Multiple Construction Worker Vacancies in the US

If you want to work in the United States and you are looking for jobs that can earn you a quick entry, then you should not sleep on the construction worker job role. As of last year, the United States employed over 8 million people in the construction sector, so you can agree that this industry can be a great head start for both residents and immigrants. 

Whether you have construction experience or are just entering the system, all you need is great attention to detail, the ability to learn quickly on the job, and lots of energy since it’s more of a physical job. Let’s explore what you need to know if you’re aiming to be a construction worker in the United States and how to apply.

Roles and Responsibilities 

If you think construction workers are those people who help with carrying sand and moving things, then you might not be totally correct. Even though people’s first impression of construction jobs is lots of labour and getting your hands dirty, that’s not the totality of it. Beyond that, construction involves the input of skilled professionals to get the job done— talk of civil engineers, electricians, architects, site managers, etc. Likewise, construction laborers who assist these people are also needed, and this is where apprenticeship and traineeship come into play. 

A construction worker is responsible for many things. Here are some of the general responsibilities of construction workers:

• Planning, structuring, and setting up the construction site.
• Operating and maintaining both simple and heavy-duty machinery like diggers, hammers, drills, Bulldozers, forklifts, concrete mixers, etc. 
• Loading and unloading of construction materials.
• Building and disassembling of houses and roads.
• Digging the earth, filling holes and compacting the soil in preparation for building and construction.
• Mixing and pouring concrete and asphalt.
• Laying bricks and assembling structures.
• Painting, plastering, and cleaning up while maintaining a safe work environment.
• Installing doors, windows, and roofing materials
• Following safety protocols and ensuring compliance with construction safety regulations.

Requirements and Qualifications

To work as a construction worker in the United States, either as a foreign national or a resident, you need to meet some requirements. However, these requirements and qualifications depend on the roles you’re aiming at. Some roles like operative manger or laborers require just apprenticeships or traineeships. On the other hand, some construction roles like civil engineers and architects require that you have a college or university education with solid work experience.

Perks of Working as a Construction Worker in the US

Whether building houses or constructing roads, being a construction worker brings lots of job fulfillment. Not just that, it also comes with different benefits, which include the following:

1. Skip Formal Education 

As we established earlier, not all construction jobs require a formal or advanced degree. For people with no college or university education, this might be a chance to get your hands on something tangible.

2. Good Salaries and Work Benefits

Construction workers are always in demand, which is not far-fetched from how much they are needed in society. In the same light, they tend to earn a higher salary than most jobs requiring labor. The salary of a construction worker ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Likewise, many construction companies offer medical benefits and other bonuses to their workers.

3. Variety of Roles

Although it requires a lot of labor, a construction job requires multiple job roles to get things done, from civil engineers to site managers to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and many more. This would be an amazing option for someone with numerous skill sets in construction.

4. Job Security

Since construction jobs are always in demand, construction workers are always needed. Even with AI displacing the best workers in some industries, it’s less likely to occur in construction, at least not soon. With how secure a construction occupation is, you can make a lifelong career out of it.

5. A Chance at Contributing to the Society

Without construction workers, there probably won’t be anything called development. Many cities, states, provinces, and countries get to experience development thanks to construction workers who work behind the scenes to actualize people’s dreams. Joining the construction sector can give you the opportunity to become creative while contributing meaningfully to your society and country at large.

6. Travel opportunities 

Freedom of travel is something you get to enjoy as a construction worker, whether within the US or internationally. Traveling for large-scale projects, union assignments, or government contracts is a given with being a construction worker. Jobs in remote areas like oil rigs or military bases also provide travel perks. This includes going to different cities, states, or other countries for construction jobs with all expenses. It’s like exploring and working at the same time, which is something most people look forward to especially foreign nationals.

Top Cities For Construction Worker Jobs in the US

The construction industry in the US is no doubt impressive since it is driven by urban expansion and the increasing demand for housing. As a construction worker looking for opportunities in the US, here are some of the top cities where you can find amazing jobs:

1. Denver

Denver is one of the cities in Colorado with a massive construction sector. Not just that, the population growth in Denver is on the rise which translates to high demand for housing in the city. What this means is that construction workers are needed to meet the demand in housing infrastructures. Overall, if you are searching for a thriving work environment as a construction worker, Denver is an excellent option. For the salary option in Denver, you can expect an average salary of $37,000 annual salary.

2. Chicago

In the construction industry, Chicago is known for projects like office and skyscraper buildings, road expansion, and transportation upgrades. If you are looking for jobs across this line, you should check out construction companies in Chicago. Getting a job in Chicago is competitive due to the salary it offers, but if you put your best foot forward in your application, you will get a good job in Chicago. Compared to most cities in the US, construction workers in Chicago earn more, with an average annual salary of $60,000.

3. Dallas

Talk of a fast-growing construction market, the Dallas real estate market keeps construction workers in high demand. Large-scale construction, such as corporate buildings and new housing communities, are common projects in Dallas. With projects like this, you can get a secure job as a construction worker in Dallas. Regarding salary, you can expect an annual salary range of $37,000.

4. Houston

Houston is undoubtedly a construction hotspot with a series of large-scale projects, real estate expansion, and continuous housing developments. In addition to that, Houston in Texas is one of the popular oil and gas hubs in the US, meaning aside from building construction, there’s also an option for working with energy infrastructure. Regardless of what area of construction you’re navigating, there are lots of opportunities for construction workers. For the salary you can expect an average salary of $40,000 per year.

5. Phoenix

When it comes to population growth, Phoenix, Arizona, seems to be experiencing a surge, especially in residential, commercial, and industrial development. Due to this, construction projects are ongoing. Also, Phoenix is one of the cities in the US that has a warm climate that encourages building almost all year round. Phoenix’s salary expectations for a construction worker range between $47,000 and $50,000 per year.

Types of US Visa for a Construction Worker

As a foreign construction worker hoping to work in the US construction sector, here are some visas you should consider:

• H-2B Visa

• H-1B Visa Program

• EB-3 Visa

How to Apply as a Construction Worker in the United States

If you’re a foreign national, then you need to figure out what visa suits you best. Get a US employer to file a petition for you. Once that is sorted, apply for a visa, wait for your visa approval and get ready to travel to the United States and start work. If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, you just need to have the necessary skills or certification, search for job openings and apply. To start your journey, search and apply for construction jobs in the US.