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Construction careers range from general contractual work (those who erect buildings and houses) to civil engineering (those who build highways, roads, and sewers) and specialty trades (plumbing, carpentry, electrical wiring). Varying levels of expertise and training are required across the industry. Manual laborers typically require the least formal education, while managers, architects, and engineers usually require the most. (cont)

Available Degrees for Construction

Preparation for construction careers can range from informal on-the-job training to master's and doctoral degrees, with two- and four-year degrees offering a nice hybrid of dedicated study and career opportunities. Regardless of how much you study, many employers expect you to apprentice with more seasoned professionals. Not only does this help you master the essentials of construction, but can also provide the necessary safety background in an industry fraught with potential hazards. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from several months to five years. Each successive year of formal training and on-the-job experience can potentially improve your overall advancement and earning potential.

Career Training and Coursework

If you decide to pursue formal training, the classes you take should reflect your declared specialty. Architects and engineers, for example, tend to favor the physical sciences and mathematics. Construction managers, on the hand, often focus on business administration and union-related subject areas. Thorough training in computer science and information technology might prove advantageous giving the industry's growing reliance on imaging software and computer-aided design programs. Manual laborers can usually get by with training, while structural engineers and architects must secure specialized degrees such as a five-year bachelor's or two- or four-year master's.

Online Study Options in Construction

Many construction students enjoy the ease and flexibility of online career training, especially within theoretical disciplines like engineering and architecture. Missing from such programs, however, is the hands-on experience that often proves essential in the field. This is especially true for laborers who potentially learn faster by doing rather than reading. Whether or not to pursue online degrees is a personal decision tailored to your intended career field and the immediate needs of potential employers.

Careers Options in Construction

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry expects to face a shortage of qualified employees accompanied by a slower than average growth cycle. So while new openings might emerge less frequently than the national average for other occupations, those with advanced training could find their skills in greater demand. With 10 percent growth (compared to the national 11 percent average for all industries combined), the potential pay-off of extra schooling and specialized degrees could be advantageous in the long run. Architects and engineers, on the other hand, can expect 18 percent industry growth over the next decade or so.

Salary Potential in Construction

For construction laborers, median hourly earnings cited by the BLS were $13.62 in 2006. The lowest 10 percent earned around $8 an hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $24 an hour. Construction equipment operators earned a median hourly rate of $17.74, while the median annual salary for construction managers was $73,700. Those with the highest levels of training and experience earned the most. For engineers and architects, the salary potential is more favorable, with the median income hovering around $65K in 2006.