Design & Construction Career Pathways

Table of Contents

Architects design the overall look of houses, buildings, and other structures. They must ensure that the final product is both attractive and functional.

Civil engineering involves the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads, railroads, bridges, airports, dams, and water treatment systems.

Design and technology jobs involve sketching, constructing, and maintaining the physical and naturally built environment to address challenges through creative, tech-based solutions.

Visit our design education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana design training programs.

Architecture

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or similar field of study is usually required for design jobs. A typical bachelor’s degree program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in architecture include interior designer, architect, and architectural and engineering manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $52,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 15%

    • Median MT Salary: $66,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 15%

    • Median MT Salary: $108,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab 

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products

  • Photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva 

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Creativity

  • Leadership

  • Organizational skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Time-management

Education:

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Civil engineering programs include coursework in math, physics, engineering mechanics, and construction systems. Courses may include a mix of academic learning and laboratory work. Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of civil engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in civil engineering include surveying & mapping technicians, civil engineering technician, and civil engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Civil Engineering

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $44,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

    • Median MT Salary: $51,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 12%

    • Median MT Salary: $90,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 25%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab 

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Green tech refers to a type of technology that is considered environmentally friendly based on its production process or its supply chain. Green tech—an abbreviation of "green technology"—can also refer to clean energy production, the use of alternative fuels, and technologies that are less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels.

Construction technology (sometimes called con-tech) includes the use of software, tools, machinery, sensors, robotics, drones, laser scanning, 3D printing, prefabrication, and more on construction job sites.

Construction career pathways involve the planning, creation, and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings or structures.

Visit our construction education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana construction training programs.

Green Technology

Education:

A career as a green technology installer or technician does not usually require a bachelor’s degree. Most of the entry-level positions in this field only require a high school diploma or a 2-year associate degree in a field related to science to begin an apprenticeship.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in green technology include green technology installer and solar thermal installer and technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $75,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 24%

    • Median MT Salary: $76,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 24%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Comfort with heights

  • Communication

  • Critical-thinking

  • Detail-oriented

  • Strong math skills

Education:

Pursuing a career in construction technology has many entry points and does not require a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Many entry-level jobs in the field like construction laborer, highway maintenance worker, or sheet metal worker only require a high school diploma to get started. Apprenticeships for skilled trades like electrician and plumber allow you to earn a good living while scaling the career ladder, and as you move up in education and responsibilities, you can advance into higher-paying positions like construction manager.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in construction technology include construction laborer, highway maintenance worker, sheet metal worker, construction equipment operator, electrician, plumber, and construction manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Construction Technology

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $46,800

    • MT Growth Rate: 21%

    • Median MT Salary: $48,880

    • MT Growth Rate: 11%

    • Median MT Salary: $50,490

    • MT Growth Rate: 23%

    • Median MT Salary: $57,420

    • MT Growth Rate: 22%

    • Median MT Salary: $62,610

    • MT Growth Rate: 30%

    • Median MT Salary: $74,880

    • MT Growth Rate: 24%

    • Median MT Salary: $101,480

    • MT Growth Rate: 18%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products

  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools like 3D printing, CNC machining, and operating heavy machinery

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Communication

  • Decisiveness

  • Detail-oriented

  • Knowledge of safety regulations

  • Leadership

  • Problem-solving 

  • Teamwork

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.

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