At the California Exposition in Sacramento, over 2,300 high school students gathered for “High School Trades Day,” an event dedicated to exploring careers in the construction industry. This year’s event drew exceptional interest, largely due to the current labor shortage in California, where construction workers can earn between $37 and $70 per hour, with some skilled builders even surpassing that threshold.
Seventeen-year-old Jaea Chatman from Natomas High School shared her motivation for attending. “I feel like college isn’t the right fit for me, and my mom encouraged me to pursue a career in construction,” she explained. Chatman participated in a construction program at her school and has developed a strong passion for the subject.
During the event, she had the chance to use a new tool as an impact driver and watched safety videos related to construction practices. She practiced drilling on walls and small structures made from various materials and enjoyed engaging with local construction companies that set up booths at the event, discussing job roles and hands-on operations with students.
Jordan Blair, the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Education Foundation, emphasized that the construction field offers young people a path where they can learn and earn simultaneously. He noted that as construction workers advance in their careers, they can earn salaries comparable to college graduates—without the burden of student loans. According to Blair, an experienced pipefitter can easily make a six-figure salary and those who move into management positions have the potential to earn even more.
Contrary to traditional perceptions of construction work as overly taxing and reliant on securing individual contracts, Blair pointed out that there are significant opportunities with larger projects. Government agencies and major tech companies in Silicon Valley have substantial construction needs that extend beyond simple homebuilding, encompassing maintenance, renovation, and remodeling. These sectors require a vast number of contractors and workers, and many construction professionals transition into full-time roles with these large organizations.
Data from Build California indicates a high demand for construction workers, carpenters, and electricians, with a particular scarcity of cement masons and those with heavy machinery experience. The industry offers attractive job prospects, and anyone with these skills is unlikely to face unemployment. Workers in construction can expect hourly wages ranging from $37 to $70, with many adept individuals managing their time effectively to earn even higher pay rates while balancing family responsibilities—making construction a highly practical skill set.
