Building/Construction Finishing at Ivy Tech Community College
one of the larger campuses at 54,926 students in Indianapolis, IN.
Program Analysis
Ivy Tech Community College Building/Construction Finishing graduates command $51,303/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,481 national median. That 41% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
With a 75.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Building/Construction Finishing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Ivy Tech Community College ranks #5 among 44 Building/Construction Finishing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 37% earnings increase from $51,303 to $70,437 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 60 apprenticeship pathways connected to Building/Construction Finishing reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Building/Construction Finishing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities managers | $104,690 | +3.8% | 52% |
| First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers | $78,690 | +5.3% | 57% |
| Construction and building inspectors | $72,120 | -0.8% | 57% |
About Building/Construction Finishing Careers
You’ll start by solving tangible problems on active job sites. As a maintenance worker or painter, your day involves hands-on tasks: troubleshooting a building’s electrical systems with a multimeter, prepping surfaces, or applying the final coats of paint that make a project complete. With experience, you can advance to a First-Line Supervisor role. Here, your focus shifts from using tools to managing teams, coordinating schedules from blueprints, and ensuring job site safety and quality standards are met.
Read the full Building/Construction Finishing career guide →
Compare & Explore
Building/Construction Finishing Overview
Building/Construction Finishing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ivy Tech Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.