Frequently Asked Questions About Highway Construction Careers
Getting started in highway construction requires many of the same basic skills as other construction industry professions, and there are tons of resources and scholarship funds available to help you start building your career today. Click below to find answers to commonly asked questions.
- Craft Positions – Ex. Heavy Equipment Operator, Carpenter, Electrician
- Field/site based, often outdoors, physically active
- Office Positions – Ex. Payroll clerk, Administrative Assistant, Intern
- Desk based, primarily indoors, limited physical activity
- Professional Services – Ex. Materials testing, Surveyor, Safety
- Mix of office and field time, mix of physical activity requirements
Wages for craft positions increase the more you commit to long-term training and professional development. As an entry-level hire, your wages may be lower to start, but the more you learn and continue to specialize, the more money you will make. For example, an entry level construction laborer may earn around $35,000-$40,000/year, but equipment operators make $50,000+, and the earning potential increases the longer you work in the industry.
There are lots of different training opportunities available for people interested in entering the construction industry. In choosing courses or programs, think about your preferences for:
- Construction markets: residential home building, commercial building construction, or heavy civil and infrastructure (highways and utilities)
- Public v. private sectors: many private contractors offer more competitive salaries than government entities, but government jobs are typically more reliable and may provide better benefits
- Amount of time available for training: training opportunities range from online modular certifications to intensive pre-apprenticeship programs and community college certificates and degrees
- Location and travel: most training opportunities and jobs are along the Front Range, and jobs may require different amounts of travel on an ongoing basis
Training for Adults
- Colorado Homebuilding Academy (Denver/CO Spgs; days and/or evenings)
- Construction Careers Now (Denver; evenings, virtual option available
Training for High School Students
Support for Trainees
- Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) of Colorado
- CITC offers periodic classes and can help you find an employer to sponsor an apprenticeship in carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, pipefitting, or sheet metal work
- WORKNOW
- WORKNOW helps connect job seekers with training and employment services for Denver Metro area construction projects
