Real Estate & Construction
Help Wanted Construction provides a good career job BY EDWARD J. CAPODANNO AND BRYON SHORT
IT HAS BECOME PAINFULLY OBVIOUS that the world has
• Boilermakers $58,856
• Carpenters $54,157
more diverse needs than colleges are intended to meet and the opportunities to
• Electrician $57,741
• Heavy Equipment Operator $61,091
have a fulfilling, exciting, and diverse career are many and varied. We are proud
• HVAC $42,026
• Pipefitter $59,558
to say a career in construction is one of the smartest and most rewarding career
• Plumber $51,830
choices a person can make.
All these opportunities and more are available to Delawareans whether just
For those interested in a profession in construction, they should know they
entering the workforce or making a career change who are willing to make a
will start making a good income on day one, avoiding student loan debt. Over
commitment to the industry. This is truly a pathway to a good life and the
the course of their career, one can be in the field, an office, working as part
opportunity to begin a career without the burden of excessive college debt.
of a team, or supervising. They can work for someone else or run their own
A quick look at industry statistics—updated quarterly—shows that in Delaware
business. There is so much the construction industry has to offer and everyone
alone there are over 15,000 positions awaiting workers representing more than 20
with an interest are welcomed and needed.
trades. The Delaware Department of Labor identified our industry as the third
Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter (ABC) and the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA), Delaware Chapter of Associated
fastest growing job growth industry over the next five years. ABC, DCA, and our members are committed to developing the construction
General Contractors of America (AGC) are associations of commercial and
workforce of tomorrow. And remember, construction is one of the few
industrial contractors in an industry that is the lifeblood of Delaware’s economy
industries where the vast majority of the work must be performed on-site and
and has driven economic growth in the state and nationally over the years. The
cannot be offshored. So, as your student, friend, or family member explores
industry provides a direct pathway to personal prosperity and the ability to earn
careers that interest them, let them know that through a career in construction,
a high-quality living without the burden of excessive college debt.
they can make a good living while performing interesting and valuable work.
Nationally the average age of a construction worker is 47. For every five
They won’t be disappointed. n
people leaving the industry, only one is entering. At this rate, and over the next three years, the shortage of new workers could stall Delaware’s economic growth that is now restarting. As an improving economy—supported by a renewed focus on thoughtful economic development—creates new opportunities in Delaware, the need for vocationally trained and certified, skilled workers becomes even more important. Let’s take a closer look at the opportunities that are available to new workers entering the industry. It is important to note that the numbers shown below are average annual salaries and do not include overtime, company incentives, or benefits: 44
Edward J. Capodanno is president of Associated Builders and Contractors. Bryon Short is executive director of the Delaware Contractors Association.
Marc h / Ap r i l 2 0 2 2
| DELAWARE BUSINESS
