Here is our pick of some of the best jobs for an overseas construction or engineering worker:

Project Manager
Average salary: $130,000–$180,000

This job is one of the most popular and sought-after in the construction and engineering world. Typical duties will include communicating with contractors and subcontractors and managing the daily work on-site. These jobs can be found in many countries, but some of the most common destinations are in Asia or the Middle East.

Architect/Designer
Average salary: $45,000–$58,000

Whether it is found in the construction or the engineering sphere, this job requires a desire to design and craft new objects. Typical duties will include drafting designs, researching regulations, writing manuals, and helping to prepare project bids. One of the top places to find a job like this is Asia, especially China.

Surveyor
Average salary: $57,000–$69,000

This is a job that is relatively versatile. A surveyor will examine sites, manage staff, and deal with insurance claims and other technical work. Though available all over the world, there is high demand for this position in Europe, especially England and Germany.

Engineer
Average salary: $64,000–$75,000

There are many kinds of engineers in demand around the world. You could work as an electrical engineer, overseeing the safety and execution of electrical assets. Or you could be a maintenance engineer who works on evaluating and building structures and appliances. Similarly, you might start off as a mechanical engineer, reviewing mechanical job plans and budgets as well as dealing with any mechanical issues. These jobs are in high demand and can often be found in Europe or in Africa.

Health and Safety Manager
Average salary: $88,000–$123,000

In this role, you’ll be highly involved in working with health and safety departments on the regulations for each project. Typically, you will spend a lot of time maintaining on-site safety and standards and providing appropriate training to workers. Common places for jobs in this area include Africa and Europe.

Don’t let an international opportunity pass you by; these are only a few examples out of the hundreds of jobs that you can find working abroad in the construction industry.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com  . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Construction Superintendents and Construction Managers

Construction superintendents and managers supervise projects in which homes, commercial structures, and other buildings are built. Those who can oversee such construction projects are in demand, especially in countries that have been undergoing much development in recent years and have booming construction industries, such as the United Arab Emirates ($61,000/year), Saudi Arabia ($44,000/year), and New Zealand ($63,000/year).

Mechanical Engineering

Common mechanical engineering jobs include biomedical engineering, combustion engine engineering, and fuel-efficient vehicle engineering. Mechanical engineers are in demand especially in Germany but will do well in many overseas environments. Those seeking mechanical engineering jobs should consider Germany ($61,000/year), Singapore ($61,000/year), Switzerland ($100,000/year) Australia ($93,000/year), Canada (both $82,000/year), Japan ($82,000/year), Norway ($70,000/year), and South Korea ($77,000/year).

International Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers specialize in developing manufacturing processes using chemicals, while petroleum engineers seek new sources of fuel for energy needs. Those who enter their careers for environmental reasons are in demand in places such as Switzerland and Canada. In Canada, petroleum engineers can earn an average of $118,000 per year, while chemical engineers can earn an average of $85,000. In Switzerland, chemical engineers are in demand and can earn an average of $122,000 per year. Japan is also another good destination for chemical engineers, and pay translates to about $104,000 per year on average.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design and execute plans for construction and infrastructure projects and are in demand everywhere in the world, where the construction industry is rapidly growing and new bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects are needed. New Zealand has a shortage of civil engineers, providing an excellent opportunity for international career development, and pays an average of $71,000/year. Work can be found in Canada too, where the average salary is about $63,000 per year in the Toronto area. Civil engineers can also turn to places such as the United Arab Emirates (average $72,000/year), where a fast-growing construction industry means a pressing need to expand and upgrade current infrastructure. India is also rapidly expanding its construction economy and is looking for civil engineers, and while an average salary of around $12,000 USD per year may sound unappealing, it takes into consideration a much lower cost of living.

Where does one start the process of applying for these positions? When considering a position overseas, it is best to start with research: studying the reviews for engineering and construction jobs and reaching out to current and former employees is essential. Pay, working hours, accommodations, and perks can vary. Some companies will provide food and board to their employees, while in some countries, foreign workers live in designated complexes. You should also consider the fact that you may need to leave your family behind when committing to such a career choice.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com  . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com