Do you want to do something with your life that isn’t the traditional path of finishing high school, attending college, and attempting to get an office job? Have you considered careers with no degree required?
It can be challenging to put yourself through college if you’re not sure it’ll lead to a job you’ll enjoy.
So why not take a chance on a job that’s in demand and offers high salaries? Road construction.
As the world’s population continues to grow and more vehicles are added to the roadways, it’s inevitable that road and highway construction will also increase. This field traditionally doesn’t require a college degree, but it’s still possible to make a good living without one.
Why work in Road Construction after High School
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t list specific salary information for road construction professionals, but it reports that the median annual Salary for construction supervisors is $84,390.
The BLS also reports that the median annual Salary for transportation inspectors is $58,560. (that’s higher than the national average).
This means that you have the potential to become a high earner in a career you enjoy without taking on the financial burden of college.
Listed below are 5 great paying jobs in road construction:
Machine Operator
Average Salary: $26.10 per hour (during first 1000 hours)
Operator Overview: Heavy equipment operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of motorized and non-motorized heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, and loader buckets. Other titles for this position include equipment operator and heavy machine operator.
Paver Operator
Average Salary: $49,620
Paver Operator Overview: As a paver operator, you will use specialized machines to spread asphalt over various surfaces, such as roads and highways. Your duties will involve working on initial construction or resurfacing projects. Operators must be able to operate equipment and adequately mix and spread materials, so the road surface is level and of the proper consistency.
Construction Manager
Average Salary: 98,890
Construction Manager Overview: Construction managers are in charge of a wide range of projects. From public buildings and roads to bridges and residential or commercial construction. As a construction manager, you’ll need to be able to coordinate and supervise teams of workers, making sure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Laborers
Average Salary: $17.79 per hour plus benefits (during first 1000 hours)
Laborer Overview: A Laborer, or General Laborer, performs various tasks to aid daily operations at a construction site. Their duties may include loading and unloading tools or raw materials, constructing scaffolding or other pieces of equipment, and digging or filling in pits throughout the construction process.
Technician
Average Salary: $40,862
Technician Overview: This position is responsible for monitoring work procedures, collecting samples and/or performing tests, and recording all observations and results. Some certifications such as NICET, ACT, or AWS may be required, as well as some technical training after high school. Previous experience is optional.
Get Started in a Great Career
Being able to go to work daily feeling content with your compensation level provides the ultimate peace of mind.
College is not the only way to find a well-paid career that you can enjoy doing. Road construction provides a fantastic alternative to traditional higher education by allowing individuals to be paid well while doing meaningful work.