Construction Jobs: Skilled vs Unskilled

Construction Jobs: Skilled vs Unskilled

Posted by Anthony Webb on Dec 3rd 2024

With over 7 million workers finding employment in the construction industry each year, it's not surprising that the sector plays a significant role in the U.S. economy.

Both skilled and unskilled workers make construction projects come together.

Construction workers help build and erect all structures, including homes, manufacturing plants, oil industry infrastructure, and bridges. Those who work in construction fall into one of two categories: Skilled or unskilled workers. Both serve important roles, as a construction project requires different people with different skill sets to complete the job.

Here we will outline the top jobs available in the construction industry, explore the differences between skilled and unskilled labor, and then break down which areas of the industry fall under each of those categories.

Top Jobs in Construction

With such a large market in the U.S., construction job opportunities are not difficult to come by. There are endless options for specialization within the industry, allowing ample room for professional growth.

Below are the top jobs in construction today:

1. Electricians

2. Carpenters

3. Plumbers and Pipefitters

4. Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

5. Painters

  • Job Description: A painter is in charge of painting walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.
  • Employment Numbers: 192,960
  • Dedicated Industry Resource Page – (Coming Soon)

6. Cement Masons and Concrete Fillers

7. Roofers

  • Job Description: A roofer covers the tops of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, metal, wood, or related materials.
  • Employment Numbers: 126,160
  • Dedicated Industry Resource Page – (Coming Soon)

8. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

  • Job Description:Drywall and ceiling tile installers apply plasterboard or other wallboards to ceilings or interior walls of buildings.
  • Employment Numbers: 100,590
  • Dedicated Industry Resource Page – (Coming Soon)

9. Sheet Metal Workers

10. Ironworkers and Steel Workers

Most of the jobs covered above are considered "skilled" professions. So, what makes these qualified job opportunities different from other jobs? More on that in our next section.

Skilled vs. Unskilled Work

According to Indeed.com, it's essential to know what unskilled labor is first and how it differs from skilled work. Unskilled labor is work that doesn't require a specific set of skills or formal education. Skilled labor requires thorough training, apprenticeships, or education. Tradesman International defines skilled labor as labor where the workers possess particular skills, abilities, proven experience, training, knowledge, and expertise brought to a job and position in the construction business.

We'll explore each of these skill types more in-depth below and review what kinds of jobs are available in each category.

Skilled Trades

What are skilled trades? As defined above, skilled trades in the construction industry require specific training and education after high school. While skilled trade training is generally shorter than a traditional four-year college degree, additional expertise opens up opportunities for those who hold certificates in specialized areas.

The simplest way to know what makes a skilled trade different from an unskilled trade is that they bring proven experience and knowledge to a job site.

When you examine who makes up the bulk of construction workers, that honor goes to skilled workers. Roughly 3.7 million skilled tradesmen find employment within the construction industry. By 2025, experts project these to be some of the fastest-growing skilled trades in the construction industry, ranked in order by highest projected growth:

  • Plumbers – 16% projected growth
  • Ironworkers - 13% projected growth
  • Construction Equipment Operators – 12% projected growth
  • Masons – 12% projected growth
  • Elevator Installers and Repairers – 12% projected growth
  • Construction or Project Managers – 11% projected growth

The nice thing about these growing skilled trades is that they pay more than unskilled trades, and most workers can start up their own business from the expertise they gain. Unskilled laborers tend to work for others doing a variety of necessary jobs on site.

Unskilled Labor

Laborers are unskilled workers on the job site that perform manual labor functions. However, it's imperative to understand that a building project could not be completed without their invaluable work. There are over 866,000 unskilled laborers working across the U.S. construction industry. Examples of tasks they might complete include the following:

  • Align structural components
  • Clean-up rubble with rakes and shovels
  • Dig trenches
  • Erect scaffolding
  • Jobsite helper to tradesmen
  • Place concrete and other materials
  • Prepare worksites
  • Remove debris

While unskilled labor doesn't necessarily require a particular set of skills, it does require a certain amount of power and energy as these workers perform many tasks that require great physical strength. A laborer's duties may include loading and unloading equipment, putting up and taking down scaffolding, clearing work areas, and carrying materials to skilled workers on the site.

Labor Shortage

While the construction industry continues to boom, there remains a labor shortage in skilled and unskilled labor. According toFox Business, Associated General Contractors of America reports that 80 percent of construction firms say they have a hard time filling hourly and craft positions. More and more projects are being delayed due to the labor shortage.

Also, contractors are beginning to choose more straight forward installation methods for materials, which is not always the best route for those buying a new home. Why are they doing this? Simply put, it's because there are not enough skilled workers to complete projects requiring more complex installation.

We mention this point to highlight how there has never been a better time to brush up on your education and skills than now, especially if you're considering entering the construction industry.

Construction Safety Supplies

Regardless of the work being completed, whether it requires skilled or unskilled labor, all construction workers need safety supplies for protection. The product categories listed below are ones that newbb电子平台 Safety specializes in, our skilled part in the personal protective equipment (newbb电子) industry:

  • Construction Safety Glasses – we have over 70 styles in our lineup and over 600 different lenses to choose from. Check out our new Memphis series safety glasses!

MP110PF Memphis Series Safety Glasses

  • Construction Gloves – from leather work gloves to highly cut-resistant gloves, we've got construction workers covered!

Our brand new PD43612, featuring leather protection, impact-resistance, and A9 cut-resistance.

  • Construction Safety Vests – from class 2 and class 3 safety vests, we have a wide assortment of hi-vis safety vests. For the first time, we are now stocking safety vests made from recycled materials to do our part in preserving the environment.

RXCL2ML Class 2 Eco-Friendly Safety Vest

  • Construction Shirts – we have numerous options that include moisture-wicking technology.

LSTSCL3MO Class 3 Moisture-Wicking Shirt

We also stock multiple steel toe boots, including a brand new style that is the lightest weight option on the market today. Be sure to check these boots out; they are featured across our construction industry pages.

newbb电子平台 Safety's dedicated Construction Industry resource page.

Common Questions

How hard is construction work?

  • For those who choose the path of unskilled work, construction labor requires a lot of strength and energy. Skilled work requires training or education to help you achieve mastery of a skilled trade.

How many unskilled workers in the U.S.?

  • Within the construction industry, the BLS recorded a total of 866,650 unskilled construction laborers in 2019.

Is welding a skilled trade?

  • Yes. We don't cover it much above; however, you do find welders working on bridges and infrastructure within construction.

What skilled trade is right for me?

  • No one answer is correct, as everyone is suited for different career paths. We encourage you to take a trade school career test to determine what might be right for you.

What percent of construction cost is labor?

newbb电子平台 Safety Protects All Construction Workers

A construction worker's job is to complete the project in front of them. Our job is to make sure they make it home in one piece by providing safety glasses, work gloves, hi-vis garments, and many other safety products.

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