SKILLED TRADES OVERVIEW
Discover the Power of the Trades. Your Path, Your Purpose, Your Future.
Welcome to the World of Construction
The construction industry is one of the most rewarding, powerful, and essential industries in the world. From homes and hospitals to schools and skyscrapers — everything starts with a builder. At Flip These Bricks Academy, we expose our students to the vast opportunities within the skilled trades and real estate development. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a new career path, the construction field has something for you.
This is a world where a high school diploma and a strong work ethic can lead to six-figure incomes. A world where you don’t need college debt to make real money and real impact.
Key Trades in the Industry
(With Average United States Salaries)
National salary estimates are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024). Income varies by location, experience, and specialization.
- General Laborer – $40,000–$48,000
- Painter – $45,000–$56,000
- Drywall Installer – $48,000–$58,000
- Flooring Installer (LVP/Tile) – $50,000–$65,000
- Carpenter – $50,000–$62,000
- Electrician – $55,000–$78,000
- Plumber – $58,000–$80,000
- HVAC Technician – $55,000–$75,000
- Roofer – $50,000–$60,000
- Welder – $48,000–$70,000
- Heavy Equipment Operator – $52,000–$75,000
- Masonry Worker (Brick/Block/Stone) – $50,000–$70,000
- Landscaper / Hardscape Installer – $40,000–$55,000
- Site Safety Manager – $65,000–$90,000
- Construction Estimator – $60,000–$85,000
- Project Manager – $75,000–$120,000
Advanced Careers
With time, experience, or formal education, you can grow into higher-level roles:
- General Contractor / Business Owner – $100,000+
- Construction Superintendent – $90,000–$140,000
- Civil Engineer – $70,000–$110,000
- Structural Engineer – $75,000–$120,000
- Mechanical Engineer – $72,000–$115,000
- Electrical Engineer – $80,000–$125,000
- Architect – $75,000–$125,000
Many of these positions start with trade experience and grow through certifications or degree programs. We help our students build the foundation.
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Tracks
Each pathway brings different levels of responsibility, tools, certifications, and scale. At Flip These Bricks, we give students a taste of each so they can find the best fit.
- Residential Construction: Homes, renovations, additions, luxury builds
- Commercial Construction: Schools, hospitals, office buildings, retail stores
- Industrial Construction: Warehouses, infrastructure, utilities, high-load sites
Why It Matters
There are hundreds of career options in construction — many of them untapped by young people because no one ever showed them the full picture. This page is about insight. It’s about opening the door to a career that can’t be outsourced, is always in demand, and pays well from day one.
You don’t need permission to be great — you just need a direction.