As high school comes to an end, seniors begin to contemplate their future and the opportunities available after graduation, even if college is not part of the plan.
If you enjoy working with your hands, managing projects, or seeking a field with tremendous potential for growth and success, civil construction may be an excellent choice.
Before graduating, take the time to explore the possibilities of a career in civil construction and what it could offer you.
What is Civil Construction?
Civil construction involves designing, maintaining, and constructing natural and built environments within civil engineering.
Why Choose Civil Construction?
For many people, it can be easy to hear about a career in construction and make assumptions. However, a career in civil construction can be great for many reasons some you may not have thought of before. Listed below are some of the reasons why having a career in civil construction can be worthwhile.
Impactful Contribution
Working in civil construction means leaving a lasting impact on society and your community. Your work directly influences how people live, move, and connect.
Diverse Opportunities
Civil construction offers various job roles catering to different interests and skill sets. From hands-on labor to engineering and management, there’s a role for everyone.
Job Security
Infrastructure is a constant necessity, ensuring a consistent demand for skilled professionals in civil construction. Job security is a significant advantage in this industry.
High Pay
Many civil construction careers offer attractive salaries, even at entry-level positions. As your skills and experience grow, so does your earning potential.
4 Job Opportunities in Civil Construction
Here’s a quick look at some high-paying roles within civil construction and their potential salaries:
1. Heavy Equipment Operator: Operating machinery like bulldozers and excavators, these professionals earn an average of $33.86 hourly in highway, street, and bridge construction.
2. Civil Engineer: Designing and overseeing construction projects, civil engineers’ hourly salaries are 42.24 an hour in heavy and civil engineering construction.
3. Construction Manager: Managing projects from planning to execution while helping lead the team, construction managers earn $57.69 an hour in highway, street, and bridge construction.
4. Surveyor: Ensuring precise measurements and layouts for job sites using cameras and lasers, surveyors earn an average of $40 an hour in highway, street, and bridge construction.
Why High School Seniors Should Consider Civil Construction
Early Entry: Pursuing a career in civil construction straight out of high school allows you to start earning sooner and accumulate experience.
On-the-Job Learning: Many roles in civil construction offer hands-on training, allowing you to learn while you work and progress rapidly.
Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing a project come to life is incredibly fulfilling. Pointing to a road, bridge, or building and saying, “I helped build that,” is a unique source of pride.
Job Outlook in Civil Construction
The future of civil construction is bright. With an increasing focus on infrastructure development and renovation, the demand for skilled workers is projected to rise. As experienced professionals retire, opportunities for young professionals to step into leadership roles will grow.
Choose a Career that Works for You
Choosing a career in civil construction is not just about a paycheck; it’s about contributing to the foundation of our society and shaping the world around us.
With diverse roles, strong job security, and the chance to make a real impact, the path to success in civil construction is waiting for motivated high school seniors like you.