Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials. They follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients.
Construction Laborers perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. They may operate hand and power tools, clean and prepare sites, and assist other workers.
Solar Installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures. They ensure that the systems are efficient and safe.
Iron and Steel Workers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. They work with blueprints and welding equipment.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings and other structures. They ensure that electrical systems are safe and function properly.
HVAC-R Technicians and Installers work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They install and maintain systems that control temperature and air quality.
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land features.
Architects design buildings and other structures. They create plans and specifications for construction projects and oversee the construction process to ensure compliance with design.
Ryan Demello is a project manager at Outlier Construction in Medford, Oregon. His journey from a curious student to a skilled professional shows the passion, skills, and adaptability needed to thrive in the construction industry. Ryan, originally from Corvallis, Oregon, wanted to find a career that balanced desk work and manual labor. He worked in IT before diving into construction.
Dominic Herrera is a CTE (Career and Technical Education) Construction Teacher at Eagle Ridge High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His entry into teaching was serendipitous. A midnight job search led him to sign up for a teaching position. Despite years in construction, he had never envisioned himself as a teacher. Yet, this unplanned shift opened a new avenue where Dominic found his true calling.
Justin Huntley is a project manager for Simplicity Homes, a home-building company based in the Pacific Northwest, where he oversees the development of custom housing. Huntley would be the first to admit that his career journey hasn’t been smooth. He started out as an auto mechanic, then worked in emergency services – first at a volunteer fire department and then at a hospital – before finally becoming a licensed plumber. But after realizing the toll the job took on his body, Huntley decided to enter his current role at Simplicity Homes.
If you enjoy working with nature, solving problems, and taking a hands-on approach to projects, a career in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources might be perfect for you. This pathway is ideal for those who are planners, self-reliant, physically active, and creative problem solvers who love learning how things grow and thrive. Consider taking classes in agriculture sciences, chemistry, environmental science, forestry, and natural resources to get started.
Career Planning
Here are three careers in high demand right now in Oregon.
Education: Less than High School to High School Diploma
Annual Average Wage: $50,889
Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.
Why it's in demand: With the ongoing growth in construction projects, there is a high demand for laborers who can perform essential physical tasks and support construction teams.
Education: Postsecondary Training to Associate’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $60,876
Duties: Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps.
Why it's in demand: As construction and development projects increase, there is a need for skilled drafters to create precise and detailed plans that guide the construction process.
Education: Associate’s Degree to Bachelor’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $123,080
Duties: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems.
Why it's in demand: Effective management is crucial for successful construction projects, making construction managers in high demand to oversee and coordinate complex building efforts.
Career OneStop Take this 30-question interest assessment to help you match your interests with exciting careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys Watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Pathways: Explore career pathways through the Oregon Employment Department to understand the education and training needed for different occupations. Learn which jobs are in highest demand and what they pay.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Community & Workforce Training: The Business and Management Career Learning Area focuses on the business and entrepreneurial needs of Oregon’s students as they prepare to enter and succeed in the world of business. The careers in this area span virtually every industry in the world.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */The Oregon Career Information System (CIS): provides a system of occupational and educational information to help Oregonians learn about the world of work and education. We work with schools, colleges, social agencies, and businesses who provide career guidance and employee development services. They use CIS products with their students, clients, customers, and employees to assist them with the process of career planning or career transition.
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Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.
