Top Reasons Why Your Child Should Consider a Career in Construction
The residential construction industry is filled with talented and creative individuals who build homes that strengthen communities. Not only does a career in the industry provide a sense of personal achievement, it also provides many practical benefits, such as strong earning potential, job security and opportunities for advancement.
If you’re a parent, your children’s future is always one of your top priorities. Two major factors that influence their future are education and their eventual career, which are usually closely tied together. Acquiring knowledge and skills, and then putting them to use, is part of the process where they transition to being independent and successful adults.
As you encourage and support your child’s journey on their education and career path, it’s important to consider the full range of opportunities. February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, which shines a spotlight on the opportunities in the industry and recognizes the importance of the construction career pathway. CTE provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus.
High Demand for CTE
- 94% of parents approve of expanding access to career and vocational programs.
- 86% of parents and students say they wish they could get more real-world knowledge and skills during school.
- 54% of business leaders do not think the educational system is teaching skills needed for the workforce.
A Variety of Jobs for Every Skill Level Are Available
Occupations such as carpenters, plumbers and HVACR technicians are in high demand. These types of jobs require individuals who have skills such as being detail-oriented and active problem solvers troubleshooting a range of challenges.
Skilled Trades Offer Individuals High Earning Potential
Individuals entering the residential construction industry have the potential to 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.
Visit the Workforce Development section for more information and resources about CTE month.
Latest from NAHBNow
The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.