Overview: Distinct Groups (59): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes470000.htm |
The Construction and Extraction occupation profiles compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in May 2016 and modified in March 2017) include specific information about 59 distinct occupational job types.
Explore the qualifications and nature of each job type through links on this page and throughout the site.
Within this occupational group, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has designated forty one (41) job types as having a “Bright Outlook” status, meaning they are projected to display “Rapid Growth” and/or “Numerous Job Openings” during the period between 2016-2026. “Rapid Growth” means the category is projected to grow faster than average (employment increase of 10% or more), and “Numerous Job Openings” is defined as projected to have 100,000 or more job openings during this time period.
The following job types are anticipated to have employment increases of 15% or more between 2016-2026:
The following job types are anticipated to have Numerous Job Openings between 2016-2026:
Carpenters | Numerous Job Openings |
104,400 (annual) |
Video |
Construction Laborers | Rapid Growth & Numerous Job Openings | 145,300 | Video |
For the entire Bright Outlook list, see here.
Fast Facts: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) estimates that 5,585,420 are employed in this occupational group earning the “mean annual wage” (as defined below) of $48,900.
If you are interested in assessing long-term trends and comparing the Bureau’s annual surveys beginning in 1988 see here.
In general, the “mean” is the sum of the total values (e.g., wages) in the data set or survey divided by number of values (while the “median” is the middle value in same the sequence. The term “mean annual wage” (or “MAW”) is calculated by multiplying the mean hourly wage as determined by the BLS by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours. So, for example, the Construction and Extraction group’s mean hourly wage of $23.509, multiplied by 2,080, results in the mean annual wage of $48,900.
Did you know? Texas metropolitan areas lead highest job concentration in this occupation with three of the top six spots: Odessa, TX (121.67/1st); Longview, TX (106.03/3rd) and Midland, TX (101.63 per 1,000/6th). Top paying cities are another story with financial stalwarts San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA ($71,960) and Metropolitan Division Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division ($69,610) at the top, but more low profile Anchorage, AK ($66,580) and Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,330) Fairbanks, AK ($65,870) coming in at 6, 7 and 9, respectively.
Highest Paid (mean annual wage)
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Lowest Paid (from lowest)
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For the entire list of mean annual wages for this occupation (from highest to lowest), see here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.