Construction Design and Management

Our Program | Career Info | Parkland Advantage | How to Apply | Contact Us

Career Information

Employment opportunities
Entry-level employment is available in the areas of computer-aided drafting, surveying technician, carpenter, field inspector, material tester, assistant manager, or cost estimator. Many opportunities exist with state and county highway departments, consulting engineering firms, general contractors, lumberyards, and mechanical contractors.

Job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in construction trades are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. Construction activity should continue to increase in response to the demand for new housing and industrial plants and the constant need to renovate and modernize existing structures.

Earning potential
Earnings in construction are significantly higher than the average for all industries. In 2002, national salary averages for production/nonsupervisory construction workers were $18.51/hour, or about $37,000/year. Local entry-level positions will start at about $12 to $15 per hour, and salaries rise rapidly with experience.

Career advancement
With training and experience, you can advance to foreman, construction supervisor, or contractor. With further education, you could become a construction manager or field engineer.

Career choices with your degree:
• Building inspector
• Carpenter
• Computer-aided drafter
• Engineering design technician
• Field inspector
• Materials tester
• Survey technician

With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Building materials sales manager
• Construction project manager
• Construction supervisor
• Contractor
• Cost estimator