Construction Career Options, Training Programs, Salary & Jobs Info

Careers in construction vary wildly, ranging from general labor through skilled trades positions to more advanced degree careers. Deciding which construction training program will be the best for you can be challenging due to all your choices. Learn more about all the different construction jobs to help narrow down your choices.

Most of the following careers can also be entered through an apprenticeship.

BLASTER/EXPLOSIVE ENGINEER

Blasters are employed within a decent amount of industries, from mining to military to construction and more. Blasters, also called explosives engineers, strategically use combustibles to loosen organic materials around construction areas. The job carries some risk can be strenuous, so you’ll need to have both mental and physical strength. You’ll work outdoors and may frequently travel to job sites near and far.

Becoming a Blaster/Explosives Engineer

For some positions, a college degree is not necessary. However, there are programs available in explosives engineering, and it’s highly recommended you consider going to school. Many roles in mining, construction, and demolition require a bachelor’s in engineering, mining, or construction. Alternatively, you can also work as an apprentice under a journeyman blaster for a minimum of two years. It can take up to five years to become a journeyman blaster.

Each state has its own licensing and certification requirements for explosive engineers. To work in the mining industry, where the majority of blasters are employed, you’ll need a certification from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Transporting any explosives requires a license from the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Blaster/Explosives Engineer Training

Here is your quick-look guide to becoming an explosives engineer:

1. Either enroll in trade school or community college and get a degree, or become an apprentice.
2. It takes up to five years to become a journeyman blaster.
3. Get licensed per your state requirements.
4. Get OSMRE certified.

Explosives Engineer Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for explosives engineers in 2023 was $65,600. The top 10 percent earned closer to 89,400 or more. As with any profession, as you gain experience, you can see an increase in pay.

BRICK MASON

Brick masons, also known as bricklayers, are the highly trained professionals who build and repair all types of brick and stone structures, including buildings, bridges, and patios. You can specialize in three main areas of masonry: bricklaying, pointing, and refractory masonry. Bricklayers build and repair walls, floors, chimneys, and more. Pointing, cleaning, and caulking masons repair brick on older structures. Refractory masons install a variety of bricks for industrial purposes.

The materials that brick masons work with have newer technology allowing them to be used in more extreme weather conditions, so brick masons jobs aren’t as restricted by weather.

To be an excellent brick mason, you will need to have above average algebra and geometry knowledge. You should also know your way around blueprints and how to create your own technical and mechanical drawings. You should have no problems reading, solving, and interpreting measurements. And you should be able to lift heavy weights, because those bricks can get heavy!

How to Become a Brick Mason

The educational requirements necessary to begin your career as a brick mason are as follows.

1. You must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. You must be at least 18 years old.
3. Train through an apprenticeship or enroll in a technical school program.
4. Your apprenticeship will take three to four years and include 144 hours of classroom time plus 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training hours.

Credits that are earned from apprenticeships can be applied toward associate degrees. Some contractors host their own apprenticeship programs, while other apprenticeships can be found through unions.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary for brick masons in 2023 was $63,430. The demand for brick masons is expected to slightly decline by 3 percent in 2031. However, if you are passionate for the craft, this shouldn't discourage you, as many construction projects will still need masons well into the future. Remain focused during your apprenticeship, and dedicate yourself to your craft, to make a great name for yourself in the field. The BLS still expects for an added 21,200 jobs to open for brick masons each year over the next decade.

CONTRUCTION SITE MANAGER

Are you highly organized, exceptionally responsible, have an aptitude for leadership, and a desire to work in construction? You could be a great construction site manager. You visit job sites to oversee the budgeting, the hiring and firing, inspecting contracts, creating the schedules, and meeting with other vendors or professionals connected to each construction project.

How to Become a Construction Site Manager

To become a construction site manager on large projects, you will need to get a bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or construction science. An associate degree plus experience can have you managing smaller-scale builds. Both degree levels will teach you to price costs, read construction plans, work with related professionals, and write contracts.

The Path to a Construction Site Manager Career

Most bachelor’s degree programs have internships that are part of the coursework. Through the construction-related internships, you’ll gain some hands-on experience and insight into the inner workings of building sites. Once you earn you bachelor’s degree, and before you can work as an actual site manager, you will need to gain up to five years of work experience.

1. Graduate high school
2. Enroll in and complete a bachelor’s degree program.
3. Get those five years of work experience in.
4. Consider certifications.

Although certifications are entirely voluntary, hiring managers do prefer them. Certification designations are available through quite a few different sources. The American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America are two of the larger organizations. However, to be eligible for certifications from these particular organizations, you must not only have construction work experience, but you also need to have four years of management experience, as well.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for construction site managers was $116,960 in 2023. The demand for site managers is also expected to increase 5 percent by 2032.

CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

Construction and building inspectors check to see if structures meet code requirements to ensure they are safe for inhabitants. You will not only inspect homes and buildings, but you will also make sure that industry standards are met on bridges, water systems, and highways.

How to Become a Construction Inspector

Here is an idea of what you need to do if you’re interested in becoming a construction inspector:

1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Get your associate degree in building inspection technology.
3. Every state has its own licensing requirement. Find out yours and fulfill it. Most states do expect you to have a certain level of education, on-the-job experience, and liability insurance.
4. Renew your license in accordance with your state’s expectations.

Some states have state-specific licensing. Others require certification through various related organizations such as International Code Council, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and the National Fire Protection Association.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for construction inspectors was $72,880 in 2023. The demand for inspectors is also expected to decrease 2 percent by 2031. However, it is still a viable career path. The BLS states that the percentage still translates to an added 15,700 job openings for construction inspectors each year over the next decade. Having certifications in multiple areas, along with construction experience and a degree or certificate will help job prospects.

BUILDING/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

To keep any building and its grounds in good condition, there must be a certain degree of maintenance. As a building and property maintenance contractor, you are hired to fix and maintain anything that needs, well, fixing and maintaining—from flower beds to leaky toilets. You should have outstanding troubleshooting skills. Being able to quickly identify problems and efficiently take care of them will make your days easier. You’ll work with both power and hand tools, and you can expect to be needed at any hour of the day or night.

How to Become a Building/Property Maintenance

Although there are no educational requirements aside from a high school diploma or GED, it’s a good idea to have some formal training when considering a career as a building/property maintenance contractor. Certification programs are available online, through a trade school, or at a community college. Apprenticeship programs are an option as well. Property maintenance apprenticeships can last anywhere between 1-2 years with around 300 hours of technical instruction. Licensing requirements vary by city and state.

Becoming a building/property maintenance contractor at a glance:

1. Get your high school diploma or GED.
2. Consider either a certificate or degree program at a trade school or community college.
3. You can also consider a building and property maintenance apprenticeship, which typically lasts between 1-2 years for 300 hours of technical instruction.
4. Each city and state has its own licensing requirements; be sure to find out yours.
5. Consider getting certified.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for building and property maintenance workers was $46,540 in 2023. The demand for building and property maintenance is also expected to increase 3 percent by 2031, which is about as fast as the national average.

FLOORING INSTALLER AND TILE SETTER

Flooring installers and tile and marble setters are trained and certified professionals who install and finish flooring in every type of building, from new construction to existing structures.

Flooring installers, along with tile and marble setters, remove old flooring, lay and level subfloors, and install new materials. They work with linoleum, hardwood, carpet, tile, stone, marble, and many other products.

How to Become a Flooring Installer and Tile Setter

You need to be in decent physical shape to perform the necessary work. You should have excellent color vision and be good with details to easily see variances in tiles. You must have strong customer service skills; flooring installers and tile setters work in customers’ homes, so some level of respect, courtesy, and communication are necessary.

Installing floors of any type can be physically demanding, particularly on the knees and back. Safety goggles and knee pads are the most commonly used protective gear in flooring installation.

Strength and stamina are both needed when working as flooring installers and tile setters. You’ll be lifting and carrying heavy materials, and you need to physical endurance to remain in one position for extended periods of time.

Steps to take to a flooring installer and tile setter career:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Get your high school diploma or GED.
3. Since there is no true educational path, most people start out in an apprenticeship.
4. Complete your apprenticeship, which should take between 2-4 years. It will include 140 hours of instruction per year, and 2,000 hours of paid, hands-on training.
5. Become a journeyman.
6. Consider the optional certifications.

CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER

Concrete finishers, also called cement masons, place and finish concrete for a variety of construction projects. You will complete tasks such as making concrete beams or columns, or you may have to pour cement for new sidewalks or driveways. Much of your work is done outdoors, which makes your jobs seasonal in some states; though, there are new materials that allow concrete to cure at lower temperatures, letting you to work in more types of weather than ever before.

Good hand-eye coordination is a must when working with concrete to make sure it's being placed correctly. You’ll also need basic math skills; they are a must when working with mortar, especially when having to mix it. You’ll be lifting heavy bags of mortar and applying constant movement when laying concrete, so you’ll need to have stamina.

How to Become a Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher

There are no specific degree requirements to becoming a concrete finisher. However, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. High school math and a mechanical drawing background will help you do well on the job.

1. Most concrete masons learn their trade through apprenticeships, which can last between 3-4 years.
2. With apprenticeship training, there are at least 144 hours of technical training, and around 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
3. During the apprenticeship, construction basics such as blueprint reading, math, building codes, and safety are taught.
4. Optional certifications are available through the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and they must be renewed every five years to remain active.
5. When the apprenticeship training has been completed, concrete finishers are considered journey tradesmen and are capable of going out on their own.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023 cement masons and concrete finishers made an average of $57,410, with the top 10 percent earning closer to $83,580.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Construction equipment operators drive big trucks and operate heavy machinery on construction sites. Vehicles like bulldozers, excavators, and trucks are used to move building materials and debris. Construction equipment operators do not necessarily work a 9-5 shift; you may have to be on the job at night or during the weekends. You’ll operate your equipment in all weather conditions.

You need to have excellent hand-eye-foot coordination if you want to operate any heavy machinery. You also need to have a steady hand and just as steady of a foot to control those trucks. Being in top physical shape and able to lift more than 50 pounds is a requirement. Mechanical skills are of vital importance and part of the job duty because you may also have to repair the machines you use.

How to Become a Construction Equipment Operator

There are two different ways you can become a construction equipment operator: vocational/trade school or an apprenticeship. Here are the steps you need to take.

1. You must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. You need to be physically fit and have a driver’s license.
3. You must be 18 before you can apply for trade school or an apprenticeship.
4. Trade school programs last between 8-24 weeks. You will still need to find an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program after completion.
5. Apprenticeships last three to four years and include at least 144 hours of technical training plus 2,000 hours of paid training.
6. Continue your education to stay on top of the latest construction technology trends.

Apprenticeships are found through unions—International Union of Operating Engineers being the largest—and contractors. A commercial driver’s license is often necessary, but that requirement varies by state or construction site.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction equipment operators made an average of $62,180 in 2023, with the top 10 percent making $95,570 or more.

DRYWALL INSTALLER

Drywall is the most common material used to create walls within a structure. If you choose to become a drywall installer, you will cut and hang the drywall to create walls that, once taped and prepared, can be painted, wallpapered, or completed with any other form of wall covering. You will be part of the construction industry, working on the interior walls of both residential and commercial buildings.

Because working with drywall wall can be physically demanding, you should be in decent physical condition, plus have good stamina. Heavy drywall panels have to be lifted and held in place for extended periods of time. You may also need to walk around on stilts, so good balance is a plus if you want to stay upright.

Read our interview with a drywall expert—a day in the life.

How to Become a Drywall Installer

There is no formal educational path needed for becoming a drywall installer. You don’t even need your high school diploma or a GED—although, your high school math skills may come into good use. Even still, it’s always a bonus if you have some vocational or tech school training.

The reason vocational school is recommended is because many potential employers are seeking to hire people who have had some basic education in the field. If you decide to go into a vocational program, find one that covers general construction courses like understanding blueprints, basic math, and drafting.

There are apprenticeship programs available through unions like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and contractor associations that include:

• 144 hours of practical learning
• 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training

These apprenticeships last 3-4 years, and then you can become a journeyman.

Most states have a licensing requirement for contractors of any kind, so make sure to find out what’s required in your state.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for drywall installers was $61,480 in 2023. The demand for drywall installers is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease by 2032.

GLAZIER

Whether it’s cutting, fitting, or installing windows, skylights, or anything else glass-related in construction, a glazier is at the forefront. You will work in a variety of settings using all types of glass such as tempered, insulated, laminated, and specially treated. Glass is used in so many different areas of construction, and you’ll be specially trained to install the necessary types correctly, wherever necessary.

Glass can be dangerous, not to mention heavy, so you need to be physically capable of lifting large pieces. To cut glass accurately, good eyesight and hand-eye coordination are important to your career. As a glazier, you’re sometimes in uncomfortable positions, holding or propping up pieces of glass, for extended periods of time, so balance and physical stamina are some good qualities to have.

How to Become a Glazier

Typically, you will enter an apprenticeship to become a glazier. What you need to know is:

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You need to have a high school diploma or a GED.
3. Expect your apprenticeship to last four years.
4. There will be 144 hours of classroom training per year.
5. You’ll have 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job experience per year.
6. Once your training is complete, you are then a glazier journeyman.

There are three certifications available through the National Glass Association. Only two states require glaziers to be licensed, they are Florida and Connecticut. However, certifications do increase the chances of career advancement, no matter which state you live.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average pay for glaziers in 2023 was 58,320, with the top 10 percent making $97,030 or more. Demand for glaziers is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease by 2032.

INSULATOR

Insulators install insulation in all types of buildings, from historical homes to commercial buildings. You will install insulation materials to help properly insulate buildings so they save energy in cold and hot weather conditions. Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators are generally employed in the insulation and drywall contractor industry. Mechanical insulators are usually employed through building equipment contractor industries.

Both specialties need to be mechanically inclined in order to operate the machines used to install insulation. You will spend multiple hours at a time standing on your feet, so you need to have good physical stamina. Also, you need to have dexterity and agility because you may have to go into tight spaces like attics. Basic math skills, like measurement, are necessary when working as an insulator.

How to Become an Insulator

When it comes to educational requirements, they differ depending on the specialty.

For floor, ceiling, and wall insulators, you learn via on-the-job training in a few months. If you are going to be using the spray insulation, you will be taught how to use the machine prior to being sent to the job site. For mechanical insulators, the requirements are more in-depth:

1. Be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED
2. You’ll enter a formal apprenticeship.
3. Mechanical insulation apprenticeships can take up to five years to complete.
4. You will have 1,700-2,000 paid on-the-job instruction per year.
5. There will be 144-hours of practical instruction per year.

Unions and contractors are usually the sponsors of these mechanical insulation apprenticeships.

The only certification that is necessary is if the mechanical insulator will be handling asbestos. You'll need to take a course through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average pay for insulators in 2023 was $52,080, with the top 10 percent making $78,000 or more. Demand for insulation workers is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease.

LINEWORKER

More on electrical careers.

The people who install, maintain, and repair the wires that keep our power and communications flowing are line installers and repairers, otherwise known as lineworkers.

There are four main specialties of lineworkers: electrical powerline installers and repairers, telecommunications line installers and repairers, line installers, and line repairers. Although the different lineworkers may have different specialties, the one thing in common is that, without them, our lives wouldn’t function the way they do now.

Power grids connect the electrical power lines to customers. It’s the electrical powerline installers and repairers that service the lines that connect to that power grid.

Telecommunications line installers and repairers are usually employed by telecommunications companies to install and maintain cables for telephone, television, and Internet.

Lineworkers can also specialize by duty: line installers install the new cables, while line repairers maintain the existing cables.

All lineworkers work with a variety of colored wires and cables, so you’ll need to have excellent color vision, no matter your specialty. You’ll want to form excellent mechanical, technical, and troubleshooting skills; these areas will be called upon multiple times a day. Heavy tools, cables, and equipment are part of the job, so lineworkers need to be physically strong. And because you may have to remain in the same position for extended periods of time, you should have a good amount of physical stamina.

How to Become a Lineman

Lineworkers of all specialty areas have essentially the same educational path:

1. You must be a minimum of 18 years old.
2. You need either a high school diploma or GED.
3. Train on the job or through an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or in an associate degree program.
4. Apprenticeships are the most common form of training for lineworkers and last three years.
5. To obtain an apprenticeship, you also must have passed one year of algebra, a drug screening, and an aptitude test.
6. Most apprenticeships combine coursework and on-the-job paid training.
7. Some employers and unions offer these apprenticeships, so check with local businesses and unions about available opportunities.
8. Certifications are available but optional.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for lineworkers was $85,900 in 2022. The demand for lineworkers by 2032 is expected to grow by 3 percent.

IRONWORKER

Some structures such as tall buildings, bridges, and roads require the reinforcement of iron to support them. Ironworkers make structures using steel, iron, or other materials which make the structures strong and sound. While ironworkers mostly build the new framework, they may also aid in demolishing or rebuilding existing ones.

To remain safe on the job, there are some qualities you need to have.

• No fear of heights
• Excellent balance
• Depth perception
• Hand-eye coordination
• Physical strength
• Stamina

How to Become an Ironworker

Some companies offer on-the-job training to ironworkers. There are two primary specialties in ironworking which are: reinforcing iron and rebar workers, and structural iron and steel workers. Both go through similar apprenticeships. Their requirements for apprenticeships are as follows:

1. You need a high school diploma or GED.
2. You’ll enter an apprenticeship that will last three to four years.
3. You will have 144-hours of technical training.
4. You will also have 2,000 hours of paid training.
5. Math, blueprint reading and sketching, general construction, safety and first aid will all be taught through the technical part of the training.
6. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be considered a journeyman and no longer need to work under a more experienced ironworker.
7. Certifications are optional, but very highly regarded.

Many ironworkers do choose to become certified welders. Although certifications are not required, they do make you more desirable to employers and can create larger paychecks.

Salary

Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for ironworkers was $68,220 in 2023. The demand for ironworkers is also expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease by 2032.

PAINTER AND WALL COVERER

Wall color can dramatically change a room. Whether it’s paint, stain, coating, or a variety of other wall coverings, painters precisely and professionally paint homes, businesses, and anywhere else a client requests a fresh coat of paint.

Painters often stand on ladders and scaffolding for many hours at a time, so physical strength and stamina are important.

You’ll also need to have excellent customer service, since you are usually working directly with home or building owners. And if you want business based on referrals, your people skills need to be perfect. Having good color vision is important as well. You’ll work with all different color paints and need to be able to differentiate between them.

How to Become a Painter and Wall Coverer

Most painters learn their craft on the job and, with that route, there are no education requirements. However, if you want to become an apprentice, you need to:

1. Be 18 years old.
2. Have your high school diploma or GED.
3. Have basic math skills.
4. Complete an apprenticeship that lasts 3-4 years with 144-hours of practical learning and 2,000 hours of on-the-job paid training.

If you do an apprenticeship and later want to get an associate degree, you may be able to transfer the credits that were earned during your apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can be found through community colleges in conjunction with contractors or unions.

Certifications are not required for painters. However, there is a painting certification available through the National Association of Home Builders. And for those wanting to work as an industrial painter, several certifications are available through the NACE International Institute and the Society for Protective Coatings.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for painters and wall coverers was $52,110 in 2023. The demand for painter and wall coverers by 2032 is expected to show little to no change.

PIPEFITTER

Pipes used in manufacturing, commercial, and industrial settings are installed and maintained by pipefitters. Should you choose to become a pipefitter, you will also work on the pipe systems in power plants and large office buildings. You’ll have a choice between three pipefitter specialties:

• Gasfitters install pipes that provide natural gas to a variety of settings.
• Sprinkler fitters install and maintain sprinkler systems.
• Steamfitters install high-pressure and high-temperature steam pipes.

There are essential qualities you should have when pursuing a career as a pipefitter.

• Savvy business skills, in case you want to start your own business once you have completed all the training requirements.
• Excellent customer service skills. You need to be polite and courteous to your clients at all times.
• Mechanical skills, because you’ll need to know which tools to use and when. You need to be a good problem-solver to find and fix problems.

How to Become a Pipefitter

To begin your training as a pipefitter, you should check off the following requirements:

1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Get your training through an apprenticeship or at a vocational school or community college.
3. Understand that even with a trade school program, an apprenticeship will be required.
4. Complete your apprenticeship: Pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeships take 4-5 years.
5. Do the apprenticeship’s required 246 hours of coursework per year.
6. Meet the necessary 1,700-2,000 hours of on-the-job, paid training each year.

The majority of apprenticeships are available through unions, as well as some related businesses. Once apprenticeships are completed, pipefitters are considered journeymen and no longer need to work under someone with more experience.

Some states do have certification and licensing requirements for pipefitters. Check with your state’s licensing board for information. Licensing is not usually required until apprenticeships have been completed.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for pipefitters was $67,840 in 2022. The demand for pipefitters is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease by 2032.

PLUMBER

Main Article: Plumber

Plumbers are trained professionals who can install and repair all the plumbing fixtures within a structure. They work in many different settings, from new home construction to large-scale commercial construction.

You may work on more than one site in a day, so expect some travel. Also, expect inconsistent work hours because you may be on-call in the event of emergencies.

Skills of successful plumbers:

• Strong basic math skills
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Physical stamina
• Great with their tools
• Mechanical abilities
• Great manual dexterity

How to Become a Plumber

Read more on starting a plumbing career.

There are a few educational paths to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a plumber.

You could enroll in a trade school and complete a one-year program. Or, you could enroll in a community college and finish a two-year associate degree. You could also could directly start an apprenticeship (even if you’re taking one of the different school routes, apprenticeships are still required. However, the advantage of schooling is you will spend less time in your apprenticeships).

1. Plumbing apprenticeships are offered through unions and contractors.
2. They last 4-5 years and combine classroom learning with on-the-job training.
3. The classroom portion of the apprenticeship will be a minimum of 246 hours per year
4. Apprenticeships also require on-the-job paid training: 1,700-2,000 hours per year.

When your apprenticeship is complete, you will be considered a journeyman plumber and can work independently.

Each state has its own licensing requirements, but most require plumbers to have a license. In most states, plumbers must have 2-5 years of work experience and should know all the local gas codes. It’s important to check with your state’s licensing board to find out more information.

Plumbers can also become certified, which is highly recommended and sought after by employers.

Salary

Even in bad economic times, plumbers are still a necessity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for plumbers was $67,840 in 2023. The demand for plumbers is also expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease by 2032.

ROOFER

Roofers are a trained craftsperson who can install, maintain, and replace the roofs of residential homes and commercial buildings using a variety of materials.

A good roofer needs to be:

• Unafraid of heights
• Able to maintain excellent balance
• Strong in physical stamina
• Physically capable of the job

How to Become a Roofer

There are no strict educational requirements set for roofers. Many roofers learn the trade directly on the job. Others opt for an apprenticeship, which lasts three years.

To be eligible as an apprentice, you must be:

• 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be in decent physical shape

To complete a roofing apprenticeship, you must:

• Finish 144 hours per year of technical training
• Do 2,000 hours per year of paid, on-the-job experience
• Find one through a union or contractor

There are no licensing or certification requirements for roofers. Once the apprenticeship has been completed, you are a journeyman roofer and can work on your own.

Salary

Most roofers work full time. However, depending on the geographic location, work may be seasonal for you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated the average pay for roofers was $55,840 in 2023. The demand for roofers by 2032 is expected to show little to no significant increase or decrease.

WELL DRILLER

Well drillers are highly trained at finding locations to drill for water, gas, or oil. You are equipped to operate multiple types of drilling equipment to complete the task. You also will know how to repair and maintain the equipment. Well drillers report having excellent job satisfaction and average job contentment.

How to Become a Well Driller

If becoming a well driller is high up on your list of careers, then you need to know how to get there.

1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
2. You need an associate or bachelor’s degree to become a well driller.
3. However, there are apprenticeships, which last 2-4 years. These take the place of a degree.
4. Unions, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers, offer apprenticeships.
5. Getting an Associate of Science in Well Construction Technology is a good path to becoming a well driller as well.
6. Most states will require you to have a license. Check with your state’s board to find out more.
7. Keep up with your continuing education for licensing renewal.