Ned Pelger's blog on construction, design and other weirdness. Email him at ned@constructionknowledge.net
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CONSTRUCTION KNOWLEDGE BLOG
January 16, 2009
Top 10 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Construction: #2
#2 Big Results Get Big Rewards
Big money changes hands on construction projects. Whether a house addition or a new stadium, construction projects always seem expensive to the Owners. The one time nature of each project and the resulting lack of efficiency means the variance between what things could cost and what they actually cost can be large. So what does that mean for you?
Let’s see. Performance on the construction project can vary greatly depending on the Foreman, Construction Superintendent and Project Manager. A project that runs smoothly and comes in under budget (sometimes way under budget) is a Big Result for those involved. Since projects involve substantial cash outlays, the smart construction company owner ties those Big Results to some Big Rewards.
Performance based pay may mean project bonuses or an excellent salary. Generally, though, peak performers in construction receive excellent compensation for their work. It’s just good business.
In another positive corollary, expertise trumps discrimination in construction. If you have a Construction Supervisor who consistently shows promise, does projects well and makes you money, you treat that person well even if you are a bit uncomfortable with him or her (which is the basis of discrimination). So the possibility of Big Rewards can be open to effective workers, regardless of gender or race.
Finally, Dr Salary in his PayScale Blog writes about jobs that can pay over $100,000 per year with no 4 year college degree required. Of the 14 jobs listed, he includes both Construction Superintendent/Manager and Cost Estimator, Construction. He also includes Owner / Operator, Small Business, many of whom work in the construction industry. The financial opportunities in construction abound.