What Are the Benefits of Doing Construction Work?
Many specialties in the construction field see increasing job demand, so you may want to consider working in this exciting industry. Please continue reading to learn about the mental, physical, and financial benefits of construction work.
Job Security
There aren’t enough people to work on steel building construction and single-family homes, especially in managerial positions.
For example, there are approximately 39,000 openings for construction managers annually, with about 448,000 currently working in the role. Many of these jobs will open up because workers are retiring, and construction managers will be needed as construction activity increases.
It’s also estimated that 30% of people in the field will retire by 2026, which is expected to rise to 41% by 2031. That means almost 50% of the construction workforce will be retired in 10 years. Opportunity is knocking!
It’s also likely that retrofitting homes and commercial buildings to make them more energy efficient will create more jobs in construction.
Physical Fitness
Sitting in front of a computer and having a sedentary lifestyle is bad for our health. The human body is intended to walk, run, stretch, and lift. Years ago, most Americans had to engage in physical activity to put food on the table.
Today, most American workers sit far too long and don’t get the exercise they need, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
In the construction industry, you can stay physically fit because you’re moving around all day. But, of course, it’s essential in construction work to take safety precautions, so you don’t wear your body out in a few years.
Good Income
Many construction jobs offer a good living. Much depends on the job, location, and specialty, but many construction trades provide at least $50,000 per year after gaining experience. If you own a construction business, you can earn much more.
Plus, remember that overtime pay is often available, and that can help your bank account. For example, if you earn $20 per hour, you can make $30 per hour when you exceed 40 hours per week.
Easy Entry
Another plus of construction work is it’s often easy to enter the field with minimal experience. For example, in roofing, you can usually start as a laborer and learn the trade. Then, after two or three years, you can use your skills to work as a roofing supervisor and earn more money.
There are fewer career options in our technology-oriented economy where you can start without a degree and training. However, more construction workers are entering the field with at least a two-year degree or even a bachelor’s degree.
Minimal Debt
Many young people worry about taking on debt to go to college. But you can often enter construction trades without student loans and college degrees.
Many skilled trades, such as plumbing and electrical, require an apprenticeship. But you can often start as an unskilled laborer and learn on the job.
Travel
There is a demand for construction workers in most states, so you can live almost anywhere. Some construction workers move around on their own on different construction jobs, while others are employed by a large construction company with projects around the country.
Plus, your ‘office’ in construction changes as projects are completed, and new ones begin. So whether you’re working on a steel building kit, single-family home, or warehouse, you’ll enjoy a regular change of scenery.
Each of the above construction work benefits is enough to make this an enticing career. But if you view them together, it’s clear that a career in construction can be the ideal choice for many people.