8 of the Most Popular Types of Building Trades Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Building Trades jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Building Trades Jobs

• Construction

  Salary range: $71,000 - $115,500

  Construction jobs encompass a wide range of opportunities in the industry, ranging from carpenters and electricians to project managers and civil engineers. Construction professionals participate in a wide range of projects. There are residential projects, such as single family homes, small lot developments, or apartment buildings, commercial projects, such as building strip malls, industrial facilities or office buildings, and a range of infrastructure projects, such as public transit construction or building bridges. Your duties and responsibilities depend on the type of project and your role in the construction industry.

• No Experience Trade

  Salary range: $50,500 - $81,500

  No Experience Trade is a common job search query. Most salaries for No Experience Trade jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $81,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for No Experience Trade job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Building Trades Teacher

  Salary range: $46,500 - $57,000

  Building trades teachers work with students in a classroom setting to instruct them on vocational and industrial job duties. In this career, you show students how to handle materials; teach them basic math, engineering, and technology that they need to work in the trades after high school; and help them better understand the construction industry. Building trades teachers are responsible for boosting students’ confidence levels, teaching them how to work as a team, and showing them what a strong work ethic can get them in their future careers. These responsibilities require teachers who have experience both in the trades and in teaching.

• Entry Level Construction

  Salary range: $35,500 - $45,500

  Entry Level Construction is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Construction jobs pay between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Construction job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Construction Worker

  Salary range: $36,000 - $48,500

  A construction worker is part of a crew of laborers who perform a broad range of tasks on job sites. Tasks range in difficulty from relatively easy to potentially hazardous, and may include include preparing construction sites for new projects by removing debris from the area, backfilling holes, and, when necessary, digging trenches. Once a project is underway, construction workers build scaffolding, barricades, bracing, and other temporary structures. Following construction and completion, they take apart these structures as they are no longer needed. Construction workers operate and maintain equipment and machines, like concrete mixers, jackhammers, saws, drills, and more.

• Union Construction

  Salary range: $71,000 - $115,500

  Union Construction is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Union Construction jobs pay between $71,000 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Union Construction job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Construction Laborer

  Salary range: $35,500 - $45,500

  Construction Laborers, also known as Construction Craft Laborers, perform a variety of tasks on construction sites. They prepare construction sites for work, transport construction materials, and assist other workers. They also operate and oversee machinery, making sure to follow construction plans. Construction Laborers may work for a company, or work as freelance labor. Both freelance and dedicated Construction Laborers report to a foreman on the construction site.

• Entry Level Trade

  Salary range: $40,000 - $64,000

  There are several entry-level trade job opportunities, with each having different requirements for education, certification, and training. The term “trade” refers to various skilled labor fields, such as electrical, plumbing, and construction. There are multiple specialties within each class. In the latter, for example, you can work as a carpenter, painter, or mason. Advancement is possible with additional experience and credentials. While you can find a full-time job with a contracting company, most in this industry work on a freelance basis. As an entry-level trade worker, you may serve as an apprentice to an experienced tradesperson. While your duties and responsibilities are the same, you have nearly constant supervision, and you must spend some time in the classroom.