Construction Jobs in Cleveland, Ohio: Salary Breakdown and Job Roles

Cleveland, Ohio, offers a wide range of opportunities in the construction sector, with salaries varying based on experience, job roles, and the hiring company. From general labor positions to specialized engineering roles, the construction industry provides competitive compensation for skilled workers and professionals. This article outlines the salary ranges and responsibilities for various construction positions in Cleveland, along with a comparison of salaries across companies ⁰¹.

Popular Construction Job Positions and Salaries in Cleveland

1. General Construction Worker

• Average Salary: $38,000–$48,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Basic construction tasks, including material handling, site preparation, and assisting skilled workers.
• Education: High school diploma or GED (not mandatory for all positions).
• Qualifications: On-the-job training is common; physical stamina and safety awareness are essential.
• Experience: Entry-level position, no prior experience required.

2. Skilled Construction Worker

• Average Salary: $29,000–$39,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Specialized tasks such as carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing.
• Education: Vocational training or technical school certifications.
• Qualifications: Proficiency in specific trades; certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) are preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in a relevant trade.

3. Site Engineer

• Average Salary: $65,000–$85,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Oversees daily operations on construction sites, ensuring projects are completed according to plans and specifications.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction management.
• Qualifications: Strong problem-solving and leadership skills; familiarity with site engineering software.
• Experience: 2–4 years in a site management role.

4. Construction Project Manager

• Average Salary: $90,000–$110,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Manages planning, execution, and delivery of projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or engineering.
• Qualifications: PMP certification and excellent organizational skills.
• Experience: 5–7 years of project management experience.

5. Quantity Surveyor

• Average Salary: $60,000–$80,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Handles cost estimation, financial management, and prepares detailed budgets for construction projects.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field.
• Qualifications: Proficiency in cost estimation tools; certifications in cost control are a plus.
• Experience: 3–5 years in cost estimation or financial management.

6. Construction Site Supervisor

• Average Salary: $50,000–$70,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Supervises on-site activities, ensuring safety standards and project timelines are met.
• Education: High school diploma; vocational training preferred.
• Qualifications: Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience: 2–4 years in construction or site supervision.

7. Construction Planner/Scheduler

• Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Develops project timelines and schedules, coordinating resources and tracking progress.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field.
• Qualifications: Expertise in scheduling software like Primavera P6 or MS Project.
• Experience: 3–5 years in construction scheduling or planning.

8. Structural Engineer

• Average Salary: $75,000–$100,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Designs and evaluates structural elements of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering.
• Qualifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience: 3–5 years in structural design or evaluation.

9. Health and Safety Officer

• Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Ensures construction sites adhere to safety regulations, providing training and conducting inspections.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or related field.
• Qualifications: Certifications like OSHA or NEBOSH are required.
• Experience: 2–4 years in safety management.

10. Construction Foreman

• Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Leads construction teams on-site, managing workers and ensuring activities align with project plans.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Qualifications: Strong leadership skills; experience with specific construction tools.
• Experience: 3–5 years in construction.

11. Building Services Engineer

• Average Salary: $70,000–$95,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Designs and manages systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in construction projects.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• Qualifications: LEED or similar certifications preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years in building services or related field.

12. Construction Contracts Manager

• Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Oversees contracts between clients, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring legal and financial agreements are fulfilled.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, law, or business.
• Qualifications: Expertise in contract negotiation and legal compliance.
• Experience: 5–7 years in contract management.

13. General Construction Worker

• Average Salary: $38,000–$48,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Basic construction tasks, including material handling, site preparation, and assisting skilled workers.
• Education: High school diploma or GED (not mandatory for all positions).
• Qualifications: On-the-job training is common; physical stamina and safety awareness are essential.
• Experience: Entry-level position, no prior experience required.

14. Skilled Construction Worker

• Average Salary: $29,000–$39,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Specialized tasks such as carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing.
• Education: Vocational training or technical school certifications.
• Qualifications: Proficiency in specific trades; certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) are preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in a relevant trade.

15. Construction Manager

• Average Salary: $70,000–$95,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Managing construction projects, budgets, schedules, and ensuring compliance with codes and safety standards.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Qualifications: Leadership and organizational skills; PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is an advantage.
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in project supervision or management.

16. Construction Project Manager

• Average Salary: $90,000–$110,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Planning, coordinating, and supervising all aspects of construction projects.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or engineering.
• Qualifications: Strong communication and problem-solving skills; PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Experience: 5–7 years of project management experience.

17. Construction Engineer

• Average Salary: $72,000–$85,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Designing and supervising construction projects, ensuring compliance with engineering principles and safety standards.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related field.
• Qualifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license is often required.
• Experience: 2–4 years of engineering experience in construction projects.

18. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer

• Average Salary: $40,000–$50,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Installing drywall panels and ceiling tiles with precision and finishing.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Qualifications: Vocational training or apprenticeship in drywall installation.
• Experience: 1–2 years of experience preferred but not always required.

19. Roofers

• Average Salary: $45,000–$60,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Installing and repairing roofs, working with materials like shingles, metal, and asphalt.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Qualifications: Familiarity with roofing tools and techniques; safety certifications like OSHA are preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years of roofing experience.

20. Painters (Construction and Maintenance)

• Average Salary: $42,000–$55,000 per year
• Responsibilities: Applying paint, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and structures.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Qualifications: Training in painting techniques and material handling; safety certifications are a plus.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in residential or commercial painting.

Cleveland’s construction industry offers roles for a variety of skill levels, from hands-on site positions to high-paying managerial and engineering jobs. Understanding the qualifications, experience, and salary ranges associated with each role is essential for choosing the right career path.

Salary Comparison Across Companies in Cleveland

The following table summarizes average salaries for construction positions across different companies in Cleveland, Ohio:

Key Takeaways

• Salaries for construction jobs in Cleveland, Ohio, range widely depending on the role, skill level, and employer.
• General laborers and apprentices often earn entry-level wages, while managerial and engineering positions offer higher pay.
• Leading construction firms like Cleveland Construction, Turner Construction, and Gilbane Building Company provide competitive compensation and benefits.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to enter the construction field or advance in your career, Cleveland offers a diverse range of opportunities. Understanding the salary ranges and responsibilities of each role will help you make informed decisions and find a position that suits your skills and career aspirations.