New year, new career in construction industry

The pandemic changed the way people lived and worked this year and many industries laid off employees due to economic constraints. One of the overall bright spots in the local, state, and national economy, however, was the home building and remodeling industry. Residential construction was deemed an essential business by our local and state governments during COVID-19 business restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, many individuals working in the skilled trades remained gainfully employed. If you or someone you know is seeking a career change or a fresh start in the new year, the skilled trades can offer a rewarding career path and a well-paying salary.

Working in the home building industry is more than just another job, it is a pathway to earning a great salary. Half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $49,030 and the top 25 percent make at least $68,690, according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey data and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In comparison, the U.S. median wage is $39,810, while the top quartile (top 25 percent) makes at least $64,240.

The earning potential is strong for both men and women in the industry. On average, women in the United

States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns. Recent studies show women gaining ground in the industry. The number of women employed in the construction industry grew substantially last year, rising to around 1.2 million and surpassing the peak of pre-recession employment levels, according to NAHB.

Not only is the residential construction industry inclusive, but training programs also offer a viable alternative to the

4-year college track without the burden of sky-high student loan debt. In the 2018-19 school year, the average amount borrowed by bachelor’s degree recipients who took out loans to pay for college was $28,800, according to the College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2020 report. The residential construction industry offers a variety of training programs at a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree.

The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) has two dynamic student chapters – one is at the University of Texas at San Antonio and we have one at St. Philip’s College. St. Philip’s offers one- and two-year associate degree programs. Students can get valuable training in general construction, heating and air conditioning, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. St. Philip’s College also offers daytime and nighttime courses. Their construction program received national recognition from the NAHB earlier this year.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has a four-year Construction Management degree program, and their students are active in GSABA as well. UTSA boosts an impressive 95 percent job placement rate for their students upon graduation.

There are many resources available to help individuals get started in a career in the trades. The staff at GSABA can connect students to the associate degree programs at St. Philip’s College and the construction management degree program at UTSA. The National Housing Endowment, in partnership with the Home Builders Institute, also offers several scholarships to students pursuing a career in the building industry. The National Housing Endowment is one of the NAHB key initiatives.

GSABA has scholarships available for students concentrating their studies in the construction fields through the Association’s education foundation.

Our members are seeking graduates from these college programs and the opportunities in the skilled trades and construction management fields are strong and growing. For more information, please call the Association’s offices at 210-696-3800.

Working in the trades brings a sense of satisfaction for completing high-quality work that contributes to home building and ultimately helping to fulfill the American dream. For more information about the Association and to learn more about the companies that are members that include builders, remodelers, suppliers, vendors and service providers, please visit www.sabuilders.com.

Sincerely, Jeff Czar, President