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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 286 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 225 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 230 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 220 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 212 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $95,270 | $45.80 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $92,632 | $44.53 | --0.1% |
| 2024 | $92,770 | $44.60 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $92,292 | $44.37 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $91,281 | $43.88 | +1.6% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 155 | 22% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 98 | 13% |
| 3 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 901 | 9% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 647 | 9% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 293 | 9% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 77 | 9% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 832 | 8% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 677 | 8% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 460 | 8% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 438 | 8% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 402 | 8% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 300 | 8% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 240 | 8% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 82 | 8% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 59 | 8% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 49 | 8% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 869 | 7% |
| 19 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 496 | 7% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 492 | 7% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novi | 3 | 5% | $89,325 |
| 2 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $82,653 |
| 3 | Denver | 7 | 1% | $88,725 |
| 4 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $89,240 |
| 5 | Durham | 3 | 1% | $95,025 |
| 6 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $78,945 |
| 7 | Omaha | 3 | 1% | $85,024 |
| 8 | Dallas | 6 | 0% | $86,998 |
| 9 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $92,585 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $88,467 |
| 11 | San Antonio | 4 | 0% | $89,668 |
| 12 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $89,627 |
| 13 | Charlotte | 3 | 0% | $91,684 |
| 14 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $89,628 |
| 15 | Fort Worth | 3 | 0% | $87,181 |
| 16 | Houston | 3 | 0% | $89,960 |
| 17 | Portland | 3 | 0% | $72,141 |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Kennesaw State University

Nicholls State University

University of Oklahoma

University of Texas
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
Dr. John Cabage: The Construction Industry is robust and vital for the health of our nation. The industry is growing and will continue to grow in the future. Projects are becoming larger and more complex requiring teamwork and collaboration from partners of all walks both internal and external to the construction community.
Neil Opfer: First off, know what competitive salaries are in your area of the country for the type of job you want as you never have to recover from a good start. Some companies, for instance, will offer salaries that are simply not competitive. As an example, a few years ago, we had one CM graduate starting at $70K per year at one firm (heavy-highway contractor) whereas another grad had been offered $42K per year for a commercial flooring contractor. That $42K was simply not competitive with the market whether that employer offering that salary knew it or not. Also, compare offers versus area living costs. Use cost-of-living calculators such as at bankrate.com If you, using this bankrate.com tool, were offered one job in Las Vegas NV at $80,000 per year versus another job opportunity in Los Angeles CA, you would need $122,000 per year as a comparable salary. Remember to measure yourself as to earning that salary on a regular basis. Don't take jobs where a bonus is promised to make up for a bad salary. Example here is taking a Superintendent Job where your Job ended up profitable but other jobs run by others overall didn't so taking that lower salary and not getting that bonus didn't work out so well. Again, benchmark yourself against what others in the industry in that same area are actually getting paid. If you truly feel you deserve a raise where you're at but can't get it you may need to change jobs to get to a higher salary scale. But that firm offering above-market salaries may be doing so because of internal problems (bad bosses, poor working conditions, insane hours, insane understaffing, etc.) so look before you leap. It's a given that to be successful as a working professional in construction, one cannot just work a 40-hour week. But you shouldn't be working 7-10s or more on a regular basis either. Again, through networking you perhaps can find out who are the 'bad employers.'
Neil Opfer: Certainly, Artificial Intelligence or AI is a huge buzzword across all occupations. The experts I read in this area are all over the map in that (1) AI will put huge waves of people out of work, (2) AI will in some 'Terminator-type World' mean the death of civilization as we know it, or (3) fears of AI taking over the World are way overblown and AI will be a useful tool to improve productivity. Certainly have heard from several friends in the industry the usefulness of AI in developing safety plans for a jobsite, etc., etc. So AI is number 1 with continuing areas such BIM/computerization important, sustainability/green building important, and lean construction/reducing out-of-control construction costs important. Also we need to attract a quality craft labor force to construction and so better working conditions (cleaner jobs, clean restroom-facilities, better management) and better marketing to potential employees will be key success drivers.

Kennesaw State University
Department of Construction Management
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are problem solvers. Employers seek analytical, technical, and effective communication skills from potential employees for construction management positions. Whether building a skyscraper or single-family home, there are always groups of people performing numerous construction activities and tasks simultaneously on a construction site. Therefore, resumes that show time, cost, and, most importantly, safety management skills are most desired by employers.
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Leadership and communication are among the most essential skills of a construction manager. Construction managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are built safely on schedule, within budget, and to the quality outlined in the drawings and specifications. To fulfill these responsibilities, construction managers must lead multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third party players, on a construction project through effective oral and written communications.

Nicholls State University
Department Head of Teacher Education
Dr. Alyson Theriot: We will definitely see a mass exodus of people from certain professions such as teaching. Many veteran teachers lack the required technology skills to continue their profession during this pandemic. I think the virtual learning and teaching being required will force some teachers to either take an early retirement or a change in a career path.
Dr. Alyson Theriot: Any graduate with a gap year should brush up on their technology skills. While this could be done by taking college or technical courses, it could also be achieved by finding online professional development sessions, many times for free. I just feel that so much of our daily business has gone virtual due to the pandemic that having advanced technological skills will benefit an individual in any career pathway.
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: Construction companies want someone who can "speak the language" when they arrive, so instead of teaching about the industry; they are teaching about their company and its processes, etc. While there are technical skills graduates should have, construction companies are far more concerned with graduate's soft skills; can they communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speaking?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: There are opportunities all over the U.S. in construction; it really just depends on which industry segment a graduate goes to work in. As a general rule, the strongest economies have the greatest demand. I have heard comparisons of DFW being this century, what Detroit was in the last century, and the opportunities in that market suggest that's accurate.

Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: In the evolving landscape of the construction profession, several skills are poised to become increasingly important and prevalent over the next 3-5 years. Firstly, proficiency in digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will be essential for enhancing project planning, visualization, and collaboration. Additionally, expertise in sustainable construction practices and alternative project delivery methods will become increasingly valuable as environmental concerns and the desire for efficiency continue to drive industry trends.
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: Prioritize obtaining relevant certifications early on in your career. These credentials can enhance your qualifications and marketability, potentially leading to higher starting salaries. As you gain experience, strive to take on leadership roles and demonstrate your ability to manage projects, teams, and resources effectively. Leadership skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution are highly valued in the construction industry. Ultimately, remember that success in construction is not solely about expertise; it also hinges on upholding integrity, diligence, and ethical standards.