Interested in Construction? Consider These Careers

Under-the-Radar Construction Careers

The construction industry is booming. In 2018, the industry saw the highest employment levels in 10 years, with 7.2 million jobs[1]. By 2028, the industry is expected to add more than 700,000 new jobs[2]. When you think of careers in construction, you might picture a person wearing a hard hat as they put together a building.

In reality, the industry has a lot of variation and plenty of opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics divides the industry into three sub-sectors: specialty trade contractors, construction of buildings, and heavy and civil engineering construction[1]. Occupations in the specialty trade contractors subsector include plumbers, electricians, HVAC installers and roofers. Occupations in the construction of buildings sector include carpenters and construction laborers, construction managers and cement masons. Finally, occupations in the heavy and civil engineering construction subsector include welders, telecommunications line installers and construction equipment operators.

If you’re interested in a construction career, take a look at some under-the-radar occupations that are in high demand and that have high potential salaries.

Line Installers and Repairers

Line installers are responsible for installing power lines or telecom lines and for making sure the lines continue to work as they should. They might also repair power lines or telecom lines when needed. The occupation tends to be highly specialized, with individuals deciding to focus on either power lines or telecommunications lines. Some specialize as installers who install new cables and connections where needed while others specialize as repairers who identify and fix problems in power or telecom lines.

It’s common for line installers and repairers to complete an apprenticeship at the start of their careers. Apprenticeships often take three years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Students who complete an apprenticeship can enter the field at the journey level, meaning they can complete their tasks with no or limited supervision.

The median salary for line installers and repairers was $65,880 annually in 2018[3].

Construction and Building Inspectors

Construction and building inspectors make sure that construction projects meet various codes and zoning requirements. Inspectors also often make sure that a building project fulfills the terms of a contract. They are often involved in a construction project from the very beginning, overseeing the plans for a building to make sure they meet codes and supervising the construction process to make sure everything remains in compliance.

Usually, building inspectors start their careers in another occupation in the construction industry, such as working as an electrician, plumber or in another specialized trade. They might also have earned a career certificate in drafting or building construction technology. A person working as a construction and building inspector usually needs to have a license or certification.

In 2018, the median annual salary for building inspectors was $59,700[4].


Glaziers are the people responsible for installing windows and skylights in buildings. They might cut the glass to size, fit it to a frame and ensure that it is properly fitted into a window or skylight. A glazier might also remove old windows or broken glass from a window frame.

Glaziers can learn on the job, either under supervision from their employer or as part of an apprenticeship program. The occupation is one of the fastest-growing in the construction industry, with the number of jobs available expected to increase by 11% by 2028[5].

As of 2018, the median annual salary for glaziers was $43,550[5].

Elevator Installers and Repairers

Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for installing elevators, escalators and other moving walkways. They also repair elevators, escalators and moving walkways. Usually, elevator installers and repairers specialize in one area, such as installation, maintenance or repairs.

To become an elevator installer or repairer, a person usually needs to complete a 4-year apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically involve 144 hours of instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually[6].

In the state of Florida, elevator inspectors need to have a Certified Elevator Inspector license[7].

As of 2018, the annual median salary for elevator installers and repairers was $79,780[6].

If a career in the construction industry sounds like a good fit for you, Orange Technical College can help you get started on the path to a new career. We offer several career certificate programs in architecture and construction as well as apprenticeship programs. Contact us for more information today to learn more about our programs and the steps to enrollment.


  1. “Careers in Construction,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2018,
  2. “Construction and Extraction Occupations,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 4, 2019,
  3. “Line Installers and Repairers,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 4, 2019,
  4. “Construction and Building Inspectors,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 4, 2019,
  5. “Glaziers,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 4, 2019,
  6. “Elevator Inspectors and Repairers,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 4, 2019,
  7. “Certified Elevator Inspector,” Florid DBPR,