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Spring/Summer 2026 Transportation Today Wisconsin™ | 5

Consider a Career in Road Constructionoad Construction
Consider a Career in R

If you are a high school student or a visors, and heavy equipment operators.
recent high school graduate who is uncertain • Multiplier Effect: Job creation extends
about your future career path, perhaps you beyond the immediate site to related
should consider a career in road construction. sectors like supply chain, logistics, and
Road construction is a vital industry that offers material manufacturing.
numerous benefits and opportunities. • Long-term Economic Boost: Improved
Construction is one of the largest indus- infrastructure (roads, broadband, power
tries in the country. However, many people grids) reduces business costs, increasing
do not even consider the opportunities road efficiency and attracting further private
construction can offer. Unlike many other investment.
career options, road construction can be very
rewarding and provide a great sense of accom- Learning and Development
plishment most other careers cannot match. Opportunities
It’s more than a job – it’s a career. Craft
skills are in-demand nationwide and careers The road construction industry really
in road construction offer financial freedom cares about workforce development, providing
through high salaries and affordable educa- a ton opportunities for learning and profes-
tion options. Thanks to improved technology, sional growth.
regulations, and focus, the industry is safer • On-the-Job Training: Gain practical
than ever. A career as a craft professional is experience and skills while you work.
dignified and requires high skills. The indus- plenty of chances to grow your career learn new technology can advance to • Certifications and Education: Many
try is open and welcoming to everyone, which and move up the ladder. higher-paying, more technical roles. employers support continuing education
makes this a great career path for many people Competitive Salaries and Benefits • High Demand/Retirement Wave: and professional certifications that can
with diverse skillsets. A "silver tsunami" of retirements and enhance your career.
One of the most popular aspects of a increased federal investment in infra-
Why Road Construction Is career in road construction is the high start- structure means there is a high demand Contribution to Community and
Considered a Good Job ing salary that often comes with it. People for skilled laborers to move into foreman Society
working in this field are often paid well for and supervisory positions.
When people ask “Is being a road con- their hard work and continue to make more as Working in road construction gives you
struction worker a good job?”, the answer they gain experience. Pathways to Entry the opportunity to make a REAL difference
often comes down to a few key advantages • Good Starting Pay: Entry-level positions in your community. The roads, bridges, and
that set the industry apart from many other offer competitive wages that are higher • Entry-Level Positions: Start as a highways you help build are essential for the
fields: than those in many other industries. general laborer, traffic flagger, or helper functioning of society.
• Job security: Demand for skilled trades • Benefits Packages: Many employers to gain on-site experience, which often • Public Service: Your work directly
leads to operating machinery.
continues to grow nationwide. offer comprehensive benefits, including benefits the public by improving infra-
• Competitive wages: Many construction health insurance, retirement plans, and • Apprenticeships: Participate in 3-5 year structure and transportation.
programs that provide paid, on-the-job
jobs pay above-average salaries. paid time off. training alongside classroom instruction. • Pride in Work: There’s a unique satis-
• Hands-on work: Ideal for people who • Training Programs: Utilize free or low- faction in knowing that you’ve helped
enjoy problem-solving and building Hands-On Work Environment cost programs like Wisconsin DOT’s build something people rely on daily.
things. Road construction is a great choice if you HCST program (120-hour course) to
• Career mobility: Workers can start in enjoy working with your hands and being out- learn basic safety, tool, and road con- How to Get Started
general labor and move into specialized doors. struction skills. If you’re interested in pursuing a career
trades or leadership. • Active Lifestyle: Road construction • Certifications: Obtain an OSHA 10-hour in road construction, here are some steps to get
• Pathways to Entry: Most jobs do not involves physical activity, which can safety certification to show employers started:
require a college degree to start, but there be beneficial for your health and well- you understand site safety. • Explore Educational Programs: Look
are plenty of positions where a degree being. • Education: Pursue civil engineering or for high school programs, community
can make a difference and don’t forget • Varied Tasks: From operating machin- construction management degrees for college courses, or apprenticeships that
the apprenticeship options! ery to working on-site preparation, keeps technical or managerial roles. offer training in civil construction.
• Major infrastructure investments: the job interesting and engaging. • Gain Experience: Seek internships or
Road construction and public projects Major infrastructure investments part-time jobs in the construction field to
offer long-term stability. Key Drivers of Career Mobility in — Key Job Creation Impacts gain hands-on experience.
Road Construction • Get Certified: Consider obtaining cer-
Demand for Skilled Workers Examples include roads, highways, tifications that are recognized in the
A common trajectory for upward mobility and bridges, as well as the assets required to
The construction industry, especially often starts with 3–5 years of experience as a industry, such as OSHA safety certifica-
roadwork, is looking for skilled workers. With laborer or operator, followed by advancement make them operational such as transit buses, tion or equipment operation licenses.
tons of infrastructure projects popping up, into a supervisory role within 5–10 years. vehicles, and oil refineries. Technical systems • Network: Connect with professionals in
there’s a big need for people who are trained such as networking equipment and cabling are the industry through school programs,
and ready to dive into these jobs. • Apprenticeships: Many unions and considered hard infrastructure and provide job fairs, and online platforms.
a critical function to support business opera-
companies provide training programs
• Job Security: Road construction jobs that allow workers to gain certifications tions. A career in road construction offers a
play a key role in building our infrastruc- while earning a salary, facilitating rapid blend of stability, good pay, hands-on work,
ture, which means they’re not likely to advancement. • Job Stability: Road construction and and the chance to make a real impact on your
be outsourced or replaced by machines. public projects offer long-term stability. community.
This leads to more stable jobs. • Technology Adoption: As road con- • Diverse Roles: Beyond construction
struction becomes more high-tech (e.g.,
• Growth Opportunities: With more GPS-guided machines), operators who workers, these investments demand
and more projects popping up, there are engineers, project managers, site super-