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.
OPPORTUNITY IN CONSTRUCTION
NOW
6,790
businesses in Seattle-King County
86,852
jobs in Seattle-King County
$82,175
average annual earnings
2028
21%
increase in construction job demand
41%
HVAC Mechanic & Installer
37%
Iron Worker
32%
Plumber, Pipefitter & Steamfitter
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
CAREER MAP
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.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Maritime
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
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