Industry Profile: Construction
BLS reports that the Construction sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering projects (e.g., highways and utility systems). Establishments primarily engaged in the preparation of sites for new construction and establishments primarily engaged in subdividing land for sale as building sites also are included in this sector. Construction work done may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Activities of these establishments generally are managed at a fixed place of business, but they usually perform construction activities at multiple project sites. Production responsibilities for establishments in this sector are usually specified in (1) contracts with the owners of construction projects (prime contracts) or (2) contracts with other construction establishments (subcontracts).
Relevant Industry Data:
Supply is lower than the National Average for Construction Occupations in the District. An average area the size of the District would have 52,976 employees. There are 28,626 employees in DC. This higher than expected supply may make it easier to find candidates. The gap between expected and actual employment is expected to remain roughly the same over the next 5 years.
- The number of unique Job Postings in the last 12 months was 9,124
- Jobs in this industry can be found in Federal Government Civilian (24.8%), Architectural, Engineering and Related Services (9.1%) Building Equipment Contractors (8.0%), Nonresidential Building Construction (5.8%).
- The median compensation is $35.05 per hour, 44% higher than the National median wage of $24.27 per hour.
- 10.2% of high demand Construction jobs in the District are held by females.
- 52.3% of high demand Construction jobs in the District are held by racial minorities.
- 71.7% of high demand Construction jobs in the District are held by individuals ages 25-54.
*The data provided in the section above is derived from the Lightcast Occupations Snapshot Report for the District of Columbia, and is based on 18 occupations all in Job Zones 1-5.
The top 10 employers for the Construction industry in the last 12 months are: GPAC, Georgetown University, M.C. Deam, Consigli Construction Co. Actalent, United States Congress, CyberCoders, Booz Allen Hamilton and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Wage and Unique Postings information captured in the subsequent chart reflects August 2023 Lightcast Occupations Report data and will be updated annually.
Click on the links below to view the Career Pathway Maps and High-Demand Occupations for the Construction Industry:
Construction Labor Career Pathways Final.pdf
Construction Paint-Maintenance Career Pathways Final.pdf
High Demand Occupations List FY2024.pdf