While production, construction, maintenance and transportation jobs are expected to grow across the board in the coming years, these four jobs are among the fastest growing with the most annual openings available, giving you an even better chance to land a job. Take a look at these job descriptions to get a better idea of what each occupation does, what training is involved and what your pay could be. You can learn more about each job and all of those listed in “Hot Jobs” on page 27 at onetonline.org.
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
To be successful in the HVAC industry, you’ll need to have a mix of strong technical and communication skills. Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers often need to test electrical circuits and components, study blueprints and designs, repair defective equipment and lay out and connect electrical wiring. But first, workers must communicate with customers to figure out what problems they’re having and lay out a detailed plan of action.
Jobs available within this industry include air conditioner technicians, HVAC installers, refrigeration mechanics and more.
In addition to having strong people skills, those considering a job as a heating, air conditioning or refrigeration mechanic must be apt at critical thinking, troubleshooting problems and reading technical documents. A strong knowledge of building and construction methods, tools and engineering science and technology is also required.
To gain a career in this field, most people typically need one to two years of training, including on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. Training at a vocational school or through an apprenticeship program are also options.
This job category is projected to grow by 7.7% in Wisconsin by 2030, and projections show 40,100 job openings in the state by 2031. In the Milwaukee area, mechanics and installers can expect to make an average of $63,450 annually, with some making as much as $104,860.
Structural iron and steel workers
If you’ve ever driven by a construction site and found yourself fascinated by the workers who precisely put in place the framework of a building, you might want to consider a job as an iron and steel worker. Iron and steel workers are the people who operate cranes, hoists and other moving or lifting equipment to install metal structural components. In order to do this, they must first review project blueprints.
To excel in this career, you’ll need to have good coordination and strong critical thinking skills. You’ll also need to be an active listener who’s able to give others your undivided attention. If math is one of your stronger subjects in school, that could directly translate into being an iron and steel worker. Knowledge of building and construction, machines and tools and a general interest in safety policies and procedures are also helpful attributes.
This occupation typically requires a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill is usually needed, but iron and steel workers can gain this experience through an apprenticeship program lasting anywhere from a few months to a year.
This job category is projected to grow by 10.8% in Wisconsin by 2030, and projections show 7,500 job openings in the state by 2031. In the Milwaukee area, structural iron and steel workers can expect to make an average of $82,730 annually, with some workers making as much as $107,590.
Machinists
Strong attention to detail, deep understanding of mathematics – including algebra, geometry and statistics – a creative mindset and overall interest in design are all qualities that make a good machinist. This occupation involves setting up and operating a variety of machine tools to make precision parts out of metal. Job titles in this field include CNC machinists, tool room machinists and gear machinists.
Machinists may also fabricate, modify or repair mechanical instruments and fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools.
Day-to-day tasks might include designing fixtures, tooling or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs; machining parts to different specifications; programming computers or other electronic equipment; studying sample parts, blueprints or drawings; and calculating the dimensions of certain parts. To succeed as a machinist, you’ll need knowledge in several software programs, such as Autodesk AutoCAD and Armchair Machinist, and strong critical thinking skills.
Most machinists require training at a vocational school, on-the-job experience or an associate degree. Machinists usually need one or two years of training, which could also be gained through an apprenticeship program.
This job category is projected to grow by 13% in Wisconsin by 2030, and projections show 37,500 job openings in the state by 2031. In the Milwaukee area, machinists can expect to make an average of $45,590 annually, with some workers making as much as $64,120. ν
Electricians
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures. This work is critical as poorly installed electrical wiring and fixtures can be hazardous. Daily work activities might include making construction diagrams, threading wire or cable through ducts or conduits, repairing electrical equipment, digging holes or trenches and fabricating parts.
Electricians will also need to work from ladders, scaffolds or roofs; use a variety of equipment including power construction tools; test electrical systems; and diagnose malfunctioning systems or parts. To be a good electrician, you’ll need to love working with your hands, have a strong knowledge of math, mechanics and design and have a fundamental understanding of business and management principles.
Job titles in this category include control electrician, wireman and electrical troubleshooter.
This is yet another career that requires strong attention to detail. You’ll also need critical thinking, time management and communication skills. Necessary technological skills include knowledge in Autodesk AutoCAD, accounting software and analytical software like Construction Master Pro.
Most electricians require training in vocational schools, on-the-job experience or an associate degree. Electricians usually need three to four years of training, which could also be gained through an apprenticeship program. They must also pass a licensing exam.
This job category is projected to grow by 11.2% in Wisconsin by 2030, and projections show 79,900 job openings in the state by 2031. In the Milwaukee area, electricians can expect to make an average of $78,120 annually, with some workers making as much as $106,320.