Contractor Careers Information
Contractors are the people who build the structures that make modern life possible. They convert the plans made by architects and engineers into physical structures using all types of materials and tools. A contractor may work for a company or manage his or her own, which itself may only employ a few workers or a great number.
Contractor Careers & Degrees
There are many types of contractor careers. Building or general contractors are in charge of constructing our homes, businesses, schools, and factories. Heavy and civil engineering construction contractors build our roads, sewers, bridges, dams, and other civic projects. Specialty trade contractors, as the name implies, specialize in a specific aspect of construction, such as electrical work, painting, or plumbing.
Contractor Careers Path
Many contractors take technical or vocational courses during and/or after high school. Most all contractors, however, learn their respective trade either through an apprenticeship or by working alongside more experienced workers. For those contractors who wish to manage, a college degree is helpful, as are classes in business and finance; but again, a great deal of experience is often the most important. Some specialty positions, such as crane operator and electrician, require licensing, which must be updated from time to time.
Contractor Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Likes working with hands and tools, good following plans, always sees a project through, can see how parts come together into the whole, enjoys working outdoors.
Contractor Careers Salary Expectations
Across all positions, the average hourly pay is $20.02 an hour, with managers and specialized workers making more. Contracting firms are paid by the job and its workers most often by the hour, with the most experienced and specialized workers making the most. Thus pay can vary greatly depending on project size and experience level. Most contractors average full-time work, even 45 hours a week, but there are also times when, because of the weather, workers are unable to work and are not paid. Those workers who are members of a union tend to earn more and have benefits whereas non-union workers may not.
Contractor Careers Job Outlook
The job outlook for all contractors is good as populations grow and demand more infrastructure. Because construction is tied closely with business cycles, contractors may have lean periods during recessions when they cannot find as much work and so must layoff some workers. Nevertheless, these workers can expect to find work when construction picks up again. Those contractors with specialized skills and the most experience are the most likely to find steady employment.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Engineer
- Architect
- Landscape Architect
- Landscape Management
Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/CGS003.htm
