Construction Trades, General.
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Construction Trades, General. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 28.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Construction Trades, General. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $33363 and average student debt of $9633, the financial outlook for Construction Trades, General. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Construction Trades, General. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $33363, and with an average debt of $9633, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.29—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 2597 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Construction Trades, General. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Construction Trades, General (CIP 46.0000) is a skilled trades and workforce-focused field centered on building, maintaining, repairing, and improving the physical structures that society depends on every day. This degree serves as a broad foundation for the construction industry, introducing students to core construction skills, safety practices, materials, tools, and jobsite coordination rather than specializing immediately in one trade. It prepares students for hands-on careers that directly shape homes, commercial buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.
For a degree search site, Construction Trades, General represents stability, real-world impact, and strong earning potential without requiring a traditional four-year academic pathway. As demand for housing, infrastructure renewal, and skilled labor continues to rise, construction trades remain among the most in-demand and recession-resistant careers. This degree appeals to students who want a practical, hands-on career that produces tangible results and offers clear pathways to employment, advancement, and entrepreneurship.
What Is a Construction Trades, General Degree?
A Construction Trades, General degree or certificate is an applied workforce program that introduces students to the fundamentals of construction work across multiple trades. Rather than training narrowly for one craft from day one, this program provides broad exposure to construction methods, materials, tools, and jobsite operations.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Basic construction techniques and terminology
- Tool use and equipment operation
- Construction math and measurement
- Blueprint reading and jobsite documentation
- Safety regulations and industry standards
Colleges, technical schools, and workforce programs offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level construction and trades roles
- Provide a foundation for apprenticeships or trade specialization
- Address labor shortages across the construction industry
- Support career changers and hands-on learners
Construction Trades, General is often the starting point before specializing in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, or other skilled trades.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how construction projects are planned, executed, and completed safely and efficiently. You’ll study how different trades work together on a jobsite and how materials, tools, and labor are coordinated to meet specifications and deadlines.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, practical problem-solving, and safety awareness. Students spend significant time in labs, workshops, or simulated jobsite environments rather than traditional lecture-only classrooms.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Basic construction techniques—framing, fastening, and finishing
- Tool and equipment operation—hand and power tools
- Construction math and measurement—accuracy and layout
- Blueprint and plan reading—understanding drawings
- Workplace safety and OSHA standards—injury prevention
- Material identification and handling—wood, metal, concrete
- Jobsite communication and teamwork—working with crews
- Problem-solving under real-world conditions—adapting on site
These foundational skills apply across nearly all construction trades.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework in a construction trades program commonly includes:
- Introduction to Construction Trades: industry overview
- Construction Safety and OSHA Compliance: regulations and practices
- Construction Math and Measurements: layout and calculations
- Blueprint Reading and Specifications: plans and drawings
- Basic Carpentry and Framing: structural fundamentals
- Materials and Methods of Construction: building components
- Hand and Power Tool Usage: safe operation
- Jobsite Practices and Work Ethics: professionalism
- Introduction to Trade Specializations: carpentry, electrical, plumbing
Many programs are designed to articulate directly into apprenticeships or specialized trade programs.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Construction Trades, General degree prepares students for entry-level positions across the construction industry and provides a strong foundation for advancement through experience or apprenticeship.
Common career paths include:
- Construction Laborer or Helper: jobsite support roles
- Apprentice in a Skilled Trade: carpentry, electrical, plumbing
- Maintenance or Facilities Technician: building upkeep
- Construction Technician or Assistant: project support
- Residential or Commercial Crew Member: building projects
- Trade School or Apprenticeship Advancement: specialization pathways
- Long-Term Path: journeyman, foreman, contractor, or business owner
Many construction professionals increase earnings significantly as skills and certifications grow.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments where buildings and infrastructure are constructed or maintained:
- Residential construction companies
- Commercial and industrial contractors
- General contracting firms
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Facilities and maintenance departments
- Trade unions and apprenticeship programs
- Self-employment or small contracting businesses
Construction trades professionals are needed in nearly every community.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by trade, location, and experience level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level construction roles: often $35,000–$45,000
- Skilled trades workers and journeymen: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Experienced specialists, foremen, or contractors: can reach $80,000–$120,000+
Overtime, union membership, certifications, and self-employment can significantly increase income.
Is This Degree Hard?
Construction Trades, General is considered physically and practically demanding. Academically, coursework is accessible and focused on applied skills, but students must be prepared for hands-on labor, safety responsibility, and working in varied conditions.
The challenge lies in maintaining precision, safety, and endurance while learning new skills quickly.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on, physical work
- Like building, fixing, and working with tools
- Prefer practical learning over classroom-only study
- Want strong job demand without heavy student debt
- Are interested in skilled trades or owning a business
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a construction trades program:
- Take math, shop, woodworking, or technical education courses
- Develop strong measurement, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
- Learn basic tool use and safety practices
- Participate in construction, building, or trade-related programs
- Build physical stamina and responsibility
Construction Trades, General (CIP 46.0000) is a practical, future-proof degree for students who want to build tangible results and enter a high-demand workforce. It offers clear pathways to skilled trades, strong earnings, and long-term career growth without requiring a traditional academic route. For those who value craftsmanship, independence, and real-world impact, this degree provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and respected career.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
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