.

5. Construction Management

Careers in construction management have one of the brightest outlooks in the industry. Job growth is forecast at 8%, faster than the total labor force average, and the industry has about 45,800 professional construction manager job openings each year.

The wide range of roles for workers with construction management degrees to suit specific personalities and skill sets, such as:

• Construction superintendent
• Sustainability consultant
• Project manager

These in-demand careers in the building and construction industry require training, often a degree, experience and ongoing professional development. Organizations like Associated Builders and Contractors have invested in education and training, including $1.6 billion to support more than 1.3 million current and prospective construction workers.

Build Your Excavation Career with Castle Contracting

We’re committed to building strong and supported craft workforces at each of our locations. Prioritizing safety, ongoing training and excellent benefits, we put our professionals first. From jobs in craft to preconstruction work, discover construction and excavating jobs near me and build your career from the ground up with Castle! 

Explore our open positions today for excavation and construction jobs in St. Louis, MO and Omaha, NE.