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Building & Fixing Things

Are you always taking things apart just to figure out how they "tick"? If you're good at working with your hands, consider yourself lucky! Plenty of people don't know a wrench from a wristwatch. If you're handy, you might enjoy a career working as a carpenter, an electrician or even an architect. Are motors more your speed? Custom cars and choppers are incredibly "in" these days. Celebrate your mechanical side!

ARCHITECT

In a Nutshell

young male in building industry

From the support beams to the ventilation systems, architects design buildings. It means meeting deadlines, working long hours and using computer programs to design buildings. If you are creative, analytical and able to put your vision to paper, you may want to consider this as a career.

Get Ahead

  • Get an architecture degree and license.
  • Coursework should be heavy in architectural theory, building design, math, computers and science; an internship is also required.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all architects earned between $52,030 and $88,360 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $48,580 and $86,260.

They Did It

  • Frank Lloyd Wright
  • Gustave Eiffel

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

In a Nutshell

Modern automotive mechanics repair cars and trucks and must be well versed in the technology of today's automobiles. If you like working with your hands, building items, solving problems and using computers, then you may want to consider being a mechanic. Many mechanics work more than 40 hours per week, especially those who are self-employed.

Get Ahead

  • Many high schools or vocational schools offer training programs.
  • Check to see if automakers and car dealers are sponsoring some two-year associate degree programs after high school.
  • Strong communication and analytical skills are needed to diagnose and explain modern automotive problems.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all automotive service technicians and mechanics earned between $25,240 and $45,600 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $24,310 and $43,890.

CARPENTER

In a Nutshell

Carpenters use their hands and tools such as chisels, saws and drills to build objects from wood and other materials. They have good hand-eye coordination, are good with basic math problems and can think creatively to come up with new projects or fixes for old items. Carpenters often work for themselves, but some find jobs with construction contractors.

Get Ahead

  • Get on-the-job-training by helping someone with a project.
  • Take classes such as carpentry, shop, math and art.
  • Apply for an apprenticeship.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all carpenters earned between $29,060 and $50,750 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $24,760 and $36,450.

They Did It

  • Norm Abram — television host, This Old House, New Yankee Workshop
  • Carter Oosterhouse — television host, Trading Spaces, Carter Can

CIVIL ENGINEER

In a Nutshell

Civil engineers design many of the road, bridge and water systems that we use everyday. They are detail-oriented, yet can see the big picture. Civil engineers often oversee construction projects and may also teach future engineers. They work at construction sites, which can cause them to travel to where the job is. Most work a 40-hour week.

Get Ahead

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering is a must.
  • You must get a state license, but first you need to get an apprenticeship.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all civil engineers earned between $56,870 and $90,070.
  • In Texas, they earned between $57,510 and $101,100.

DRAFTER

In a Nutshell

Drafters provide the drawings and plans for the buildings of all kinds of products, from toys to office buildings. The drawings are very specific and include measurements, materials and instructions. Most work 40-hour weeks in an office while using a computer. Drafters work in several different fields, including:

  • Aeronautical Drafters — draws aircraft, missiles and their parts.
  • Architectural Drafters — makes drawings of buildings.
  • Civil Drafters — their drawings are used for highways, bridges and other major construction.
  • Electrical Drafters — draws electrical equipment and wiring.
  • Electronics Drafters — drawings are used to make, install and repair electronics.
  • Mechanical Drafters — they make drawings of machinery.
  • Pipeline Drafters — their drawings are used in oil and gas fields, chemical plants and pipe systems.

Get Ahead

  • Develop your math, computer and drawing skills.
  • Get training at trade schools, community colleges and four-year colleges.
  • Teamwork and problem solving are also essential skills.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all architectural and civil drafters earned between $34,540 and $53,940 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $33,570 and $51,540.
  • Nationally, the middle half of all mechanical drafters earned between $35,290 and $56,370 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $36,140 and $59,480.

ELECTRICIAN

In a Nutshell

If you use a computer, watch a television, turn on the lights or talk on the telephone, chances are that an electrician made that possible. Electricians install tubes or pipes inside walls and boxes on the walls. Maintenance electricians also repair electric machines or broken wiring.

Get Ahead

  • Plan on doing an apprenticeship for three to five years.
  • Take classes about electricity, blueprint reading, electronics, math and safety.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half all of electricians earned between $34,320 and $59,840 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $30,930 and $46,230.

Based on material developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.