A career change for construction workers presents a unique challenge. The key here is to identify the skills you possess that are transferable to other industries. Once you’ve overcome that hurdle, it can be a smooth transition to a different career.
If you’re currently working in the construction industry and seeking a new career path, we’ve got you covered. This article discusses the practical steps you should take to begin your transition. We also examine a variety of construction worker second jobs and show you how well your transferable skills align with the demands.
Career Change for Construction Workers: Overview
As you may know, construction jobs are labor-intensive and demand physical strength and manual dexterity. The activities on a construction site involve cutting, digging, concreting, welding, electrical work, and lifting heavy materials.
While you expend energy, you also work with hazardous materials and equipment. In fact, 5,283 construction workers sustained fatal injuries in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 The BLS also reports that the median annual wage for construction laborers in 2024 was $58,360.2
Considering these factors that span from labor duties to work hazards to low compensation, workers are likely to eventually have burnout with work-induced health challenges and general career dissatisfaction.3 As a result, construction laborers may ultimately want to explore alternative careers for better work-life balance, personal and professional growth, and more.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Construction Besides Construction?
Most employers and construction firms require only a high school diploma from laborers.2 In most cases, they learn on the job under close supervision. As a result, switching careers to related fields can be simple.
For example, if you are a builder, you can become a property developer with no additional training. With your knowledge of building construction, you can help clients develop and manage properties, acquire land, and facilitate real estate deals and projects.
Common Second Careers for Construction Workers
A career in construction has many opportunities in various industries. For starters, laborers with some experience in the field could become project managers in the building and manufacturing sectors.
Becoming a furniture maker, real estate broker, or general contractor can also be great alternatives. However, if you can develop proficiency in the relevant technical skills, it’s possible to transition into the tech industry. Overall, your transferable skills will ensure that you qualify.
Alternative Careers for Construction Worker in 2025
Equipment operators, contractors, and other skilled workers can explore alternative careers if they don’t mind taking a leap of faith.
The following are alternative careers for construction workers to consider. Here, you will identify how well you qualify for a wide variety of jobs (related and unrelated). By noting the skills that translate to these jobs and conducting additional research on them, you will have a better idea of your chances of landing one.
The following average salary information has been taken from Payscale and reflects current wages as of September 2025.
High-Paying Jobs for Former Construction Workers
| Job | Average Salary | Transferable Construction Workers Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | $88,0304 | Technological skills, time management, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, math |
| Project Manager | $82,2665 | Project management, leadership, time management communication, problem-solving, organization, teamwork |
| General Contractor | $79,8456 | Communication, problem-solving, teamwork |
| Logistics Manager | $76,9567 | Leadership, problem-solving, time management, communication, teamwork, pressure management |
| Data Analyst | $69,5118 | Math, communication, problem-solving, organization, attention to detail |
| Drone Pilot | $61,4599 | Technological, concentration, teamwork, pressure management, problem-solving, depth perception |
| Social Media Manager | $59,58910 | Project Management, communication, problem-solving |
| CAD Technician | $55,21311 | Technological skills, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, technological skills |
| Real Estate Agent | $62,87212 | Time management, communication, problem-solving, organization |
| Maintenance Technician | $54,90413 | Problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail, manual dexterity |
Developer
If you are interested in tech, this can be a viable option for you. Developers build and maintain websites that are solution-oriented. They also create programs and applications that perform specific tasks. You’ll need strong coding skills for this, which you’re less likely to acquire in a construction career. However, you can enroll in a coding bootcamp to acquire the necessary technical skills.
Project Manager
Your organization, time management, and teamwork skills are valuable for this role. Project managers coordinate operations during the lifespan of a project. They plan, supervise activities, monitor progress, create budgets, and communicate with stakeholders until projects are completed. Earning a Professional Management Professional (PMP) certification will enhance your credentials.14
General Contractor
General contractors are critical to the success of any project. Contractors provide clients with raw materials, tools, laborers, and project-specific working and safety equipment. Since you have industry experience, you will understand the market and adequately supply every project’s needs. You can work on construction projects without being a construction worker. Think of more management positions, like maintaining job sites and managing construction teams.
Logistics Manager
Logistics managers plan and supervise the movement of goods and commodities within an organization. In this role, you act as a middleman and manage various teams to ensure the efficiency of a company’s system. If you have worked in building construction, you would have experience purchasing and storing raw materials for building projects.
Data Analyst
Data analysts gather big data and process it for business operations. They can find market leads and improve business decisions by cleaning and analyzing data. It is necessary to have a background in statistical analysis. You can enroll in data analysis courses, but keep in mind that you will most likely start with an entry-level role. Communication and problem-solving are essential skills of a data analyst.
Drone Pilot
Drone pilots operate drones for different purposes. They are responsible for the takeoff, continuous flight, and safe landing of drones. Your experience as a former construction worker will come in handy when using drones for land surveillance. Although most employers require a college degree, you could supplement your qualifications by enrolling in a two-year degree program.
Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you will use social media platforms to act as a liaison between the company and the public. Your interaction and engagement with the general public is critical to an online community for the company. Good communication is necessary, and knowledge of project management will be valuable in planning digital campaigns and testing marketing strategies.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents are responsible for connecting buyers and sellers of properties and ensuring that deals are closed. Since you are familiar with property development and the real estate industry, your residential construction experience will be beneficial. You do not need professional real estate job training to succeed; however, you will need to earn a real estate license within your home state.
CAD Technician
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technicians create solid models of structures using software like AutoCAD. They work with engineers, architects, drafters, and designers to create blueprints and high-quality 3D designs that meet specific requirements. With your experience in the construction industry and the same level of education, you may find success in this career
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance technicians conduct frequent inspections throughout a company’s facility, checking for damage and faulty units. They schedule repairs while also incorporating damage prevention measures. No formal education is required, and most employers provide extra supervision, especially for entry-level technicians. In most maintenance jobs, you will learn on the job.
How to Make a Career Change from Construction Worker
Knowing that there are numerous job opportunities available is one thing, but securing one for yourself is another. The job market is competitive in every industry, and if you have little or no experience in the new field you’re looking at, you will face stiff competition. The steps outlined below are designed to help you transition from the construction field into a new career path.
1. Identify Your Interests
It is always desirable to pursue your passion. While compensation is important, you should also enjoy your job. If you are dissatisfied with your current job, it could indicate that you should change careers. Make a list of the factors that define the type of job you want. Consider work schedules, compensation, growth opportunities, and location.
2. Look For Alternative Careers
Make a list of career options that interest you based on your research. Remember, this list should be heavily influenced by your skills and qualifications. As you explore various careers, note the necessary skills and level of education required for each one. Assess your qualifications and match your skills.
3. Consider An Apprenticeship
If you realize that your skill level and experience are less than what is required for your desired career path, you should consider enrolling in an apprenticeship program. You’ll get hands-on experience working with other industry professionals. Alternatively, you can request to shadow a professional for a short period to see what the job entails and assess the daily operations.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
4. Polish Your Resume
After gaining the relevant experience, you can update your resume using a combination resume style comprising a reverse-chronological and functional resume format. It is beneficial to emphasize your skills before focusing on your work history and experience. As a resume tip, ensure that your resume is tailored to the job description and is ATS-friendly.
5. Apply For Jobs
After you’ve narrowed down your options to a specific career path, you can apply for jobs in that field. Big companies usually have a career or job page where they regularly post job openings. Career fairs are also great in this regard, as are job boards like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Is It Time to Make a Construction Worker Career Change?
Making a construction work career change is entirely up to you. If you have concerns about your career in construction, it’s probably time to make a change. However, whether you are moving to a new city, starting a new job, or changing careers entirely, there are always risks associated with your decisions.
Nonetheless, acting without adequate preparation will be detrimental. Learn the necessary skills, begin an apprenticeship, prepare your resume, and apply for jobs in your new field. By following all of the steps in this guide, you will be prepared to start a new chapter in your career.
Construction Workers Career Change FAQ
There is always stiff competition for most job openings. It is even more difficult if you lack relevant experience. As a construction worker, ensure you identify your transferable skills and, if possible, enroll in apprenticeship programs to gain the necessary experience. Identify your barriers and be proactive in your preparation when challenges arise.
In most cases, you don’t need another degree. Most employers are more concerned with your skills and experience than your degrees. While degrees improve your chances, they aren’t necessary for a career change. However, if the new field you’re pursuing is completely unrelated to your current career, you might want to consider earning a relevant master’s degree.
Absolutely. There’s a wide range of tech jobs available for construction workers interested in the tech industry. You can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science or attend a coding bootcamp to develop and master the necessary technical skills.
First, evaluate what you are most passionate about. Then, research career options that align with your skills, career goals, and values. Consider pursuing an apprenticeship, bootcamp, online course, or trade school. Update your resume to highlight your qualifications before applying for jobs. With these steps, changing careers is possible.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10372223/
4 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Software_Engineer_%2F_Developer_%2F_Programmer/Salary
5 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Project_Manager%2C_(Unspecified_Type_%2F_General)/Salary
6 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=General_Contractor/Hourly_Rate
7 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Logistics_Manager/Salary
8 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Analyst/Salary
9 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Drone_Pilot/Hourly_Rate
10 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Media_Manager/Salary
11 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Aided_Design_(CAD)_Technician/Hourly_Rate
12 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Real_Estate_Agent/Salary
13 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Maintenance_Technician/Hourly_Rate
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
