The cost of goods and services has risen. Now more than ever, it is critical for individuals to maintain a steady, well-paying career. One industry that offers many rewarding career paths and needs qualified professionals is the residential construction industry. Gen Z, those born between mid-1990s and the early 2010s, is taking notice and increasingly entering the industry.
An NAHB analysis of the age distribution of construction workers over time reveals that Gen Z is more likely to enter the construction industry than Millennials. Gen Z is drawn to careers in the construction industry due to factors like the innovative aspects of modern construction technologies, high cost of college education, competitive wages in construction, job security and potential for growth. Proving this point, the share of younger construction workers ages 25 and under increased to 10.8% in 2022 from 9% in 2015.
There are plenty of employment opportunities and high wages in the residential construction industry. In May, a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report showed 339,000 open construction sector jobs and in March another BLS report revealed that the average hourly earnings for residential building workers was $31.29 per hour.
Many construction jobs remain unfilled due to years of the stigma associated with pursuing a career path that did not involve college. However, the misconception about the skilled trades is changing. For many individuals, the high cost of college outweighs the benefits. In 2021-22, 49% of bachelor’s degree recipients from public four-year institutions graduated with federal loans with an average federal debt level of $20,700 per borrower, according to the College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2023 report. In contrast, the skilled trades offer an alternative to the 4-year college track without the burden of sky-high student loan debt.
There are several resources available for individuals willing to invest in a career in construction. For example, 
The National Housing Endowment, in partnership with the Home Builders Institute and home builders associations across the country, offers scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in the building industry.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Builders Association’s Endorsed Trade Program HERE.