Explore the Trades

Bricklayers and masons lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.

Cement and concrete finishers pour, smooth, and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Joiners primarily work in a workshop, creating items such as cabinets, furniture, and architectural features that are then installed by carpenters.

Drywall installers, or drywallers, cut and install gypsum wallboard according to blueprints and other specifications in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Electrical workers typically assist electricians in installing and repairing electrical systems.

Fence installers erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.

Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings and their mechanical systems to help control and maintain temperature.

Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.

Landscapers design, install, and maintain gardens, lawns, and other outdoor spaces for residential, commercial, and public properties.

Painters apply paint, stain, and other finishes to buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Plasterers apply plaster to walls, ceilings, and partitions to create decorative or protective finishes.

Plumbers install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Pipefitters and steamfitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair piping or tubing systems that convey liquid, gas, or steam.

Roofers install, repair, and replace roofs on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding for construction, renovation, and maintenance projects.

Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.

Tile and marble setters apply hard tile, marble, and wood tile to walls, floors, ceilings, and roof decks.

Welders use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Concrete pump operators control pumps to pour concrete, grout, cement, or sand slurry through a hose to fill forms.

Crane operators use cranes to move heavy equipment and materials on construction sites.

Dredge operators control dredges to remove sand, gravel, or other materials from the bottom of bodies of water.

Heavy equipment operators operate heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, and excavators, to move earth, rock, or other materials.

Pile driver operators operate pile drivers to drive pilings into the ground to provide foundational support for structures such as buildings, bridges, and docks.

Road roller operators operate machines that compact asphalt, concrete, or dirt in road construction or other civil engineering projects.

Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.

Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.

Linemen install and maintain electrical power, telephone, cable, and internet lines.

Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.

Construction estimators analyze project drawings, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for construction projects.

Construction foremen supervise and coordinate the activities of construction workers on construction sites.

Construction inspectors inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with building codes and other regulations.

Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from development to completion.

Construction project managers oversee and manage construction projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Construction safety managers develop, implement, and enforce safety programs and policies to prevent accidents and injuries on construction sites.

Construction superintendents oversee and manage all aspects of construction projects, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating activities.

Building inspectors inspect buildings to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other ordinances.

Building maintenance technicians repair and maintain buildings, ensuring they are in good working condition.

Demolition specialists safely and efficiently demolish structures using various tools and equipment.

Instrumentation technicians install, maintain, and repair instruments used to measure and control industrial processes.

Masonry restoration specialists repair and restore damaged or deteriorated masonry structures, such as buildings, bridges, and monuments.

Tunnel boring machine operators operate tunnel boring machines to excavate tunnels for transportation, water supply, sewage, or mining projects.

Laborers perform tasks involving physical labor on construction sites and other settings.