Construction Trades graduates pursue 1 occupations, with top roles paying $79,920/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.
Construction Trades is a focused area of study within Construction. The program is available at 115 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,597 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Colleges Offering
115
Graduates / Year
2,597
Avg Net Price / yr
$9,069
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 2,597 students who complete Construction Trades programs each year, the majority (44%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
41%44%
Associate's44%
Certificate41%
Doctorate15%
What Can You Do With a Construction Trades Degree?
Construction Trades connects to 1 occupations in the job market. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers leads at $79,920/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
Top Colleges for Construction Trades
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Construction Trades students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
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The data on Construction Trades shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +5.3% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 74,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Construction Trades Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can you get with a Construction Trades degree?
Construction Trades degree holders pursue careers including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, which pays a median of $79,920/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Construction Trades program take?
A Construction Trades associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Construction Trades?
115 colleges and universities in the United States offer Construction Trades programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Construction Trades and Construction?
Construction Trades is a focused concentration within the broader Construction field. The Construction major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Construction Trades-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Construction Trades graduates?
Employers hiring Construction Trades graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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