Construction Trends & Labor Statistics

Things your boss will not tell you. Learn about construction industry and potential HVAC opportunities. Construction booms in the warmer months include increased revenue in the Southern US HVAC industry, as well as the North East. States like Georgia with high humidity will always have HVAC education, installation, and maintenance as a top priority.

Value of Construction

The HVAC (short for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) industry  is one that spans countries the world round. You will find students in HVAC schools in the midwestern US, right out to the state of Hawaii with its most mild weather in the world. You can find HVAC schools from Los Angeles California to New York, New York. The purpose of HVAC is to maintain moderate indoor temperatures, bringing heat to cold areas and vice versa, in addition to providing heat transfer abilities and thermodynamics to large structures like skyscrapers and office buildings.

Nature of Construction Work

According to Shiksha.com, the nature of construction work centers on erecting a vast array of buildings and structures, from highways, to residential homes, to bridges, to playgrounds and beyond.  CollegeToolKit.com points out that construction workers’ daily duties can range from quite easy, to quite dangerous with many tasks requiring physical strength. Road construction workers’ daily tasks include digging and resealing road surfaces, operating heavy machinery, laying asphalt, and routing traffic.

The following web pages outline the tasks, duties, challenges, and very nature of construction work:

Working Conditions

  • The working conditions of a construction worker can include a vast range of sites, such as offices, outdoor construction sites, and factories. Some projects require round-the-clock work to be performed, and one in every five construction laborers works over 45 hours per week. Certain projects may require construction laborers to work during the weekends and on holidays. Delays, bad weather, and emergencies can cause setbacks to construction projects according to CollegeGrad.com

These resources provide further insight as to the working conditions of construction laborers:

Employment

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According to CollegeGrad.com, in 2009 there were 431,000 construction management jobs in the United States with over 50% being self-employed. SchoolSoup.com reports that 13% of those construction workers were employed by trade contractors, and 18% by general building contractors. CampusExplorer.com states that employment growth for construction managers is anticipated to be faster than for the average occupation, increasing by 17% between 2008 and 2018.

Access the following websites for further description and detail on employment opportunities and job growth for construction laborers and managers:

Occupations in the Industry (focus on HVAC)

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According to IndiaNetZone, there are opportunities for construction job prospects in the archaeological departments, department of railways, town and country planning, and public sector circles, to name a few. CollegeGrad.com describes other related occupations, such as architects, civil engineers, and cost estimators, among many others.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists others such as brick masons, electricians, painters, plumbers, and marble setters.

Refer to the following websites for more occupations in the construction industry as well as their descriptions, job duties, and employment opportunities:

Earnings

IndiaNetZone reports that earnings of construction workers tend to be higher than the average for other industries. In May 2009, the median annual earnings of construction managers were $69,870, with the highest paid making over $126,000. Most construction laborers are believed to also earn benefits in addition to salary.

Information on the international earnings and outlook of construction laborers:

Information on American-based construction worker earnings and outlook:

Training and Advancement

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Construction workers are capable of advancing in position up to construction manager roles and beyond. Related work experience and knowledge, such as understanding contracts and construction regulations, are typical requirements for advancement. Many colleges offer construction programs, typically 4-year curriculums, for different aspects of construction management and engineering.

See the below resources for more information on training and advancement within the construction industry:

Relevant Laws and Legislation

Construction laws and legislation abroad:

Domestic laws and legislation:

Construction Site Safety Resources

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International construction site safety resources:

U.S. construction site safety resources: 

Relevant Statistics of the Construction Industry

According to Statista.com, the United States is the second largest construction market in the world, possessing a market share of approximately 10%, which is on the rise. Check out the following resources for updated information on construction industry statistics in America and worldwide:

Statistics Abroad: 

Domestic Statistics: 

Selected Other Educational Resources

  • Books and publications:
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