Building Futures and Pioneering Sustainable Horizons
The Construction Career Cluster focuses on professions involved in designing, planning, managing, and executing projects in the built environment. It emphasizes sustainable building practices to ensure that structures are both environmentally responsible and resilient. Careers in this Cluster are pivotal in creating durable infrastructure that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own, covering a range of roles from architects and engineers to construction managers and skilled tradespeople.
Careers combining the planning, design, and drafting of infrastructure, structures, and landscapes with the application of technical expertise through architecture and civil and structural engineering. Professionals in this field develop sustainable, safe, and esthetically pleasing spaces while ensuring compliance with regulations. This Sub-Cluster spans residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects, requiring a blend of creativity, technical precision, and problem-solving to meet modern societal and environmental challenges.
Example Programs of Study
Architectural Design
Drafting
Landscape Architecture
Careers emphasizing the critical initial stages of construction and development projects, including preconstruction activities, property development, and land use planning. This field involves site analysis, surveying, cost estimation, securing required permits, conducting feasibility studies, environmental compliance, and construction management. Professionals in this field engage in meticulous planning and preparation to integrate sustainable practices and reduce potential risks and delays, ensuring project success from start to finish.
Example Programs of Study
Construction Management
Surveying
Careers skilled in managing and servicing the heavy equipment and machinery that are essential for building and infrastructure projects. Professionals in this field ensure that these vital tools operate efficiently and safely, combining technical knowledge with mechanical skills. This Sub-Cluster is crucial for the smooth execution of construction tasks, maintenance of machinery reliability, and adherence to safety standards.
Example Programs of Study
Diesel Mechanics
Heavy Machine Operation
Careers focused on skilled work that is essential to constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and infrastructure including carpentry; welding; masonry; electrical; plumbing; and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Professionals in the skilled trades play a key role in shaping the environment, combining hands-on skills with technical knowledge to ensure functionality and safety in both new and existing infrastructure and structures. Many skilled trades are also in high demand in the Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Energy and Natural Resources Clusters.
Example Programs of Study
Carpentry
Electrical Systems
Green Construction
HVAC-R
Welding Technology
Explore Construction in the state of WI, including careers and training requirements.
Courses in this Cluster Pathway
No Courses were Found
Architecture & Construction
Occupations with the most projected openings
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
Construction Laborers
232
$30,258
$58,199
No formal educational credential
Carpenters
163
$34,775
$59,024
High school diploma or equivalent
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
155
$23,424
$37,622
No formal educational credential
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
118
$49,986
$80,237
High school diploma or equivalent
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
96
$41,729
$71,248
High school diploma or equivalent
Electricians
90
$45,039
$67,927
High school diploma or equivalent
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
80
$40,560
$71,047
High school diploma or equivalent
Construction Managers
51
$78,708
$140,819
Bachelor's degree
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
41
$28,801
$44,154
No formal educational credential
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
40
$34,733
$46,167
High school diploma or equivalent
Occupations with the highest projected salaries
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
Construction Managers
51
$78,708
$140,819
Bachelor's degree
Civil Engineers
23
$55,337
$86,871
Bachelor's degree
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
6
$57,072
$83,501
Bachelor's degree
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
118
$49,986
$80,237
High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
9
$42,380
$80,225
High school diploma or equivalent
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
18
$47,723
$72,128
High school diploma or equivalent
Cost Estimators
24
$44,007
$71,730
Bachelor's degree
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
