Architecture and Construction

Careers in this cluster

Cluster definition

If you answered yes to two or more of the questions above, you might be interested in considering a career in architecture and construction.

If you work in occupations in the Architecture and Construction cluster, you would be responsible for buildings and other structures such as highways and bridges. You might make designs and plans for new structures. Or, you would use the plans to build new structures and manage construction workers. Another option would be to take care of, repair, and restore existing structures.

Pathways

Construction

In the Construction pathway, you would build cities, homes, and highways. You would put up or remodel buildings used for living and work or structures such as highways, streets, bridges, tunnels, and airports.

Design/pre-construction

In the Design/Pre-Construction pathway, you would create designs for the construction of cities, homes, and highways. You turn ideas into plans. Those plans would be used to guide construction workers as they build the actual structures.

Maintenance/operations

In the Maintenance/Operations pathway, you would take care of, repair, and restore cities, houses, and highways. You might repair and maintain factory equipment, highways and streets, schools and offices, or homes. In your work, you would detect problems and make recommendations for improvements. In some jobs, you would restore old structures to be like new.

Level of education and earnings

The training and education requirements to work in the occupations in the Architecture and Construction cluster depend on the pathway and the type of work performed. Some occupations require less than a month of on-the-job training; however, some urban and regional planners require a master's degree.

The information provided in the table below, presents the level of education or training required to work in the occupations and the national and state annual median wages. Note that some occupations may have more than one required level of education because the type of work performed may vary in specific jobs.

Earnings for people working in some of the occupations in this career cluster can vary greatly during the year, depending on the season, because some jobs in these occupations are part time or seasonal. For construction workers, earnings can vary from month to month. This may be because they cannot work during the cold winter weather.

Also, keep in mind that there are non-wage benefits that workers receive. These types of benefits are health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. It is important to consider these benefits when you are looking at pay. Some benefits, such as health care, are worth a lot of money. You should carefully weigh a job that pays well but does not have many benefits against one that has good benefits and lower pay. Remember, how much an occupation pays is only one factor to consider when making career choices.

The information provided below lists the level of education or training most commonly required to work in the occupations in this cluster. Some employers might prefer to hire people with more education, training, or experience.

Employment & outlook

If you are interested in working in construction, you will probably find a job. The job openings will vary with the different occupations. Many workers leave their jobs because of the hard physical work and uncomfortable working conditions. There will be more jobs in occupations that require skills that are technical and need more training. This includes bricklayers and stonemasons, electricians, sheet metal workers, and heating and cooling system mechanics.

Industrial companies are replacing old, outdated facilities. Hospitals and health care facilities are adding on to meet the needs of the aging population. These conditions result in more job opportunities.

Employment will increase in landscaping and horticultural services. This will be a result of individuals and businesses recognizing the value of preserving and restoring existing landscape and grounds. A growing number of homeowners use lawn maintenance and landscaping services to enhance the beauty of their property and to conserve leisure time. In addition, as the population ages, elderly homeowners will need help caring for their lawns and yards.

Employment of drafters, surveyors, and several related technician occupations are projected to decline. This is due to improvements in technology, such as design software and surveying equipment, making workers more productive.