The Hardest Contractor Jobs In America (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest part of being a contractor? ›

Physical Demands: Construction work can be physically demanding, requiring builders to perform tasks that involve heavy lifting, working in awkward positions, and enduring long hours of physical labor. This can take a toll on the body and lead to fatigue and potential injuries if proper precautions are not taken.

Electrical is the most difficult trade to master according to both contractors and consumers, according to the CraftJack survey. I-TAP, an electrical training program, reports that the most physically involved parts of the job are lifting sections of electrical conduit and pulling lots of cable.

Between long hours, tough deadlines, a short-staffed crew and project uncertainty, working in the contracting business sure comes with its fair share of stressors.

Is it stressful to work as a Contractor? Contractors often face unique stressors, including fluctuating workloads, variable income, and the need for continuous client acquisition.

1. Pilot. Being a pilot is one of the toughest professions; in addition to always being on the go, airline pilots also must deal with weather delays, disgruntled or unruly passengers, and exposure to cosmic radiation.

It seems that plumbers and electricians have the least physically demanding position, which the trade school degrees provide. That doesn't indicate that those are the best trades. If masonry is what interests you, you shouldn't allow its reputation of being physically demanding to discourage you.

What job has the highest burnout rate? ›

Among trades workers, it's commonly agreed that roofing and demolition require the most muscular strength. Not far behind are steel and iron workers, carpenters, and brick and stone masons, but again, it's all relative to what your specialty is and what your role is.

Some of the most difficult jobs often involve high levels of physical, mental, or emotional demands, such as: Emergency Services Personnel: Jobs like paramedics, firefighters, and police officers can be incredibly challenging due to the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous situations they face.

Construction's workforce isn't getting any younger. In 2022, the median age of construction and extraction occupations workers was 41.2, and about 45% of construction workers were 45 and older, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data available.

You will have different people building each structure. This makes it incredibly difficult to learn, grow, and scale up, and there is very little we can ever do about that. The owner can hire the same General Contractor, but the personnel on the team is likely to change.

For example, the contractor bears the greatest risk for a firm-fixed-price contract because the contractor's promise is that it shall deliver at the agreed-to price in the contract to receive the price.

Firefighters/EMTs deal with fire, water pressure from hoses and other heavy equipment. They often carry people to safety, which is particularly difficult if the victim is obese or incapacitated. Shingle roofers are always twisting their bodies. Farmers lift heavy equipment and bags of feed and grain.