4 Myths About Construction Jobs

*updated in 2023*

Are you skeptical about construction jobs? It's time to debunk the myths that might be holding you back. Contrary to popular belief, construction jobs can offer immense satisfaction and stability. Let's tackle the four biggest misconceptions and reveal the truth about working in this industry.

Myth 1: You Don’t Need Any “Real Skills”

Working on a construction project is much more than just working with hammers and shovels. Day laborers work with all sorts of tools and machines that they've learned to operate in a technical school or on the job. Many heavy equipment operators, for example, must be licensed and certified before touching a crane or bulldozer. Master plumbers and electricians need to know how to read blueprints and be familiar with building codes. Construction managers often have bachelor's degrees, especially when working on complex projects. Aside from the technical know-how construction workers need to perform their jobs, they also need specific soft skills. Making decisions, problem-solving, organization, and being a team player are just a few of the things construction workers do on a job site besides working with tools.

Myth 2: Construction is a Dead-End Career

From bricklayers to carpenters, the career possibilities for construction workers are endless. With many professions (like masonry and carpentry), all that’s required is a high-school education and on-the-job training to get started. As you can gain more experience, you can move into senior and management roles that command higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for construction managers in 2024 was $104,900. You also have the option to start your own contracting company.

Myth 3: Construction Work is Just for Men

Though construction is still considered a male-dominated industry, there are women who make a successful living in this line of work. In 2022, about 1.3 million women worked in the construction industry, accounting for 10.9% of this blue-collar workforce. Though some construction–related professions have a very small percentage of women, there are organizations, such as the National Association of Women in Construction, dedicated to getting more women into the field.

Myth 4: There Aren’t Any Construction Jobs

The exact opposite is true – there are too many construction jobs compared to the available workers. In a June survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 70 percent of residential construction companies were experiencing a shortage of carpenters, while 86 percent of commercial builders had difficulty finding workers. While construction has rebounded from the Great Recession, the number of day laborers hasn’t. Which means there are plenty of opportunities to get into this field.

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