By: Ryan
Construction work can be crazy at times! Some folks get $*&^#* expletive, some fight out their anger on you, and then you have the bosses or customers that can just have unrealistic demands on time and cost. A lot of people (over 8 million in the US) work in this industry as the need for building things never ends (never mind the empty skyscrapers. But if you’re fed up of your co-workers, bosses, or customers, and all the dangers of the most dangerous industry and the marginal pay, you have options.
Luckily, changing careers is made easier by looking at the skills you have from your existing work, and then comparing them to the skills needed for the new work you want. Even if you fall short on some of these skills, you can learn them, once you know what they are. We found the data to help you figure this out on LinkedIn, on Indeed and other platforms. LinkedIn Economic Graph is a database of thousands job titles and tens of thousands of related skills, so we can match the skills to the new jobs. Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and others have salary data. If you’re looking for an alternative career to construction, here is the place. We’ve done all the work to find these for you, and ordered them by closest fit to your existing construction skills. We’ve grouped them by the kind of construction roles out there since they likely require different skills to do and so they prepare you for different alternative jobs. Note that not all construction jobs had clear alternatives in the dataset, so only those we found are listed.
Which of these sound exiting to you?
Electrical Inspector - Average Base Salary: $72,240
Electrical Inspectors focus on ensuring safety and compliance by checking if electrical work aligns with established codes and regulations. Transitioning from an Electrician to an Electrical Inspector often involves additional training in inspection processes, local codes, and regulatory standards (these depend on the state). While Electricians are adept at practical electrical work, Electrical Inspectors take on a more supervisory role, emphasizing the importance of safety and adherence to codes. If you're considering this transition, be prepared to enhance your knowledge base and acquire the necessary certifications and licenses to ensure electrical installations meet the required standards. Some states prefer applicants have a college degree, but often a high school diploma is enough.
Maintenance Electrician - Average Base Salary: $62,326
Maintenance Electricians focus on keeping existing electrical systems working smoothly. They troubleshoot issues, repair faulty components, and perform regular maintenance to prevent problems. So, Maintenance Electricians are the problem-solvers who make sure everything stays in good working order. If you're a Construction Electrician considering a shift to Maintenance, be prepared for a role that involves more troubleshooting, repairs, and ongoing system care to keep things running reliably.
Control Technician - Average Base Salary: $76,430
Control Technicians focus on advanced systems, dealing with automation, instrumentation, and controls for machinery and processes. They work with technologies like programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to regulate and optimize functions. Transitioning from an Electrician to a Control Technician often requires additional training in automation, programming, and control systems. Control Technicians delve into the intricacies of automated systems, demanding a deeper understanding of technology and specialized certifications in control systems. If you're considering the shift, be prepared to expand your skill set and knowledge to navigate the complexities of control technology.
Electro Mechanical Technician - Average Base Salary: $51,257
Electro-Mechanical Technicians work with a combination of electrical and mechanical systems, handling the integration of machinery and equipment. They troubleshoot and repair complex systems that involve both electrical and mechanical components, often requiring additional certifications or training in areas such as mechatronics or electro-mechanical technology. Electro-Mechanical Technicians bridge the gap, demanding a skill set that includes both electrical and mechanical expertise, often acquired through specialized training programs or certifications. If you're an Electrician contemplating a shift to Electro-Mechanical Technician, anticipate the need for additional training to master the intricacies of integrated systems.
Service Technician - Average Base Salary: $67,320
Service Technicians focus on addressing and troubleshooting issues in a broad range of systems, including electrical, electronic, and mechanical components. Transitioning from an Electrician to a Service Technician may require additional training in diagnostic techniques, equipment repair, and broader system integration. Service Technicians broaden their scope to address multifaceted issues, demanding a versatile skill set. If you're contemplating a shift, be prepared to enhance your troubleshooting abilities and diversify your expertise to become adept in servicing a variety of systems beyond traditional electrical work. Additional certifications in equipment diagnostics and repair may be beneficial in making a successful transition.
Maintenance Specialist - Average Base Salary: $55,918
Maintenance Specialists have a broad focus, addressing maintenance needs across various systems, including electrical, mechanical, and structural components. Transitioning from an Electrician to a Maintenance Specialist may involve acquiring additional skills in general facility maintenance, preventive maintenance practices, and a broader understanding of various systems. Maintenance Specialists take on a more comprehensive role than electricians, requiring a versatile skill set to address diverse maintenance challenges. If you're considering this shift, be prepared to expand your knowledge base to encompass facility-wide maintenance practices, ensuring a holistic approach to keeping systems running smoothly. Additional certifications in maintenance management may enhance your transition to a Maintenance Specialist role.
Manager of Field Operations - Average Base Salary: $69,701
Transitioning from a Construction Manager to a Manager of Field Operations involves a shift from project-focused leadership to a broader role overseeing field operations. Becoming a Manager of Field Operations requires a comprehensive understanding of various field activities. This transition may involve honing skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and optimizing field processes beyond construction projects. Managers of Field Operations oversee and coordinate diverse field activities, necessitating a holistic approach to field management. If contemplating this shift, be prepared to refine your skills in field operations management, possibly through advanced training or certifications relevant to field activities and operational efficiency.
Inspector - Average Base Salary: $60,575
An Inspector in a non-construction field represents a shift from project oversight to a role focused on examination and compliance. Transitioning to an Inspector role requires a more detailed focus on evaluating compliance with standards, regulations, or quality control measures. This shift may involve additional training in inspection processes, regulatory frameworks, and industry-specific standards outside the construction sector. If considering this transition, be prepared to enhance your skills in inspection methodologies, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of compliance requirements. Inspectors outside construction play a critical role in ensuring adherence to standards and quality in diverse fields.
Project Engineer - Average Base Salary: $85,295
Becoming a Project Engineer involves navigating from comprehensive project oversight to a more technical and engineering-focused role. Becoming a Project Engineer demands a deeper involvement in the technical aspects of engineering projects. This shift may involve acquiring additional qualifications in engineering principles, project planning, and technical problem-solving. If considering this transition, be prepared to enhance your technical and engineering expertise, possibly through advanced training or certifications relevant to the specific engineering field you intend to pursue. Project Engineers contribute to the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects, requiring a meticulous understanding of technical aspects and a focus on innovation and efficiency.
Facilities Project Manager - Average Base Salary: $71,628
Transitioning from a Construction Manager to a Facilities Project Manager marks a strategic shift from construction-focused leadership to a role centered on managing diverse facility-related projects. While Construction Managers excel in overseeing construction projects, ensuring quality, adherence to plans, and timely completion, becoming a Facilities Project Manager involves a broader spectrum. This transition may require honing skills in facility management, coordination of diverse projects, and aligning operations with organizational goals. Facilities Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and maintenance of various projects within facilities, necessitating a holistic understanding of facility operations. If contemplating this shift, be prepared to refine your skills in facility project management, possibly through advanced training or certifications relevant to facility operations and project coordination.
Director of Facilities - Average Base Salary: $93,651
The Director of Facilities position involves overseeing the entire spectrum of facility operations. Becoming a Director of Facilities requires a broader understanding of facility management. This transition may involve honing skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and a comprehensive grasp of facility operations beyond construction. Directors of Facilities play a pivotal role in optimizing overall facility performance, aligning operations with organizational goals, and ensuring a seamless blend of construction and ongoing facility management. If contemplating this shift, be prepared to refine your strategic and leadership skills, possibly through advanced training or certifications relevant to facility management and organizational leadership.
Choose Career Freedom. Enter your email to try the app.
