Architecture & Construction

Architects plan and design buildings, residences, and other structures, balancing aesthetics, safety, functionality, and sustainability. They must be licensed, which requires a professional degree, internship, and passing the ARE exam. The BLS reports a median salary of $82,840 with 5% projected growth. Specializations include sustainable design, urban planning, and historic preservation.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, and other materials. They build frameworks including subfloors, partitions, rafters, and stairways. The BLS reports a median salary of $56,350 with 2% projected growth. Carpenters may enter through apprenticeships or trade school programs, and specializations include finish carpentry, formwork, and green building construction.

Civil engineers conceive, design, build, supervise, operate, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems including roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and water supply systems. They analyze survey reports, plans, and data to design projects that meet government standards. The BLS reports a median salary of $89,940 with 5% projected growth. PE licensure is essential for career advancement.

Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction, alteration, or repair work complies with building codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. They inspect foundations, concrete work, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural steel. The BLS reports a median salary of $64,480 with 1% projected growth. Many inspectors earn certifications through the International Code Council (ICC) and have extensive trade experience before transitioning to inspection.

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from development to completion. They oversee specialized contractors, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage schedules and costs. The BLS reports a median salary of $101,480 with 5% projected growth. The role increasingly involves Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green building certification.

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They must understand the National Electrical Code and local regulations. The BLS reports a median salary of $61,590 with 6% projected growth. Electricians complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and must obtain state licensure.

Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements, selecting decorative items, and coordinating colors, materials, and furnishings. They must understand building codes, ADA requirements, and fire safety regulations. The BLS reports a median salary of $62,510 with 4% projected growth. Many states require licensure or registration, and NCIDQ certification is the industry standard.

Plumbers assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines and fixtures for heating, water, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. They must comply with building codes and obtain journeyman and master plumber licenses. The BLS reports a median salary of $61,550 with 2% projected growth. Plumbers typically complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship, and green plumbing skills for solar water heaters and rainwater harvesting are increasingly valued.

Surveyors make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land features for engineering, mapmaking, mining, and construction projects. The BLS reports a median salary of $63,080 with 5% projected growth. Licensure as a Professional Surveyor (PS) requires education, experience, and passing national and state exams.