The last couple of years have turned the job market upside down as many jobseekers and current employees re-evaluate what they’re looking for from work. As a result, you may be looking for a new job or exciting opportunity to shake up your work life. While a career in asphalt paving might not be the first thought you have when considering a new career, there are actually a lot of reasons to consider a new role in this growing and rewarding industry.
As an industry, professional asphalt repair provides a valuable way to find sustainable employment with great benefits and pay. If you’ve been wondering, “is asphalt a good career?”, here are five things to know about the industry.
Working in asphalt paving provides career advancement opportunities
When you think about professional asphalt repair, you probably imagine manual labor. While that’s certainly a component of the asphalt industry—and a great place to start—there are a variety of different roles to pursue in this profession. From working as a quality control engineer to serving as a heavy equipment operator or foreman, there are a few different directions you can take the experience you gain in asphalt paving.
The asphalt industry offers competitive pay
Is asphalt a profitable business? You bet! According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators make an average of $21.10 an hour nationwide. In Washington state, these job titles are likely to make considerably more than the national average. Some paving workers with this title even make as much as $70,000 a year. A competitive salary coupled with all of the other opportunities this industry has to offer, makes a career in asphalting very desirable. Many individuals in the industry have been able to advance their career to the next level. Now is the time to research a career in the asphalt paving industry.
Professional asphalt repair offers job security
Even though asphalt is a durable material, seasonal weather fluctuations and general use can cause pavement to wear down and crack over time. This means that even if you’ve just finished a job, you’ll likely have a repeat client a few years down the line—assuming you did the job well. There’s always a need for professional asphalt repair, so job security won’t be a concern if you decide to pursue a career in the asphalt industry.
Most public works projects require asphalt work and cities, counties and states across the United States have a keen interest in maintaining roads. There will always be a continued need for careers in the asphalt industry.
Asphalt paving is ideal for people who love hands-on work
Not everyone wants to work in a cubicle in front of a computer all day. If you’re someone that likes to use their hands or spend time outside, a career in professional asphalt repair could be the perfect outlet for you. In addition to providing you with variety, working such a hands-on job will help you build muscle and stay healthy. All of this aligns in creating a win-win position for people who feel like they’d really get tired of sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week.
Your hard work makes a difference
When it comes to politics, one of the few things people on both sides of the aisle can agree on is the importance of well-maintained infrastructure. While working in the asphalt paving industry, you’ll make an impact on local businesses, organizations and your city by repairing, laying and maintaining roads and parking lots. Professional asphalt paving offers you the chance to see the fruits of your labor each and every day you go to work, which should give you great satisfaction.
As you can see, there are multiple reasons to consider pursuing a rewarding career in asphalt paving. Perhaps best of all, there are hundreds of pavement contractors and professional asphalt repair businesses across the United States, meaning that it’s highly likely you can find an employer in your area to pursue this exciting career field. If you are considering a career in the asphalt industry check out the career options below.
- Asphalt Careers in Vancouver, WA
- Asphalt Careers in Sumner, WA
- Asphalt Careers in North Seattle
Your decision to join the asphalt paving industry could be a lucrative and fulfilling career move.