Top 10 Highest-Earning Construction Careers of 2024

Whether you are beginning your career or have worked in the field for years, opportunities in construction offer excellent earning potential. 

Highly specialized skills and a growing demand for qualified professionals continue to make the construction industry a sustainable and lucrative pathway for individuals looking for well-paying jobs and future opportunities. 

NCCER’s 2024 Construction Craft Salary Survey highlights the average annual earnings for some of the most prevalent positions. According to the report, here are the top 10 highest-earning construction jobs of 2024. 

 

1. General Foreman ‒ $ 89,609.89

The general foreman is a front-line leader on a construction site that often has the opportunity and satisfaction to watch a project from groundbreaking to completion. The position oversees other foreman and a variety of construction crews. It’s not unusual for the general foreman to have 20 years of experience with a broad range of knowledge, from understanding drawings to budgeting and leadership skills. This craft professional has eyes on large scopes of work and works closely with the project superintendent. General foremen spend time in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

• Learn more about general foreman training.
   

2. Instrumentation Technician ‒ $84,760.00

This craft calls for keen attention to detail, monitoring equipment and making sure proper maintenance is completed for maximum safety. Instrumentation technicians tailor their craft to a broad area of construction including piping, tubing, fasteners, electrical relays and timers, instrument calibration and configuration, and more.

• Learn more about instrumentation technician training.
   

3. Craft Foreman ‒ $82,160.35

While the general foreman oversees many different crews, a craft foreman devotes time to overseeing teams focused on a specific craft — usually a trade they have significant experience in themselves. Craft foremen report directly to the general foreman or superintendent overseeing their part of a project. Continuing education on-site or online will help hone leadership skills, creating opportunities to move into general foreman or other field leadership roles.

• Learn more about craft foreman training.
   

4. Combination Welder ‒ $80,888.89

This craft professional is a skilled welder who employs multiple welding techniques. A combination welder utilizes a variety of specialized tools and equipment to build and maintain structures made of steel. The necessary knowledge and complexity of skill makes a combination welder vital to any welding project. Combination welders can work indoors or outdoors depending on the project.

• Learn more about combo welder training.
   

5. Mobile Crane Operator ‒ $80,674.29

The mobile crane operator is not only responsible for moving, positioning, and placing objects and equipment, but must also run pre-operation inspections, calculate weight capacities, and make sure positioning of equipment is on a stable foundation. Situational awareness is highly important, and hand signals are often used for communication. Operators may have the opportunity to work with a variety of cranes — lattice boom, telescopic boom and service track cranes.

• Learn more about mobile crane operator training.
   

6. Surveyor ‒ $79,840.00

Surveyors are among the first people at the site of a new project and the information they gather helps with plotting out drawings, utility maps and computer models. A surveyor uses state-of-the-art equipment to make precise measurements of land. They map property boundaries for construction projects to aid in the design and build. Surveyors can travel to a variety of locations and the scenery is always changing.

• Learn more about surveyor training.
   

7. Electronic Systems Technician (EST) ‒ $79,386.67

Electronic systems technicians play a key role in keeping electronic systems running smoothly. These professionals are responsible for installing, maintaining, and monitoring infrastructure, such as communication, security and fire alarm systems. ESTs also provide technical and organizational support.

• Learn more about electronic systems technician training.
   

8. Pipe Welder ‒ $77,350.00

Skilled pipe welders specialize in joining different pieces and types of metal pipes using flames, electricity or other welding techniques. Pipes come in a variety of sizes and transport liquids or gases, or they may encase wires for telecommunication or security systems. The skill set of a pipe welder is highly sought after and additional training leaves the door open to become a combination welder.

• Learn more about pipe welder training.
   

9. Industrial Electrician ‒ $77,054.55

An industrial electrician’s duties include installing, repairing and maintaining electrical equipment in new or existing structures. They may be involved more in maintaining systems versus electricians who are more involved in installation of an electrical system. This position works in industrial settings like plants, factories and manufacturing facilities.

• Learn more about industrial electrician training.
   

10. Construction Site Safety Technician ‒ $74,032.59

The importance of a construction site safety technician on a construction site cannot be overstated. The focus of this role is to oversee worker safety on construction projects — ensuring protective procedures are followed and inspections are completed. A construction safety technician is responsible for maintaining safety records and training staff involved in projects to adhere to safety standards.

• Learn more about construction site safety technician training.
   

The Road to High Wages in Construction 

Wages listed here represent average annual base salaries. Total annual compensation includes overtime pay and other benefits. Acquiring additional craft training and earning credentials and certifications can also lead to better paying jobs and opportunities for career advancement. Now is the perfect time to consider a career in construction as a craft professional. 

 

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