The Hardest Contractor Jobs In America (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest job in construction? ›

Electrical is the most difficult trade to master according to both contractors and consumers, according to the CraftJack survey. I-TAP, an electrical training program, reports that the most physically involved parts of the job are lifting sections of electrical conduit and pulling lots of cable.

Construction workers and building inspectors are some of the highest-paid contractors in the construction industry, with a median salary of nearly $62,000. This isn't the job for you if you're just getting started. Typically, it requires several years of related work experience.

Consumers and contractors agreed roofing and demolition are the most physically demanding trades. And while contractors voted carpentry as the third-most physically demanding trade, it barely cracked the top ten for consumers. Of course, muscle isn't all you need on a job site.

The most physically demanding trades involve a lot of lifting, bending, and climbing, and are also often quite dangerous. Right off the bat, roofing is often considered to be the most dangerous of any of the construction trades.

What is the highest-paying skilled trade? According to the BLS, the highest-paid skilled trade professionals include construction managers and elevator and escalator installers. These professionals earn median salaries of $104,900 and $102,420 per year, respectively.

The largest general contractor in the United States is Bechtel. With an annual revenue of $17.5 billion, Bechtel is the biggest general contractor in the U.S. The second largest general contractor in the U.S. is Turner Construction, with an annual revenue of $14 billion.

Wealthy contractors invest in their future by building a strong management team, hire the best talent available, build a great place to work that attracts and retains good people, replace themselves with systems and structure, know and track their numbers, and seek high-margin, negotiated work with loyal customers.

What state do contractors make the most money? ›

There are quite a few skilled trades that are set to remain in high demand over the next 10 years in these outlooks, including: Electricians. Welders. Plumbers.

The Sexiest Trade Profession According to Women

It turns out that women felt the biggest spark with the electrician with 132 matches, while the scaffolder came in second with 95. The plumber and builder also had the ladies hot under the collar in joint third with 79 matches.

Roofing and demolition were ranked the most physically demanding trades by both contractors and consumers. Contractors voted carpentry as the third-most physically demanding trade, but for consumers, it barely cracked the top 10.