Construction & Extraction Occupations
The most recent data of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following:
Workers in these occupations use various resources to build and repair roads, homes, and other structures.
Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 252,900 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 723,400 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
Overall growth in the economy and population will increase demand for new buildings, roads, and other structures, which will create new jobs in construction and extraction occupations.
The median annual wage for this group was $48,210 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.
(Source: bls.gov)
Construction & Extraction Jobs
Below you find a list of positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position, and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.
| Occupation | Job Summary | Entry-Level Education | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boilermakers | Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. | High school diploma or equivalent | $64,290 |
| Carpenters | Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. | High school diploma or equivalent | $48,260 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. | High school diploma or equivalent | $61,640 |
| Construction Equipment Operators | Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings and other structures. | High school diploma or equivalent | $48,290 |
| Construction Laborers and Helpers | Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. | High school diploma or equivalent | $37,520 |
| Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers | Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials. | No formal educational credential | $48,350 |
| Electricians | Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. | High school diploma or equivalent | $60,040 |
| Elevator Installers and Repairers | Elevator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. | High school diploma or equivalent | $97,860 |
| Flooring Installers and Tile and Marble Setters | Flooring installers and tile and marble setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile. | No formal educational credential | $47,310 |
| Glaziers | Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings. | High school diploma or equivalent | $47,180 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste. | High school diploma or equivalent | $46,300 |
| Insulation Workers | Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems. | No formal educational credential | $46,760 |
| Ironworkers | Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. | High school diploma or equivalent | $57,160 |
| Masonry Workers | Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. | No formal educational credential | $48,040 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. | No formal educational credential | $45,590 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems. | High school diploma or equivalent | $59,880 |
| Roofers | Roofers replace, repair, and install the roofs of buildings. | No formal educational credential | $47,110 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets. | High school diploma or equivalent | $53,440 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. | High school diploma or equivalent | $47,670 |
(Source: bls.gov)
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic