The best paying jobs in building products include construction managers, materials engineers, sales representatives, and project managers. These roles offer high salaries, especially in large construction companies and materials manufacturing firms. Most positions require technical skills, industry experience, and education in engineering or a construction-related field.
What the Building Products Industry Offers
The building products industry supplies essential items like lumber, steel, drywall, and insulation for new construction projects. It employs skilled workers, project managers, and materials engineers in construction companies, building materials companies, and manufacturing plants.
It supports a wide range of structures:
- Commercial buildings
- Residential homes
- Fire protection systems
- Infrastructure developments
Jobs in this sector span from manual labor to high-level managerial positions, offering opportunities for all experience levels.
Highest Paying Careers in Building Materials
Several roles offer high salaries due to high demand and technical skill requirements. The best paying jobs in building products often involve planning, oversight, or technical problem solving.
Top roles include:
- Construction Manager – Manages large construction sites, teams, and budgets.
- Materials Engineer – Improves or tests materials for strength, safety, or cost.
- Sales Manager – Oversees product sales and leads teams across multiple regions.
- Project Manager – Coordinates labor, supplies, and progress on construction jobs.
- Fire Protection Engineer – Designs fireproofing for commercial and industrial buildings.
These positions require a bachelor’s degree, technical skills, and years of experience.
Salary Comparison Table
The table below shows salary data for top-paying positions in the building materials industry. It also outlines job requirements and sectors where each position is common.
Top Salaries in Building Products Careers
| Job Title | Average Salary | Education Required | Key Skills | Industry Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $101,480 | Bachelor’s in CM | Budgeting, leadership, oversight | Construction firms |
| Materials Engineer | $98,300 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Testing, design, compliance | Manufacturing, labs |
| Sales Manager | $94,100 | Bachelor’s in Business | Sales planning, team leadership | Building materials companies |
| Project Manager | $88,000 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Scheduling, cost control | Construction jobs |
| Fire Protection Engineer | $92,780 | Master’s in Engineering | Code compliance, design | Fireproofing consultants |
| Estimator | $85,000 | Bachelor’s in Construction | Price calculations, labor forecasting | Construction companies |
| Technical Sales Engineer | $89,400 | Bachelor’s in Engineering | Technical sales, product knowledge | Building product suppliers |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, 2024
Skills That Boost Pay
To qualify for the best paying roles in building materials, applicants must show strong practical and technical skills. Employers also prefer workers who can lead projects, solve problems, and support safety and compliance.
Key skills for top earners:
- Construction management
- Materials engineering
- Sales strategy
- Project coordination
- Fire protection and compliance
Soft skills like record keeping, teamwork, and decision-making also help professionals get promoted.
Education Paths That Lead to Top Jobs
The highest paying positions in the building materials industry often require formal education. While some roles accept a high school diploma with on-the-job training, most leadership jobs require a degree.
Education options:
- Associate’s degree – Entry-level technician roles in construction related fields
- Master’s degree – Needed for high-level managerial roles or specialty engineers
For example, many materials engineers complete a bachelor’s degree in materials science and later earn certifications in construction specifications institute programs.
Real Job Example: Career Growth Story
Lisa, age 33, started at a lumber yard doing customer support. With support from her employer, she enrolled in night school for materials engineering and earned her degree in five years.
Today, she works as a materials estimator for a large firm, earning $86,000 annually. Her path shows how training programs and dedication can lead to high-paying roles in building materials.
How to Advance in the Industry
You can grow your career faster by taking the right steps. Many workers in building products start in entry-level positions and move up through training, experience, and education.
Ways to move up:
- Enroll in training programs for sales or materials testing
- Earn certifications from Construction Specifications Institute
- Take on roles with more responsibility, like team lead or estimator
- Shift to managerial positions once experienced
- Learn about new industry standards and compliance
Workers who shift from construction workers to project managers often double their income in 3 to 5 years.
Industries and Companies That Pay the Most
Some sectors of the building materials industry offer better salaries due to size, project value, or risk. Working for larger firms also increases access to benefits and more jobs.
Best paying employers:
- National construction companies like Bechtel and Turner
- Global building materials companies like Saint-Gobain or Owens Corning
- Specialized fireproofing consultants
- Advanced materials engineering labs
Jobs that serve commercial buildings and infrastructure projects typically pay higher than roles focused on residential work.
Bullet List: Great Job Titles in Building Products
Use this list to discover specific high-paying jobs in the construction industry and building products field.
- Construction Manager
- Sales Representative
- Project Manager
- Materials Engineer
- Technical Sales Engineer
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Materials Estimator
- Customer Service Representative
- Truck Drivers (specializing in material delivery)
- Professionals Oversee Supply Chain
Each of these roles involves different job requirements and skills but contributes directly to building new buildings and managing construction projects.
Most Popular Questions About the Best Paying Jobs in Building Products
These are the questions we get asked the most often in regards to best paying jobs in building products:
What are the best jobs in the building materials industry?
The best jobs include construction managers, materials engineers, and sales managers. These roles offer high pay and long-term career stability. Positions often require a bachelor’s degree and experience in construction or materials engineering.
Is a job in building products a good career path?
Yes. The building materials industry offers a good career path with plenty of growth. Workers can advance from entry-level to managerial roles by gaining experience and completing training programs.
What education do I need for top-paying building products jobs?
Most high-paying roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. Construction management, engineering, or business degrees are common. Some roles allow growth from a high school diploma if the worker gains experience and technical skills.
Which companies offer the best salaries?
Big names in construction companies and building materials companies offer the best pay. These include national contractors and global suppliers that manage large-scale construction projects and building design changes.
How can I move from construction labor to a higher-paying role?
Start with training programs and learn about construction specifications. Consider switching to sales, estimation, or project management. Many workers rise by gaining skills in materials, problem solving, and record keeping.
Conclusion
The building materials industry provides high-paying jobs with solid career growth. Whether you start with a high school diploma or a degree, there are clear paths to succeed in construction, engineering, sales, and management.
Choose a role that fits your interest and start building your future today.
