With over 7 million workers finding employment in the construction industry each year, it's not surprising that the sector plays a significant role in the U.S. economy.
Both skilled and unskilled workers make construction projects come together.
Construction workers help build and erect all structures, including homes, manufacturing plants, oil industry infrastructure, and bridges. Those who work in construction fall into one of two categories: Skilled or unskilled workers. Both serve important roles, as a construction project requires different people with different skill sets to complete the job.
Here we will outline the top jobs available in the construction industry, explore the differences between skilled and unskilled labor, and then break down which areas of the industry fall under each of those categories.
With such a large market in the U.S., construction job opportunities are not difficult to come by. There are endless options for specialization within the industry, allowing ample room for professional growth.
Below are the top jobs in construction today:
Most of the jobs covered above are considered "skilled" professions. So, what makes these qualified job opportunities different from other jobs? More on that in our next section.
According to Indeed.com, it's essential to know what unskilled labor is first and how it differs from skilled work. Unskilled labor is work that doesn't require a specific set of skills or formal education. Skilled labor requires thorough training, apprenticeships, or education. Tradesman International defines skilled labor as labor where the workers possess particular skills, abilities, proven experience, training, knowledge, and expertise brought to a job and position in the construction business.
We'll explore each of these skill types more in-depth below and review what kinds of jobs are available in each category.
What are skilled trades? As defined above, skilled trades in the construction industry require specific training and education after high school. While skilled trade training is generally shorter than a traditional four-year college degree, additional expertise opens up opportunities for those who hold certificates in specialized areas.
The simplest way to know what makes a skilled trade different from an unskilled trade is that they bring proven experience and knowledge to a job site.
When you examine who makes up the bulk of construction workers, that honor goes to skilled workers. Roughly 3.7 million skilled tradesmen find employment within the construction industry. By 2025, experts project these to be some of the fastest-growing skilled trades in the construction industry, ranked in order by highest projected growth:
The nice thing about these growing skilled trades is that they pay more than unskilled trades, and most workers can start up their own business from the expertise they gain. Unskilled laborers tend to work for others doing a variety of necessary jobs on site.
Laborers are unskilled workers on the job site that perform manual labor functions. However, it's imperative to understand that a building project could not be completed without their invaluable work. There are over 866,000 unskilled laborers working across the U.S. construction industry. Examples of tasks they might complete include the following:
While unskilled labor doesn't necessarily require a particular set of skills, it does require a certain amount of power and energy as these workers perform many tasks that require great physical strength. A laborer's duties may include loading and unloading equipment, putting up and taking down scaffolding, clearing work areas, and carrying materials to skilled workers on the site.
While the construction industry continues to boom, there remains a labor shortage in skilled and unskilled labor. According to Fox Business, Associated General Contractors of America reports that 80 percent of construction firms say they have a hard time filling hourly and craft positions. More and more projects are being delayed due to the labor shortage.
Also, contractors are beginning to choose more straightforward installation methods for materials, which is not always the best route for those buying a new home. Why are they doing this? Simply put, it's because there are not enough skilled workers to complete projects requiring more complex installation.
We mention this point to highlight how there has never been a better time to brush up on your education and skills than now, especially if you're considering entering the construction industry.
Regardless of the work being completed, whether it requires skilled or unskilled labor, all construction workers need safety supplies for protection. The product categories listed below are ones that MCR Safety specializes in, our skilled part in the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry:
MP110PF Memphis Series Safety Glasses
Our brand new PD43612, featuring leather protection, impact-resistance, and A9 cut-resistance.
RXCL2ML Class 2 Eco-Friendly Safety Vest
LSTSCL3MO Class 3 Moisture-Wicking Shirt
We also stock multiple steel toe boots, including a brand new style that is the lightest weight option on the market today. Be sure to check these boots out; they are featured across our construction industry pages.
MCR Safety's dedicated Construction Industry resource page.
How hard is construction work?
How many unskilled workers in the U.S.?
Is welding a skilled trade?
What skilled trade is right for me?
What percent of construction cost is labor?
A construction worker's job is to complete the project in front of them. Our job is to make sure they make it home in one piece by providing safety glasses, work gloves, hi-vis garments, and many other safety products.
We welcome any comments, feedback, or suggestions for how we can best protect people at work.
For over 45 years, MCR Safety has proven to be a world leader in gloves, glasses, and garments. Whether it’s on the shop floor, an oil rig, or a construction site, we are there providing solutions to workplace hazards. It’s all part of our commitment to protect people.
No matter your industry, we have the personal protective equipment you need.
Learn more about MCR Safety by checking out our most recent video. For more information, browse our website, request a catalog, find a distributor, or give us a call at 800-955-6887.