Different Career Paths in Construction Industry

Table of Contents

The construction industry is one of the largest industries in India. Its sheer size itself comes with the promise of more employment opportunities. Each of the jobs in the construction industry requires a certain set of skills and abilities. So, a person can weigh his strengths and weaknesses before deciding which of the Career Paths in the Construction Industry they should follow. Understanding the job profile, average salary and Qualifications required to get them will help choose the best one for you from the Career Paths in the Construction Industry. Let us discuss all these details before making the final decision.

Advantages of Different Career Paths in the Construction Industry

Stable growth and reliability are the two main advantages of choosing from Career Paths in the Construction Industry. There is a year-round availability of work in the construction industry as someone is always building or repairing existing constructions all the time. Some of the benefits of choosing a career in the construction industry are listed below.

Reliable industry
Good job prospects
Skill based
Opportunities for growth
Less time in education
Less student debt
Comfortable remuneration
Can do even during the time of education

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Different Career Paths in the Construction Industry

To choose from different Career Paths in the Construction Industry, you need to have a brief idea of them. Most prominent and common jobs in the construction industry are listed below along with their job profiles, average salary and qualifications required to get them. Read to get detailed information before making the final decision.

Construction Engineer

Building developments and progress are monitored by construction engineers from the beginning to the end. Engineers can assist architects in creating building blueprints and plans to guarantee that whatever is built is both structurally sound and practical for use. Construction engineers take into account every aspect of the building, including the foundation and the design of the electrical and plumbing systems.

What you have to become a structural engineer is to complete your degree in structural engineering or a related field like civil engineering. Then you can go for a master’s in structural engineering if you prefer it. The average annual salary of a structural engineer in India is around Rs. 510,688/- in 2024.

Architect

Architects primarily plan a building’s appearance and construction according to the preferences of their clients. Architects make sure a structure is both aesthetically appealing and practical. Architects often need a formal university background to practice lawfully. You need to attend a 5-year degree program called Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) to become an architect in India. For this, you should attend higher secondary classes in a stream with physics and mathematics as subjects. But make sure that the college you are joining is accredited by the Council of Architecture (COA). Then you have to do an internship. If you are interested you can opt to go for a Masters degree.

In a master’s degree, you can specialise in certain areas like urban planning, sustainable design, or heritage conservation. Then you have to get your licence from the Council of Architecture (COA). The average salary of an architect in India is around ₹24,665 per month.

Foreman

A foreman controls the workload and obligations of contractors in addition to monitoring the general progress of a construction site. These experts make sure the project is meeting its deadlines and all required benchmarks. They also ensure that staff perform to the expected standard. They might also prepare reports for the client that include updates on developments, difficulties, and forecasts.

To become a foreman people often attend a Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) which is a one-year course. You can attend the Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering (PGDIE) which is a two-year course after this. Besides these, certain Civil Foreman certifications similarly train you. The average monthly salary of a foreman in India is around ₹36,549 per month.

Industrial Mechanic

An industrial mechanic’s job is to operate heavy machinery in a factory setting or even a construction site. They also have to do the repair and maintenance of these machines to ensure smooth functioning. They also have to check whether the moving parts are aligned and according to the safety guidelines set by the authorities concerned. To become an industrial mechanic, you can opt for an industrial engineering certification, diploma or even degree after your schooling. You must also become an apprentice and train under an experienced professional. The average annual salary of an industrial mechanic in India is ₹250,000/-. The lowest annual salary received by an industrial mechanic is around 0.2 lakhs and the highest is around 6 lakhs.

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Solar Installer

Solar installers set up solar panels to generate sustainable and cleaner energy in homes, businesses, or outdoor environments. These professionals may advise their clients on the ideal position for their solar panels to maximize their benefits. They check that every panel component functions properly and can maintain or fix any broken or malfunctioning equipment. When heating or lighting a home or company, solar installers use their extensive knowledge of sustainable energy to deliver a seamless user experience to their clients. Then there are several certificate courses on solar PV installation with government approval that train you in this trade. After that, you have to be an apprentice under a professional and gain experience. The average salary of a solar panel installer is around ₹16,204 per month. This can vary from city to city.

Technician

The role of a technician is the installation, repair and maintenance of any type of electrical equipment that is used in a construction project. They can install any outlets, light fixtures, or appliances—such as fibre optic internet or underfloor heating—that need to be rewired or connected to the mains. All fixtures and equipment are checked by technicians to make sure they meet safety standards. You have to opt for a specialisation that you want to go into as there are many fields in which technicians work. Then you can choose between a certificate course, diploma and degree. The average salary of a technician in India is ₹16861 per month. When you are fresher, your annual salary will be around ₹180,000 per year. But when you have a few years of experience, you can earn up to ₹625,000 per year.

Building Surveyor

A building surveyor creates blueprints, estimates costs, and tracks the development of a project. They ensure that every construction meets industry standards and statutory criteria by requiring contractors to submit frequent updates on their work. Building surveyors assess structures to ensure they are both safe and appropriate for their intended use. Most building surveyors choose to go to a B. Tech or B.E in civil engineering. Some institutes also offer short-term courses related to land surveying. Then they have to obtain the necessary license to work as a surveyor. They receive the majority of their practical knowledge from years of experience. The average salary of a building surveyor in India is about ₹353,749 a year. When you are new to the field you earn up to ₹255,000. When you are much more experienced the annual salary may even up to 6.0 Lakhs.

Plumber

Water, drainage, and sewage systems in a house or business are installed, maintained, and repaired by plumbers. Installing and fixing sinks, indoor and outdoor pipes, and toilets are the tasks of plumbers. They also troubleshoot problems like leaks and fix blockages. Based on a building’s foundation and intended uses, plumbers can advise and suggest the right fixtures. You can go for an ITI diploma to become a plumber. Nowadays there are even online courses that offer certifications needed to become a plumber. Have you heard of the Entri Apps MEP course? The average annual salary of a plumber is ₹295,898 in India. This figure can range from ₹97,000 to ₹876,0001 according to the place of employment and years of experience you have.

Equipment Operator

There are many opportunities in the burgeoning construction business for anyone with the necessary skill set. Operating and maintaining a range of construction equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and forklifts, would fall under the purview of an equipment operator. It takes a great degree of expertise, training, and a sharp sense of safety to operate construction equipment. Working long hours in occasionally difficult settings is a need for equipment operators. However, there can be significant benefits in terms of prospective profits as well as fulfillment of work.

An equipment operator should be knowledgeable in various fields. But you can start with basic heavy equipment operator training. They should also learn and take certifications in basic maintenance as well as safety. The average salary of an equipment operator in a year is around ₹425,000. This can range from ₹300,000 per year when you are a fresher to ₹1,290,000 when you have more experience in your profession.

Millwright

A millwright sets up, maintains, and installs industrial machinery and equipment on construction projects. Specialized tools such as hydraulic bolters or welders are used to align and replace particular parts of machines. Millwrights also handle the transportation of machinery both on and off-site. Several technical institutes are providing the training required to become a millwright. The average annual salary of a millwright in India is about ₹478,895.

Pile Driver Operator

A device called a pile driver is used to push piles, or poles, into the ground. Operating that equipment is necessary for this role, typically when it is installed on skids, barges, and other similar platforms. You can become a pile driver operator by taking up an apprenticeship or attending a Pile Driver Operator certification program. The average annual salary of a Pile drive operator is around ₹4,07,845 per year.

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Safety Manager

Safety managers develop and enforce safety policies, guidelines, and practices to reduce the possibility of mishaps or injuries in the workplace. They provide safety training sessions, conduct routine safety audits to make sure all workers, materials, and equipment comply with government safety regulations, inspect the worksite every day to ensure it is safe to enter and work in, analyse and look into accident reports and incident inquiries, and monitor incident metrics. A student aspiring to become a safety manager must consider the following specialisations when choosing their bachelor’s program.

Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Science
Industrial Engineering

Then they can think of getting relevant certifications such as:

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification

If they prefer, they can go for a master’s in the above-mentioned programs. The average salary of a safety manager in India is ₹979,672 per annum. When you are fresher, this is around ₹537,209. When you have some years of experience then it can be up to ₹779,451. It will again increase with the experience gained.

Construction Manager

All components of a construction project are planned, coordinated, and overseen by construction managers, who are also referred to as project managers at times. Depending on the scope of the project and whether they are working with other managers, a construction manager’s responsibilities may vary, but they may include hiring and training all employees and subcontractors, developing worker schedules and project timelines, organizing daily activities for all employees, negotiating project costs, updating clients on project progress, making sure all employees collaborate as a team, and supervising all employees to ensure the project stays compliant, on time, and within budgetary constraints.

To become a construction manager, you can take your graduation in Civil Engineering or Architecture. Then you can do your post-graduation in construction management or take an MBA. There are also some relevant diploma courses you can take to become a construction manager. In India, a construction manager makes, on average, ₹7,87,547 annually. For entry-level job opportunities, the average annual compensation is ₹480,000, whereas for the most experienced employees, it is ₹1,890,000

Dredge Operator

The process of clearing silt and debris from the bottom of bodies of water (lakes, rivers, etc.) is called dredging. Sand, silt, and other debris accumulate over time and need to be cleaned because they tend to watch downstream in water channels. People who do this job are called dredge operators. You need to acquire appropriate training and get certification or licensure for operating a Dredge equipment. In India, a Dredge Operator typically makes ₹491,640 a year, or about ₹236 per hour.

Estimator

Cost estimators assess a prospective construction project’s cost and let their clients know what to anticipate in terms of expenses and project schedules. By visiting the possible job site, they collect and analyse information regarding the expenses of labour, materials, and time required to finish the project to determine the projected cost of the project. Throughout the project, cost estimators keep thorough records comparing actual costs to projected expenses and offer suggestions for cost-cutting measures. To become a Cost estimator, you first have to complete your 10+2. Then consider choosing subjects given for your bachelor’s degree.

Business
Economics
Finance
Construction
Accounting
Engineering

In India, a cost estimator will make, on average, ₹589,581 a year in 2024. For an early career Cost Estimator, the average total remuneration is about ₹393,054. The average total remuneration for a mid-career Cost Estimator with 5–9 years of experience is ₹600,000. This will rise again after 10+ years of experience.

HVAC Technician

The maintenance, installation, and repair of the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that buildings utilize to regulate the temperature and quality of the air fall within the purview of HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). You can enter this profession by joining an HVAC diploma course. In India, the average annual compensation for an HVAC technician is ₹ 270,000, or ₹ 108 per hour. Most experienced workers make up to ₹ 466,250 annually, while entry-level employment starts at ₹ 180,000.

Insulation Worker

Installing and replacing insulating materials is the responsibility of insulation workers, also known as installers, who help buildings regulate and control the temperature within them. Depending on the project, it may require both inside and outdoor labour. On all varieties of mechanical systems, they apply all insulating materials, protective coverings, coatings, and finishes. After school education, you can take certifications or join diploma courses focusing on insulation technology to become an Insulation worker. In 2023, the income range for most Insulation workers is ₹8,166 to ₹36,261 per month. Entry-level Insulation employees can expect to make between ₹8,166 and ₹18,021 per month. They will make between ₹11,586 and ₹34,795 a month after five years of professional experience.

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Elevator Technician

An elevator technician installs, assembles, replaces, and maintains large machinery such as chairlifts, escalators, moving walkways, and elevators. For example, they might install one elevator in an office building or multiple pieces of each type of equipment at an airport or retail centre, which would be a large-scale installation. To become an elevator technician, one needs to attend a lift technology diploma course or take a Certified Elevator Technician (CET) certification. Another two possible courses are Diploma in Elevator Technology and ITI Lift and Escalator Mechanic.

Construction Inspector

A local government worker known as a construction inspector visits construction sites and examines the work being done to make sure all buildings and structures meet contract requirements, zoning laws, building rules and ordinances, and safety standards. To become a construction inspector it is preferred to have a B.Tech in Civil Engineering. B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering will also do. In 2024, the average annual income for Construction Inspectors in India is ₹491,318.

Surveyor

Before construction starts, a surveyor visits potential job sites to measure and record information about the site’s contours, elevation, and location. Then, they utilize this data to make comparisons between their data and the records already in existence, create and modify boundary lines, pinpoint the positions of buildings and other structures, and specify the foundation needs for the project. Additionally, surveyors report their results to other clients and governmental organizations. You can consider the following courses to become a surveyor.

Sc in Geomatics
Tech in Surveying Engineering
Tech or B.E. in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Land Surveying

In India, surveyors earn an average monthly income of ₹15,391. Surveyor salaries in India range from ₹0.3 Lakhs to ₹6.3 Lakhs, with an annual average of ₹3.3 Lakhs.

Construction Superintendent

The day-to-day management of a building project is overseen by a construction superintendent. They frequently supervise construction projects while working on a job site. Typically, their duties involve estimating the project’s costs, scheduling the work of the construction crew, and keeping an eye on the building’s advancement. They could also check that the structure satisfies safety regulations by looking at its quality. Choose the following degree programs to become a construction superintendent.

Construction Management
Engineering
Architecture

In 2024, the average annual income for Construction Superintendents in India is ₹509,804.

Sustainability Consultant

Environmental specialists who study and provide solutions for businesses’ energy consumption are called sustainability consultants. They might contribute to the design of environmentally friendly buildings as they are being built. Their responsibilities may involve researching construction trends, evaluating building materials, and offering clients advice on sustainable options. Consider the following subjects when choosing your major for a bachelor’s degree.

Sustainable Development
Environmental Studies
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Design and Engineering
Construction

In India, the average yearly compensation for a sustainability consultant is projected to be ₹523,810 in 2024.

Site Engineer

A specialist who oversees specific phases of the construction process is known as a site engineer. Working with land surveyors, going over building plans, and making sure the project complies with safety requirements are just a few of their responsibilities. They could also offer clients advice on project designs and job site locations. As the title of the name itself suggests you have to go for a B.Tech or B.E in a relevant engineering field if you want to become a site engineer. In India, a site engineer makes about ₹20,156 per month on average.

General Contractor

General contractors are construction experts who manage a construction crew. They may work on home or commercial construction projects. Depending on the scope of the project, their roles may differ, but typical ones include finding subcontractors to finish work, supervising a team of experts on the job site, and making sure a building complies with local safety regulations. In addition, they could work with the client to discuss the project’s advancement and submit construction permit applications. If your goal is to become a general contractor, enroll in a diploma or bachelor’s program in construction-related fields like civil engineering, architecture, or construction management.

Based on statistical estimates, the average income for contractors in India is around ₹920,000 per year or ₹369 per hour. Experienced professionals can make up to ₹2,000,000 annually, while entry-level roles start at ₹320,000.

Construction Project Managers

They are in charge of supervising and organizing a project’s construction from beginning to end. This involves making certain the project is finished to the client’s satisfaction, on schedule, and within the allotted budget. The majority of construction project managers hold a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a closely related discipline, and many of them have prior managerial experience in the construction sector. Consider getting a construction management degree or certification if you’re interested in a job in the field. Earning a degree in architecture or civil engineering is the academic qualification required for this job. In India, a project manager in the construction industry makes, on average, ₹986,914 annually. Usually, the pay scale is between ₹348,000 and ₹2,000,000.

Quantity Surveyor

Construction project budgets are established and overseen by quantity surveyors. They go to job sites, look over plans, provide estimates, and bargain contracts to get their clients certain rates. In addition, quantity surveyors handle administrative duties including compiling cost-tracking papers, recording project expenses, and balancing project and corporate funds. There are several courses ranging from diploma to bachelor’s degree to post-graduate diploma and MBA with specialisation in Quantity Surveying. If you have a degree or diploma related to engineering you can learn the skills needed to become a Quantity Surveyor by joining an online Quantity Surveyor Course in the Entri app. It has many benefits such as

Personal Mentorship
Live classes
Recorded classes
Doubt clearance sessions
Live projects
Placement Assistance

In India, the average monthly compensation for a quantity surveyor is ₹27,104.

Structural Engineer

A structural engineer is a specialist in civil engineering who works on building pressure-tolerant structures like dams and bridges. They develop cost estimates, apply for permits, oversee buildings, and assess existing or planned structures to see how gravity and lateral loads may influence them. Structural engineers can provide guidance when needed on the safest methods for demolishing buildings. To become a structural engineer you have to first attend a B.Tech or B.E in civil engineering that specialises in Structural engineering for post-graduation. Taking a Diploma in structural engineering is also good. In India, a structural engineer makes an average of ₹6,47,604 annually.

Civil Engineer

When designing building projects, civil engineers make sure that the objectives are both realistic and attainable. They accomplish this by examining the project’s budgetary needs, assessing the design’s viability, assessing the project’s sustainability and environmental impact, and making sure the project complies with all applicable laws and health and safety standards. Any problems that arise during the design and development stage must also be found and fixed by civil engineers. You have to join for a B.Tech or B.E in civil engineering to become a civil engineer. The average yearly compensation for a civil engineer in India in 2024 will be about ₹348,632, which is equivalent to about ₹29,053 per month.

Electrician

An electrician checks that electrical wiring and other sources of power are operating correctly and safely by assembling, installing, maintaining, repairing, and testing them. Architectural drawings are frequently analysed by electricians, who then plan and install circuit breakers, lighting, power outlets, and electrical wiring accordingly. They operate in public areas, commercial buildings, and residential buildings. They might also concentrate on industrial equipment. Electricians might work as independent contractors, for maintenance companies, or themselves. Join an MEP course to become an Electrician. Around ₹2,50,000 per year, or ₹15,000 per month, is the typical pay for an electrician in India.

Field Engineer

An expert who fixes issues and assesses productivity inside a project is a field engineer. They can focus on several different business sectors, including construction. Construction field engineers can evaluate a project’s building process and systems, talk about the demands of a project with clients and an engineering team, and assist in creating new ideas for big projects. To increase productivity, they could also analyse the materials and offer ideas. When it comes to academics a person who is aspiring to become a field engineer should always choose engineering streams. In India, a field engineer makes an average of ₹50,456 a month.

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These are the various Career Paths in Construction Industry.

Different Career Paths in Construction Industry FAQs

Are there any Quantity Surveyor courses available in online mode?

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