Road construction is a vital part of building and maintaining infrastructure in communities worldwide. While some jobs in the field require advanced degrees, there are many opportunities available for people who don’t have a college degree.
Here are ten jobs that you can pursue in road construction without a degree:
Equipment Operator
Equipment operators are responsible for running the heavy machinery used in road construction projects, such as bulldozers, graders, and excavators. This job requires a high level of skill and experience, but it can be gratifying for those who enjoy working with large equipment.
Job Outlook: “Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.”
Truck Driver
Truck drivers transport materials and equipment to and from construction sites. This job requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and the ability to operate large vehicles safely.
Pay: “The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $48,310 in May 2021.”
Laborer
Laborers perform various tasks on road construction sites, including digging trenches, pouring concrete, and laying asphalt. This job requires physical strength and the ability to work in all weather conditions.
The job outlook for laborers is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Pay: “The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $37,520 in May 2021.”
Pipelayer
Pipelayers install and repair underground pipes for water, gas, and sewer systems. This job requires physical strength and the ability to work in tight spaces.
The job outlook for pipe layers is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is on par with the average for all occupations.
Pay: “The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $59,880 in May 2021.”
Asphalt Paver Operator
Asphalt paver operators are responsible for laying asphalt on roads, highways, and other surfaces. This job requires experience operating heavy machinery and a high level of skill in working with asphalt.
Pay: “The median annual wage for construction equipment operators was $48,290 in May 2021.”
Concrete Finisher
Concrete finishers pour and finish concrete surfaces for roads, highways, and other construction projects. This job requires high skill and experience in working with concrete.
Pay: “The median annual wage for masonry workers was $48,040 in May 2021.”
Surveyor
Surveyors are responsible for measuring and mapping land for road construction projects. This job requires a high skill level in using specialized equipment and software.
The job outlook for surveyors is expected to grow by 1% from 2019 to 2029, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
Pay: “The median annual wage for surveyors was $61,600 in May 2021.”
Electrician
Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems on road construction projects. This job requires high skill and training in working with electrical systems.
The job outlook for electricians is expected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Pay: “The median annual wage for electricians was $60,040 in May 2021.”
Get Started IN Construction
Despite many jobs in construction having higher-than-average salaries, great job outlooks, and a promising path to advancement, the industry still struggles to find workers. With the need for skilled workers on the rise in civil construction, this is a great time to begin your career.
If any of the jobs you saw above interest you, it is time to start looking into getting a job in construction.