As BIAW kicks off Careers in Construction month, it’s a good time to remind students and others exploring their future career path that residential construction might be the perfect fit.

High demand, high reward

Washington needs 1.1 million more new homes in the next 20 years. Builders, remodelers and skilled tradespeople are in high demand. Many legacy builders are reaching retirement age. This growing shortage of workers means competitive wages and wide-open opportunities for people ready to build a career in construction.

Earn while you learn

Unlike many professions that require years of schooling and student debt, construction careers often start with paid apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Workers can begin earning right away while developing skills that will carry them throughout their careers.

Lots of options

From carpenters to electricians, plumbers to project managers, the variety of roles in residential construction is nearly endless. According to NAHB, building the average home from start to finish takes 24 subcontractors.

Residential construction offers a diverse array of roles, from carpentry and electrical work to project management and design. Whether people prefer working with their hands on-site or coordinating projects behind the scenes, there’s a position that fits all interests and strengths. This variety ensures workers can find a niche that matches their goals and values.

Some people choose to specialize in a single trade, while others pursue paths into design, sales, business ownership or leadership positions.

Tangible impact

Few careers allow you to drive through your community and say, “I built that.” Construction workers leave behind homes, neighborhoods and spaces where families live, gather and thrive for decades. What could be better than building the American Dream?

Active and flexible

Don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day? A career in residential construction gets people outside and active depending on the job. Schedules can change from day to day and when people eventually become start their own businesses, they can set their own schedules.

Room to grow

The residential construction industry offers clear pathways for advancement. With experience, people can move from entry-level positions to journeyman, foreman, supervisor or even start their own company. Leadership opportunities are plentiful for those who want them.

Strong pay and benefits

Skilled tradespeople consistently earn competitive wages, and demand continues to drive pay higher. Here are a few examples of average wages for trades jobs in Washington from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Brickmasons and blockmasons- $90,556
• Carpenters- $79,912
• Carpet installers- $78,069
• Cement masons and concrete finishers- $80,540
• Construction and building inspectors- $93,119
• Construction laborers- $62,155
• Construction managers- $147,648
• Drywall and ceiling tile installers- $80,571
• Electricians- $96,598
• First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers- $111,977
• Glaziers- $87,169
• Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall - $56,586
• Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators- $88,384
• Painters, construction and maintenance- $61,475
• Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators- $89,907
• Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters- $89,928
• Roofers- $68,383
• Tile and stone setters -$71,553

Many employers also provide strong benefits, including healthcare, retirement savings and training support. 

Bottom line: Residential construction isn’t just a job—it’s a career with stability, flexibility and meaning. Whether people are just starting out, changing careers, or looking for work that lets them create something lasting, the construction industry has a place.

Learn more about BIAW's Construction Trades Training Academy in Pierce County.

‍