A detailed look at the construction industry

1. May 2014
Construction
Industry
Detailed Overview
Industry Summary
Employee Demographics
Common Professions and Averages
Working Conditions
Industry Trends
Union Presence
Trade Associations and Publications
Confidential – For Informational and Training Purposes Only. These materials contain proprietary information and material that is owned by Aflac and/or its licensors, and is protected by applicable intellectual
property and other laws, including but not limited to copyright. By accessing these materials, you agree that you will not use such proprietary information or materials in any way whatsoever except for informative
and training purposes only. You further agree not to modify, loan, sell, distribute, or create derivative works based on these materials. Any use not specifically permitted herein is strictly prohibited and may subject
you to civil and criminal penalties.Aflac herein refers to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York and/or Continental American Insurance
Company and/or American Life Insurance Company.
N140059A 5/14

2. P A G E 2
Employee
Demographics
Common Professions
and Averages
Working
Conditions
Industry
Trends
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Industry
Summary
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.
In December 2013, Construction sector
employed a total of 5.8 million wage and
salary workers. This industry accounts for
approximately 4% of the total employment
in the nation. Over 75% of employment in
construction industry is in production and
nonsupervisory role.
Most establishments in construction sector
are small. In first quarter of 2013, nearly
70% of the establishments employ less
than five workers. Next, nearly 14.7% of the
establishments employ five to nine employees.
1Industry
Summary1
Expected CAGR Growth 2012-22
Total sector
2.6%
Establishment Ownership
Total establishments
privately owned
Top five states
99.2%
8.5%
California
5.59%
Texas
5.2%
Illinois
7.8%
Florida
6.4%
New York
33.6%
of total establishments
1
“Industries at a Glance,” Construction Sector, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2
“Industry Profile Construction Sector,” First Research, 3
“Industries at a Glance,” Construction of Buildings, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
=
The U.S. construction industry includes more than 660,000 establishments with combined
annual revenue of about $1.3 trillion. Major companies include Jacobs Engineering, KBR,
Kiewit, and PulteGroup. The industry is highly fragmented.2
The construction sector consists
of following subsectors:
Construction of Buildings3
The Construction of Buildings subsector comprises establishments primarily responsible for the
construction of buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
or maintenance and repairs. The on-site assembly of precut, panelized, and prefabricated
buildings and construction of temporary buildings are included in this subsector.

3. P A G E 3
Employee
Demographics
Common Professions
and Averages
Working
Conditions
Industry
Trends
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Industry
Summary
1
“Industries at a Glance,” Construction Sector, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2
“Industries at a Glance,” Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3
Industries at a Glance,” Specialty
Trade Contractors, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Key Takeaways
In December 2013,
Construction sector
employed a total of 5.8
million wage and salary
workers
Top five states
by number of
establishments are
California, Florida,
New York, Texas and
Illinois, accounting
33.6% of total number
of establishments
1Industry
Summary1
cont.
Part or all of the production work for which the establishments in this subsector have
responsibility may be subcontracted to other construction establishments—usually specialty
trade contractors.
• Construction of Buildings subsector comprise of 221,093 number of establishments and
employed a total of 1.3 million wage and salary workers
• The subsector generated revenue of $285 billion. Major companies include DR Horton, KB
Home, Lennar, and PulteGroup
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction2
The Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector comprises establishments whose
primary activity is the construction of entire engineering projects (e.g., highways and dams),
and specialty trade contractors, whose primary activity is the production of a specific
component for such projects. Specialty trade contractors in Heavy and Civil Engineering
Construction generally are performing activities that are specific to heavy and civil engineering
construction projects and are not normally performed on buildings.
• Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction comprise of 56,930 number of establishments
and employed a total of 0.8 million wage and salary workers
• The subsector generated revenue of $565 billion. Major companies include Bechtel, Fluor,
Jacobs Engineering, Peter Kiewit Sons’, and Turner Construction
Specialty Trade Contractors3
The Specialty Trade Contractors subsector comprises establishments whose primary activity
is performing specific activities (e.g., pouring concrete, site preparation, plumbing, painting,
and electrical work) involved in building construction or other activities that are similar for all
types of construction, but that are not responsible for the entire project. The work performed
may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
The production work performed by establishments in this subsector is usually subcontracted
from establishments of the general contractor type or operative builders, but especially in
remodeling and repair construction, work also may be done directly for the owner of the
property. Specialty trade contractors usually perform most of their work at the construction
site, although they may have shops where they perform prefabrication and other work.
Establishments primarily engaged in preparing sites for new construction are also included in
this subsector.
• Specialty Trade Contractors comprise 475,816 number of establishments and employed a
total of 0.4 million wage and salary workers

4. P A G E 4
Industry
Summary
Working
Conditions
Industry
Trends
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Common Professions
and Averages
Employee
Demographics
Most establishments in construction sector are very small. Nearly 70% of the establishments
employed fewer than five workers, while only 15% of the establishments employed five to nine
employees. Overall, this industry sector has high proportion of its workforce as self-employed.1
The median age of the workers in construction sector is very similar to overall U.S. industries.
In 2012, the median age for construction worker was 42.6 years as compared to 42.3 years
for overall U.S. industries. Majority of the construction workers (25.5%) fall in the age group of
45 to 54 years old. Nearly 44% of the workers were 45 years or older.
Major Industry Segments1
: % of Employment
22.6%
Construction of building
62.4%
Specialty trade contractors
15%
Heavy and civil engineering
construction
Key Takeaways
Nearly 70% of the
establishments employ
less than five workers
Majority (25.5%) of
workers employed in
construction sector
were 45 to 54 year old
2Employee
Demographics
3Common
Professions
and Averages
• Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways,
doorframes, partitions, and rafters—made from wood and other materials. They also may
install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall
• Construction laborers and helpers perform many basic tasks that require physical labor on
construction sites
• Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from
development to completion
• Electricians install and maintain electrical power, communications, lighting, and control
systems in homes, businesses, and factories
• Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or
control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures
• Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural and man-made stones to build fences,
walkways, walls, and other structures
• Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases
to and in businesses, homes, and factories
• Painters, Construction and Maintenance apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior
and exterior walls, new buildings, and other structural surfaces. They also remove old finishes
and apply paints, stains, and coatings later in a structure’s life. Some painters specialize in
painting or coating industrial structures, such as bridges and oil rigs, to prevent corrosion
1
“Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–13 Edition,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec. 2013.
Key Takeaway
Average annual salary
for an employee in
construction industry
ranges from $35,020 to
$90,090

5. P A G E 5
Industry
Summary
Employee
Demographics
Industry
Trends
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Working
Conditions
Common Professions
and Averages
1
“Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–13 Edition,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec. 2013.
$
Highest
salary
$
Lowest
salary
3Common
Professions
and Averages
cont.
Common Professions1
Average Salaries Median Earning (per hour)
Carpenters $44,730 $19.2
Construction laborers $35,020 $14.6
Construction managers $90,090 $39.2
Electricians $52,520 $23.2
Operating engineers and other
construction equipment operators $48,590 $20.9
Cost estimators $66,130 $29.4
First-line supervisors/managers of construction
trades and extraction workers $63,320 $28.9
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer $40,040 $17.4
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters $53,470 $23.5
Painters, Construction and Maintenance $38,590 $16.9
Brick masons, Block masons, Stonemasons,
and Tile and Marble Setters $31,100 $13.6
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $52,950 $23.6
4Working
Conditions1
Carpenters: Carpenters may work in cramped spaces, and frequent lifting, standing, and
kneeling can be tiring. Those who work outdoors are subject to variable weather conditions.
Carpenters have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. The most
common injuries include muscle strains from lifting heavy materials, falls from ladders, and
cuts from sharp objects and tools.
• Work Schedule: Nearly all carpenters work full time, which may include working evenings
and weekends. Overtime is common in order to meet deadlines
• About 36% of carpenters were self-employed in 2012. Self-employed workers often work in
residential construction and may be able to set their own schedule
Construction Laborers and Helpers: Construction laborers have one of the highest rates
of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Workers may experience cuts from materials and
tools, falls from ladders and scaffolding, and burns from chemicals or equipment. Some jobs

6. P A G E 6
Industry
Summary
Industry
Trends
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Employee
Demographics
Working
Conditions
Common Professions
and Averages
1
“Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–13 Edition,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Key Takeaway
Most of the construction
industry employees are
prone to accidents, and
the rate of injuries and
illnesses is higher than
the national average.
Most of these jobs are
physically demanding
expose workers to harmful materials, fumes, odors, or dangerous machinery. Workers also
may experience muscle fatigue and injuries related to lifting and carrying heavy materials.
Although they face similar hazards, construction helpers generally experience a rate of injuries
and illnesses that is close to the national average.
• Work Schedule: Like many construction workers, most laborers and helpers work full time.
Although they sometimes stop work because of bad weather, they often work overtime to
meet deadlines. Laborers and helpers on highway and bridge projects may need to work
overnight to avoid major disruptions to traffic. In some parts of the country, construction
laborers and helpers may work only during certain seasons
• About 23% of construction laborers were self-employed in 2012. Self-employed workers
may be able to set their own schedule. In contrast, very few helpers were self-employed
Construction Managers: Many construction managers work from a main office, but most
work out of a field office at the construction site, where they monitor the project and make
daily decisions about construction activities. For those managing multiple projects, frequent
travel between sites is required. Construction managers have a lower rate of injuries and
illnesses than the national average.
• Work Schedule: Most construction managers work full time. However, the need to meet
deadlines and to respond to delays and emergencies often requires long hours. Many
managers also may be on call 24 hours a day
Electricians: Electricians work indoors and outdoors, in homes, businesses, factories,
and construction sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long
distance commuting is often required. Electricians have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses
than the national average. Although few accidents are potentially fatal, common injuries
include electrical shocks, falls, burns, and other minor injuries. Workers must therefore wear
protective clothing and safety glasses to reduce these risks.
• Work Schedule: Almost all electricians work full time, which may include evenings and
weekends. However, work schedules may vary during times of inclement weather. During
scheduled maintenance, or on construction sites, electricians can expect to work overtime
• About 9% of electricians were self-employed in 2012. Self-employed electricians often work
in residential construction and may have the ability to set their own schedule
Construction Equipment Operators: Operating engineers and other construction
equipment operators have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average.
Accidents generally can be avoided by observing proper operating procedures and safety
practices, but some repetitive stress injuries do occur. In addition, bulldozers, scrapers, and
especially pile-drivers, are noisy and shake or jolt the operator.
4Working
Conditions1
cont.

7. P A G E 7
Industry
Summary
Employee
Demographics
Common Professions
and Averages
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Industry
Trends
Working
Conditions
1
“Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–13 Edition,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , 2
“Industries at a Glance,” Construction, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3
“Construction Spending,” U.S. Census Bureau, Feb. 2014
4Working
Conditions1
cont.
5Industry
Trends1
• Work Schedule: Construction equipment operators may have irregular hours because work
on some construction projects continues around the clock or must be done late at night.
Extremely cold weather or rain can stop some types of construction. Nearly all operators
work full time
Nonfatal Workplace Injuries and Illnesses2
Number of fatalities 879 802 781 817
Rate of injury and illness cases per 100 full-time workers
Total recordable cases 4.3 4.0 3.9 3.7
Cases involving days away from work, job
restriction, or transfer 2.3 2.1 2.1 2.0
Cases involving days away from work 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4
Cases involving days of job transfer or restriction 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6
In December 2013, the construction sector spending was estimated at a seasonally adjusted
annual rate of $930.5 billion, 5.3% above the December 2012 estimate of $883.6 billion.
Spending on private construction amounted to $663.9 billion whereas; public construction
spending reached at $266.6 billion.3
Employment of construction workers is expected to grow 29% for a period of 2012 - 2022. It
is expected to reach 7.3 million in 2022. The percentage change is primarily attributed to the
increasing population and increase in infrastructure investment.
• Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 24% from 2012 to 2022, much faster than
the average for all occupations. Population growth should result in new-home construction
which will stimulate the need for many new workers. Home remodeling needs should also
spur demand for carpenters
• Employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 19% from 2012
to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Spending on infrastructure should
generate many new jobs for construction equipment operators. Workers who can operate
multiple types of equipment should have the best job opportunities
• Employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 25% from 2012
to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Laborers and helpers work
in all fields of construction, and demand for these workers will mirror the level of overall
construction activity
Key Takeaway
Majorly all construction
workers work full time,
which may include
working evenings and
weekends. Overtime
is common in order to
meet deadlines
Key Takeaway
Employment of
construction workers
is expected to grow at
2.6% CAGR for a period
of 2012-2022
2009 2010 2011 2012

8. P A G E 8
Industry
Summary
Employee
Demographics
Common Professions
and Averages
Working
Conditions
Union
Presence
Trade Associations
and Publications
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Industry
Trends
1
“Occupational Outlook Handboo k, 2012–13 Edition” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Key Takeaway
Employment growth
is much faster than
the average for all
occupations
5Industry
Trends1
cont.
• Employment of electricians is projected to grow 20% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the
average for all occupations. As homes and businesses require more wiring, electricians will
be needed to install the necessary components. Electricians with the widest variety of skills
should have the best job opportunities
Industry Hot-Button Issues
• In 2012, construction sector recorded 817 numbers of fatalities; Injuries and illnesses are
higher than the national average. This may likely limit the employment opportunity
• Employment in this sector is sensitive to the fluctuations of economy. Demand is driven
by demographics and the health of the economy. As the population grows, demand for
housing, infrastructure, and natural resources also increases, and with it demand for
construction workers also increases
Human Resources Hot-Button Issues
• Shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity
• High focus on building safe working environment for workers. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration releases a guide to provide insights on fall-protection concepts and
best practices for the construction industry

9. P A G E 9
Industry
Summary
Employee
Demographics
Common Professions
and Averages
Working
Conditions
Industry
Trends
Construction Industry All About
For training purposes only
Trade Associations
and Publications
Union
Presence
Some of the larger unions include the following:
• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) - founded in 1896, IUOE has
approximately 400,000 members in 123 local unions throughout the United States and
Canada
• Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) - formed on April 13, 1903,
initially known as building construction union, called the International Hod Carriers and
Building Laborers’ Union
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) – founded in 1950, is a national trade
association representing 22,000 members
6Union
Presence
Few of the common financial service associations are listed below:
• Associated General Contractors of America (agc.org)
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters Training Fund
(carpenters.org)
• Construction Management Association of America (cmaanet.org)
• National Association of Home Builders (nahb.org)
• Pile Driving Contractors Association (piledrivers.org)
• Association of Construction Inspectors (aci-assoc.org)
• International Association of Electrical Inspectors (iaei.org)
Trade Publication
• Constructor (constructormagazine.com)
• Contractor (contractormag.com)
• Building Design + Construction (bdcnetwork.com)
• Free Construction Magazines (freeconstructionmagazines.com)
• Construction Equipment (constructionequipment.com)
• F+W Media (fwmedia.com)
• ForConstructionPros.com (forconstructionpros.com/magazine)
7Trade
Associations
and
Publications
14.9%
construction
industry workers
represented
by unions.