Construction workers are the backbone of many jobs in today’s world. Whether they’re working on a skyscraper, a house, or a ballpark – there would be no end to our society without them serving as architects and builders. But what does it take to become one of these people? What are the pros and cons of a career in construction? You’re about to find out!
What Do Construction Workers Do?
Construction workers plan and construct factories, shops, homes, roads, and basically any other type of structure you can think of. They work with all kinds of materials, such as wood, bricks, concrete, and metals. Some workers will specialize in one type of material, while others take the more general route. Additionally, there are types of construction workers you probably haven’t even imagined! Now, you know what it takes to become a construction worker, but why would anyone want to work in this field? It does have its perks! Take a look at some interesting pros about being one of them:
A Stable Income
People from all walks of life need a place to live and work. They’re going to have to construct new buildings or fix old ones, so you can expect a solid paycheck each week. Many construction workers see annual salaries over 50,000 dollars a year! Not only that, but they also get paid for any overtime hours they work, which is always beneficial in these hard economic times. A stable income is super important when it comes to planning your future, so making a lot of money is definitely one of the pros of being a construction worker. Construction workers make a reliable income from week to week. The more hours you work, the more money you make! The more hours you work, the more money you make! Electricians, for example, can make well over $100,000 in just one year. You can also look for a guide to salaries you can expect as an electrician and see just how lucrative this line of work can be. It’s also significant to note that some construction workers can even move up in rank and make their way into management.
The Job Market is Great
Employment in the construction field is projected to grow by 20% between 2010 and 2020. This is a much larger increase than other fields such as education and health care, which are expected to grow by around 10%. The cause of this growth can mainly be attributed to new methods of building, such as 3D printing (which allows builders to make complex shapes out of concrete). Construction workers receive paid vacations, medical benefits, pensions, and supplemental pay like overtime depending on how many hours they work. They also have the opportunity for advancement if they want it! And who could forget that construction companies often hire apprentices, young people looking for experience in their chosen field before jumping into college or an advanced position elsewhere.
Also, don’t forget about the cons of being a construction worker! They aren’t all exactly glamorous.
Dangerous Work Environment
Construction workers are directly exposed to sharp objects, heights, chemicals, fumes, etc. For this reason, they’re more likely to be injured on the job than people who work in average office buildings. Around 15% of construction workers say they’re injured on the job every year! Out of all US employees, 12.5% are hurt badly enough to miss work and around 2% require time off (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). If you don’t like the idea of coming home covered in cuts and bruises, then maybe working in construction isn’t for you. It can be a dangerous field, but if you’re careful and aware of your surroundings, then working as a construction worker can be a great way to make a living.
Difficult Work Schedule
Construction work is not a 9-5 job, it’s more likely that you’ll be working from sunup to sundown, seven days a week. In order to get everything done on time, some people have no choice but to put their lives on hold just for this one thing, which can cause problems at home or with school. It can be difficult to schedule around construction workers because their work schedules change every week (just like the weather). Construction companies start early in order to beat the heat and end late because they want to avoid traffic. Many construction workers are required to do overtime if the job takes longer than expected or there’s more work that needs to be done.
The article includes both positive and negative facts about being a construction worker, so it is important to consider all the facts before making your decision. So, if you are considering a career as a construction worker, make sure you research all the facts and consider both sides before making your final decision.
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