A Career in Home Building:
What Students & Parents
Need to Know
Reasons to Consider a Career in the
Home Building Industry
Home Building Positions are in High Demand
There are currently thousands of jobs available in the home building industry and the demand for skilled professionals is growing. With an aging workforce and an increasing need for housing, there are abundant career options and opportunities throughout Alabama, the south and the U.S.
Jobs in the Home Building Industry Pay Well
A career in the home building trades pays well. Here are a few examples from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021 data).
HVAC Technician
Median wage
$48,630 per year
$23.38 per hour
Plumber
Median wage
$59,880 per year
$28.79 per hour
Electrician
Median wage
$60,040 per year
$28.87 per hour
Learn More About A Career in Homebuilding
Real Stories from Real Professionals
"The guys out working on our jobsites make a lot more money and have a lot more freedom and flexibility."
Ashley Rowe
Builder/Owner, Lake Martin Builders
Alexander City, AL
"You can make a good living without having college loan debt… If you’re willing to learn and to work,
the opportunities are endless- all over the state."
William Hays
Builder/Owner, Pitman Brown
Fairhope, AL
"In construction, there are tons of opportunities for you to engage in community, to engage in the lives of others, and partner with them in helping make life better."
Tommy Tolleson
Builder/Owner, Tolleson Construction
Dothan, AL
"[A career in the homebuilding industry] is something you can get joy out of… something you can become very good at… something in very high demand.. and something that is going to reward you very well for your efforts."
Larry Durham
Instructor, North Alabama Home Building Academy
Huntsville, AL
"If I talk to a young person about a career in construction, I would encourage them by saying that the opportunities available to them are as limitless as their own personal ambition."
Joshua Dean
Builder/Remodeler/Owner, Precision Homecrafters
Birmingham, AL
Four Year College Degree NOT Required for a Career in Home Building
Most jobs in the home building industry don’t require a four-year degree. Typically, a high school diploma (or the equivalent) is required in addition to training – either through an apprenticeship or classes taken at a technical school or community college. This means you can start to work sooner and owe little or no debt for school.
CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY
Apprenticeship
or
Community College/ Technical Training/Trade School
Skip the classroom and head straight to work. Get on-the-job training and earn some money along the way. You will likely start out at a low hourly pay rate, but your wages will improve as your knowledge, skills and experience increases. Apprenticeships can take anywhere from three to five years to complete and are not available for every career in home building.
For more information on apprenticeships in the home building industry, contact Kory Boling
If you choose the trade school route you will spend time learning the skills you need – not studying subjects that don’t fit your career path. You will get both hands-on training and education on the science behind the trade. You will also learn “soft skills” such as time management and effective communication. Most programs take from 16 to 24 months to complete. Trade schools come with a larger financial commitment than an apprenticeship, but scholarships, financial aid and grants are available. The Home Builders Association of Alabama’s Foundation offers scholarships each year and you can learn more here.
For more about attending trade school to prepare for a career in home building, contact Kory Boling.
Many Job Options in Home Building
The home building industry offers diverse specializations that cater to your unique interests and talents.
Choose a path that aligns with your passions and strengths as there are many to choose from including:
Carpenter
Following blueprints, carpenters build walls, floors and doorframes and install windows, molding and cabinets in new construction or when renovating existing structures. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become a carpenter, click here.
Painter
Residential painters prepare and paint the interiors and exteriors of homes. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become a painter, click here.
Brick or Block Masons
Using bricks, concrete blocks and stone, brick and block masons build walls, walkways and other structures. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become a brick or block mason, click here.
Electrician
Almost every building has electrical power that is installed during construction and maintained after. Electricians follow blueprints to install wiring and lighting in new construction or they may repair existing electrical systems. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become an electrician, click here.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, repair and maintain heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems in homes to ensure optimal comfort. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become an HVAC technician, click here.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water and gas systems including piping and fixtures such as bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers and water heaters. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become a plumber, click here.
Roofer
Roofers install, replace and repair roofs using shingles, asphalt, metal or other materials to make the roof weatherproof in order to protect the home. To learn more about pay, job outlook and how to become a roofer, click here.
Are You Suited for a Career in the Home Building Trades?
Certain characteristics can make someone well-suited for a career in home building. While these qualities can contribute to success, individuals can develop and improve these skills through education, training and on-the-job experience.
Manual dexterity: Hand-eye coordination and manual skills are required as you will be working with tools, equipment and materials.
Physical fitness: Many jobs in home building involve physical labor, working in different weather conditions and standing for long periods. Physical fitness and stamina are essential.
Attention to detail: Precision and accuracy are crucial in home building-related fields. Being able to follow instructions, read blueprints and pay attention to details ensure quality workmanship and adherence to safety standards.
Problem solving skills: Home building trades often require the ability to analyze and solve problems that arise during construction. Being able to think critically and find practical solutions is valuable in ensuring a smooth project execution.
Time management: Meeting project deadlines and adhering to schedules is important in the home building industry. Individuals who can effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks and work efficiently will excel in this field.
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Communication skills: Home building trades often involve working as part of a team, coordinating with team members, sub-contractors and clients. Good communication skills, both verbal and written are essential for effective collaboration and client satisfaction.
Technical aptitude: Most home building trades require a certain level of technical knowledge and understanding of tools, machinery and building materials. The ability and willingness to learn is critical to success in home building.
Commitment to safety: Safety is paramount in the home building industry. Those who adhere to safety protocols and regulations and maintain a safe work environment are highly valued.