Building/Construction Finishing at Portland Community College
serving 18,365 students in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
Portland Community College Building/Construction Finishing graduates command $63,103/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,481 national median. That 73% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
With a 65.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Building/Construction Finishing involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
At #4 of 44 programs, this Building/Construction Finishing program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
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
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