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10 | Transportation Today Wisconsin™ Online Edition: www.transportationtodaywi.com

Careers in Highway Construction

Heavy Equipment Skilled Laborer Surveyor
Operator Laborers perform various tasks Surveyors are responsible for Construction Foreman
A construction foreman plans,
Heavy equipment operators are on road construction sites, including measuring and mapping land for road directs, or coordinates, usually through
responsible for running the heavy digging trenches, pouring concrete, and construction projects. This job requires subordinate supervisory personnel, activ-
machinery used in road construction laying asphalt. This job requires physi- a high skill level in using specialized ities concerned with the construction and
projects, such as bulldozers, graders, cal strength and the ability to work in all equipment and software. maintenance of structures, facilities, and
and excavators. This job requires a weather conditions. As of February 2026, the average systems. They also participate in the
high level of skill and experience, but The median annual wage for con- annual salary for a professional surveyor conceptual development of construction
it can be gratifying for those who enjoy struction laborers in the U.S. was in the United States is approximately projects and oversee the organization,
working with large equipment. approximately $46,050 to $46,730 $74,746 to $78,465. scheduling, budgeting, and implementa-
As of early 2026, the median ($22.14–$22.47 per hour) in 2024–2026, tion for the life of the project.
annual wage for construction equip- according to the Bureau of Labor Statis- Electrician As of February 2026, the median
ment operators in the United States is tics and U.S. News & World Report. annual wage for a construction foreman
approximately $51,500 to $58,300 Electricians are responsible for
installing and maintaining electrical in the United States generally ranges
systems on road construction projects. between $69,400 and $77,400.
This job requires high skill and training
in working with electrical systems. Construction and
As of early 2026, the median annual
wage for electricians is approximately Maintenance Painter
$62,350 to $69,100. Construction and maintenance paint-
ers paint walls, equipment, buildings,
bridges, and other structural surfaces,
using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.
They may remove old paint to prepare sur-
faces prior to painting and mix colors or
oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
As of February 2026, the median
annual wage for construction and main-
tenance painters in the United States is
approximately $45,394 to $48,660.
Truck Driver Pipe Installers
Truck drivers transport materials
and equipment to and from construction Pipe installers place and repair
sites. This job requires a commercial underground pipes for water, gas, and
driver’s license (CDL) and the ability to sewer systems. This job requires physi-
operate large vehicles safely. cal strength and the ability to work in
As of February 2026, the median tight spaces. Cement Mason and Concrete
annual wage for heavy and tractor- The median annual wage for
trailer truck drivers in the United States plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Finisher
is approximately $50,127 to $57,440 was $62,970 in May 2024, according to Cement masons smooth and finish
per year. the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The surfaces of poured concrete, such as
lowest 10% earned less than $40,670, floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs
while the highest 10% earned more than using a variety of hand and power tools.
$105,150. They may align forms for sidewalks,
curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use Construction and Building
Asphalt Paver Operator saws to cut expansion joints. Inspector
Asphalt paver operators are respon- Concrete finishers pour and finish Construction and building inspec-
sible for laying asphalt on roads, concrete surfaces for roads, highways, tors inspect structures using engineering
highways, and other surfaces. This job and other construction projects. This skills to determine structural soundness
requires experience operating heavy job requires high skill and experience in and compliance with specifications,
machinery and a high level of skill in working with concrete. building codes, and other regulations.
working with asphalt. As of early 2026, the median Inspections may be general in nature or
As of early 2026, the median annual wage for cement masons and may be limited to a specific area.
annual wage for construction equipment concrete finishers in the United States is As of February 2026, the median
operators in the United States is approx- estimated to be approximately $54,300 annual wage for construction and build-
imately $58,320 per year. to $61,000. ing inspectors in the United States is
approximately $66,000–$70,700.