Careers in the Construction Trades

Workforce Development
Contact: Greg Zick
[email protected]
AVP, Workforce Development
(202) 266-8493

Promote the Skilled Trades 

This video features the various jobs and salaries in the skilled trades.

The home building industry offers more than just another job — you can find a rewarding career and earn a great salary. The top 25% in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there.

NAHB is your connection to the educators, industry members, and local home builder associations who can help you get started on your career path. Learn more below about the opportunities to start building your career in nine of the most popular trades.

Then, check out the NAHB Career Center for job opportunities from our career partner ConstructionJobs.com.

Careers in the Construction Trades

  • Worker putting finishes on front door to new home

    Building Systems Technician

    Building systems technicians perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep the structure of a building in good condition and ensure finishes are properly installed.

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  • Woman holding a measuring tape around carpentry equipment

    Carpentry

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for carpenters in residential construction.

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  • An electrician cutting a wire

    Electrical

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for electrician in residential construction.

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  • HVAC worker looking at a unit

    HVACR

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for HVACR professionals.

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  • Two men practicing masonry

    Masonry

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for masons in residential construction.

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  • Man holding roller brush in a room half painted

    Painting

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for painters in residential construction.

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  • Woman using a wrench to tighten a pipe

    Plumbing

    Learn about the rewarding career opportunities for plumbers in residential construction.

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  • A welder working on a joint

    Welding

    Welders are in high demand in residential construction as they contribute to every phase of a home build.

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Exploring Diverse Trade Jobs in Construction

Working in the construction trades is not simply another trade job. Professional craftsmen in the residential construction industry are compensated well for their expertise and help build communities. Beyond the financial benefits, individuals with trade careers contribute to the happiness and stability of families in our community by helping to fulfill the American Dream.

The best trades to learn such as carpentry or plumbing do not require a four-year degree, sometimes, only a high school diploma. There are many diverse trade jobs in construction that match just about any skill level. For example, plumbers are excellent listeners and problem-solvers. As long as there are complex water systems in and outside of homes, there will be a need for reliable plumbers. Another opportunity is to work as an electrician, who tend to have excellent analytical skills, adept at diagnosing problems and work with a variety of tools and technology.

Training and Education for Trade Careers

The housing industry is one of the few sectors where demand for construction workers is rising and the industry is working diligently to meet this challenge. HBI, a national leader in trade careers training and NAHB’s workforce development arm, provides free pre-apprenticeship trades training, certification programs and job placement. HBI serves more than 15,000 individuals annually through five Program Areas: Academies, Job Corps, Military, Community and Licensing. HBI ensures that all participants graduate from the program with the necessary tools, experience and credentials to be successful in their trade careers.