While employment in the construction industry is currently slumping due to the state of the economy and the housing market, many Chicago jobs are expected to be created in the industry in years to come.

The Chicago area employed 176,200 people in its construction industry in July 2008, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 4.6 percent decrease from last year.

Many of Chicago's industries are booming, including the finance jobs. Employment in architecture and construction is expected to grow faster than the statewide average for all industries through 2014, according to an article by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

"Employment in nonresidential construction is expected to grow because the replacement and renovation of many industrial plants and buildings has been delayed for years and a large number of structures will have to be replaced or remodeled, particularly in urban areas where space for new buildings is becoming limited," the article notes.

"Home improvement and repair construction is expected to continue to grow faster than new home construction," the article adds. "Remodeling should be the fastest growing sector of the housing industry and also tends to be more labor intensive. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent for general maintenance and repair workers, electricians and carpenters, especially for workers with training and experience in construction occupations."

Possible careers in the architecture and construction industry throughout Illinois include:

• carpenters with 1,394 annual openings and a median salary of $51,950
• electricians with 944 annual openings and a median salary of $57,227
• plumbers with 823 annual openings and a median salary of $64,832
• brickmasons and blockmasons with 264 annual openings and a median salary of $59,293
• structural iron and steel workers with 137 annual openings and a median salary of $65,930
• drywall and ceiling tile installers with 114 annual openings and a median salary of $47,104
• surveyors with 63 annual openings and a median salary of $47,649
• general maintenance and repair workers with 1,427 annual openings and a median salary of $36,858
• heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers with 268 annual openings and a median salary of $40,790
• architects with 173 annual openings and a median salary of $66,614
• architectural and civil drafters with 100 annual openings and a median salary of $39,710

Labels: Chicago Jobs