Work on any infrastructure project and you’ll be crucial in keeping the nation running smoothly. From highway and airport upgrades to maintaining transportation and communication networks, there’s a constant demand for skilled professionals in this area.

The best news? Infrastructure investment is rising, which means recruitment for infrastructure jobs is also increasing. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed in 2021, is expected to add 1.5 million jobs per year in the decade to 2031.

So, if you’re planning a career in infrastructure, what are some of the most in-demand jobs right now?

1. construction worker

First-rate infrastructure needs first-rate construction workers to build, repair and enhance. You could be involved in massive projects like the $19 billion expansion of JFK airport in New York or the reconstruction of the Southeast Connector highway in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With $66 billion of BIL funding allocated to passenger rail, you could also find yourself rebuilding tunnels and upgrading tracks on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

Randstad’s salary data shows that the average construction worker's salary in the USA is around $40k per year.

2. civil engineer

Whether you’re managing a sewage system or building a new bridge, your skills as a civil engineer will put you in charge of planning, design and construction. Experts in weatherization are in particular demand, thanks to over $50 billion of BIL investment into making infrastructure resilient against climate change. You’d be helping protect vital infrastructure from the effects of flooding, drought, heat and wildfires.

3. project manager

For big infrastructure projects to succeed, it's crucial to have skilled project managers guiding the way. Highly organized, with the ability to pivot and problem-solve at a moment’s notice, you’ll be responsible for overseeing and coordinating a project and ensuring its timely completion. You’ll need a good head for figures to manage the budget, top-notch communication skills and the know-how to adhere to all safety regulations.

4. data analyst

Data analysts play a critical role in infrastructure projects. Take road construction, for example. These savvy number crunchers can make data-driven decisions by analyzing elements like weather and traffic patterns. They can also dig into data from previous projects to determine what worked well and what didn’t in terms of using resources like labor and materials.

5. electrical engineer

Electrical engineers work across various industries, earning between $75k and $135k per year depending on location and experience. When it comes to infrastructure needs, they’re sought in areas like power generation and telecommunications. And with $7.5 billion of BIL expenditure dedicated to building a national network of EV chargers, engineers with expertise in this technology are in especially high demand.