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CONSTRUCTION

AT A GLANCE

Construction plays a key role in the future of Seattle-King County. Cranes dot city skylines building homes, office buildings, and transportation infrastructure for a rapidly growing region. Although the industry was impacted by the Great Recession over the last decade, the economic recovery has brought new opportunities for a new generation of workers.

Construction Overview

OPPORTUNITY IN CONSTRUCTION

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NOW

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6,790

businesses in Seattle-King County

86,852

jobs in Seattle-King County

$82,175

average annual earnings

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2028

Plus
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21%

increase in construction job demand

41%

HVAC Mechanic & Installer

plus
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plus

37%

Iron Worker

plus

32%

Plumber, Pipefitter & Steamfitter

plus

25%

Cement Mason

CONSTRUCTION PROPERTIES

WORK AREAS

Highway

Commercial

Industrial

Residential

Infrastructure

Team attitude

Communication

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Critical thinking

Math skills

Attention to detail

Awareness of safety rules & regulations

POPULATION BASICS

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS BY AGE

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2018

19-24 (7%)

25-34 (23%)

35-44 (26%)

45-54 (23%)

55-64 (16%)

65+ (5%)

14-18 (1%)

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS BY EDUCATION

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Less than HS (14%)

HS or equivalent (30%)

Some college or Associate's (33%)

Bachelor's or Advanced (23%)

2017

Construction Map

CAREER MAP

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This map includes some of the most in-demand construction jobs in Seattle-King County. The process of completing construction projects requires many individuals with highly specialized skillsets, from laying the foundation, to installing the pipes, to finishing the drywall. Higher level positions tend to focus on project design and business management. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn specialized skills and begin a career pathway.

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Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Maritime

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TRANSFER SKILLS TO

- Helper

$15 - $20

Sheet Metal Worker

$17 - $38

LESS THAN ASSOCIATE'S OR SOME EXPERIENCE

ASSOCIATE'S OR BACHELOR'S OR MODERATE EXPERIENCE

ADVANCED DEGREE OR SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE

START

ENTRY-LEVEL
(MAY REQUIRE CERTIFICATION

Apprenticeships available!

  • Earn a wage immediately

  • Learn new skills, get higher pay

  • On-the-job mentorship learning model

  • Obtain a nationally recognized professional certification

  • Earn college credits towards certificates & degrees

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Public Sector

Roofer

$17 - $30

Iron Worker

$19 - $38

Cement Mason

$17 - $33

Laborer

$15 - $29

Painter

$15 - $25

Plumber, Pipefitter & Steamfitter

$18 - $42

Construction Equipment Operator

$23 - $38

Carpenter

$18 - $35

Flooring Installer

$21 - $35

Electrician

$20 - $41

Drywall Finisher

$21 - $35

HVAC Mechanic & Installer

$24 - $39

Architect

$25 - $45

Cost Estimator

$25 - $45

Civil Engineer

$31 - $50

Project Manager

$32 - $56

Foreman

$27 - $46

Superintendent

$32 - $56

Safety Manager

$36 - $43

Construction Business Owner

$32 - $82

Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2018), Emsi

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