The Hardest Contractor Jobs In America (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest part of being a contractor? ›

Lacking the legal protections granted to full-time employees, contractors might encounter difficulties in disputes with clients or companies. Issues like late payments, contract breaches, or disagreements may require legal intervention, putting the contractor at a disadvantage.

According to other contractors, electrical and HVAC are among the hardest to learn, but flooring and cleaning specialists were most likely to call their own crafts the toughest. Again, carpentry was viewed as one of the most difficult by both groups.

When asked what type of work was most difficult to master (out of 32 different trades), the two groups of respondents (the average age of which was 43 years old) were in agreement again — electrical work was the hardest to master, followed by carpentry, HVAC, and cabinets/countertops.

While some contractors enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with choosing their projects and schedules, others may experience stress from the uncertainty and lack of job security.

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.

It seems that plumbers and electricians have the least physically demanding position, which the trade school degrees provide.

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.

What is the most stressful trade? ›

It may come as no surprise that careers in the military and public safety sector are considered among the most stressful jobs.

Some of the most profitable trade jobs include construction managers with a $101,000 median salary, elevator mechanics with $99,000, and dental hygienists with $81,000. While none of these jobs require a bachelor's degree or higher, they all come with different requirements, and working conditions vary a lot.

What is the shortest trade school? Medical assistant programs generally take the least amount of time to complete. Students can finish their training in as little as eight weeks.

As a contractor, your relationship with your clients is business-only. While consistent client work is common, they can quickly choose not to employ you if they don't need your services anymore. This can make long-term financial planning difficult.

The drawbacks to being an independent contractor include more responsibility. Independent contractors must fund 100% of their Medicare and Social Security taxes, health insurance, and retirement. You may also be responsible for buying the tools and equipment needed for your profession.

Take the same structure and attempt to build it in several different locations, and one thing is almost certain. 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.

A firm-fixed-price contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. This contract type places upon the contractor maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or loss.