Career Pathways
California's construction industry is filled with dynamic, unique career opportunities whether you earn a 4-year degree or start working after high school. Find a path that's right for you.
Top careers
- details
$36/hour +
Carpenters
Build, install, and repair structures made of wood, steel, and concrete.
Demand through 2026: Extreme
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$36/hour +
Cement Masons
Lay, bind, and finish structures and surfaces using concrete.
Demand through 2026: High
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$42/hour +
Electricians
Install and repair electrical wiring that provides power to homes and businesses.
Demand through 2026: High
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$30/hour +
Laborers
Provide the physical strength and support to take a construction project from start to finish.
Demand through 2026: Extreme
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$45/hour +
Operating Engineers
Drive and control heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.
Demand through 2026: Steady
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$41/hour +
Ironworkers
Weld, cut, fabricate, and reinforce iron and steel to form the framework of buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Demand through 2026: Steady
All careers
- details
$47/hour +
Estimators
Calculate the time, money, materials, and labor required for a construction project.
Demand through 2026: Steady
- details
$37/hour +
Plumbers/Pipefitters
Plan, install, and repair pipelines that carry liquid, steam, or air.
Demand through 2026: High
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$32/hour +
Project Managers
Plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise building projects from start to finish.
Demand through 2026: High
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$62/hour +
Safety Managers
Develop and evaluate safety procedures that help protect people and property on jobsites.
Demand through 2026: Steady
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$35/hour +
Sheet Metal Workers
Measure, saw, weld, and bend pieces of sheet metal for buildings and ventilation equipment.
Demand through 2026: Steady
- details
$78/hour +
Software Engineers
Develop computer software and apps used in the design and management of construction projects.
Demand through 2026: Steady
Want to know more?
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