Interested in a construction career? Find out about the Top 10 Highest Paying Construction Careers, what they do and what education you need to start your career.
1) Senior Project Manager
Average Salary: $97,000 – $159,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $118,494
Education: Post secondary education is expected in this role. A bachelors degree in Construction Science or similar is the norm. Senior managers often need a master’s degree.
Job Description: A senior project manager plans and organizes the construction project, establishes company objectives, approves policies, selects middle managers, Coordinates work, and represents the company in negotiations and other functions.
Expected Job Openings: There are 3,940 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
2) Architect
Average Salary: $50,000 – $116,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $76,509
Education: Post secondary education required. A bachelors degree or a diploma from a vocational school is preferred, as well as an internship.
Job Description: An architect conceptualizes plans and creates designs to construct and renovate commercial, institutional and residential buildings.
Expected Job Openings: There are 1,390 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
3) Civil Engineer
Average Salary: $58,000 – $105,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $77,363
Education: A bachelor’s degree or civil engineering diploma with related experience is required.
Job Description: A civil engineer plans, designs, develops and manages projects to construct or repair buildings, bridges, highways, and other structures.
Expected Job Openings: There are 4,410 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
4) Construction Manager
Average Salary: $58,000 – $150,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $96,347
Education: Post secondary education is preferred when employers choose a construction manager. A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering or a diploma in Construction with several years of experience is preferred. Large projects within large companies hire construction managers with master’s degrees.
Job Description: A construction manager plans and organizes the entire construction project from start to finish, prepares and submits budgets, estimates, schedules, hires subcontractors and staff, and monitors progress.
Expected Job Openings: There are 8,380 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
5) Heavy Construction Equipment Supervisor
Average Salary: Data not available.
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $72,996
Education: Usually requires apprenticeship training and experience, however post secondary education such as a diploma in a construction related field is an asset.
Job Description: A heavy construction equipment supervisor oversees and coordinates the activities of workers in excavating, paving, drilling, grading, blasting and related areas.
Expected Job Openings: There are 2,820 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
6) Construction Estimator
Average Salary: $51,000 – $95,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $64,897
Education: Post secondary education is an asset. A diploma or degree in a construction related field is preferred.
Job Description: A construction estimator measures areas and volumes to estimate quantity and of materials needed for a project, as well as the estimated labour. In addition, construction estimators also set up cost monitoring, progress schedules, reporting systems and a system of procedures.
Expected Job Openings: There are 970 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
7) Construction Inspector
Average Salary: $61,000 – $93,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $62,00
Education: Post secondary education is an asset. A diploma or degree in a construction related field is preferred.
Job Description: A construction inspector inspects and examines construction projects such as construction sites, bridges, buildings and highways to ensure safety regulations are met and building codes are adhered to. Inspectors also examine drawings and plans for new projects, inspect and test plumbing and electrical work, as well as steel framework and inspect new and resale homes for clients.
Expected Job Openings: There are 1,340 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
8) Civil Engineering Technologist
Average Salary: $45,000 – $88,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $65,301
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: A civil engineering technologist develops engineering drawings and designs from concepts and sketches which have already been laid out. They also prepare construction specifications, estimates for the cost of materials and labour, conduct field surveys and inspections, of all types of construction buildings and structures.
Expected Job Openings: There are 1,140 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
9) Civil Engineering Technician
Average Salary: $40,000 – $86,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $70,910
Education: A civil engineering diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: A civil engineering technician assists in developing engineering drawings and specifications and performs other technical duties pertaining to civil engineering.
Expected Job Openings: There are 1,140 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
10) Land Surveyor
Average Salary: $53,000 – $100,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary: $75,000
Education: Post secondary education is an asset. A diploma or degree in surveying or a construction related field is preferred.
Job Description: A land surveyor plans, directs and carries out legal surveys to establish real property boundaries. Once boundaries, contours and other features have been established, the surveyor prepares cross-sectional drawings, plans, records, and documents.
Expected Job Openings: There are 450 expected job openings from 2022 – 2031.
If you are interested in a construction career and aren’t sure where to start, Brighton College may be for you! Brighton College offers in-depth training in AutoCAD, Civil Infrastructure Design, Architectural Design, and Construction. Call 604-227-3883 or fill out the form below for more info!
*Data taken from WorkBC.ca and the 2022 Job Bank Wage data
