Construction Laborer Salary in the United States
Based on 1.1M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$49,295
$23.70/hr
▲ 2.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$36K – $70K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.1M
workers nationwide
The median Construction Laborer salary in the United States is $49,295 per year, which equates to approximately $24 per hour. This data reflects a broad spectrum of the construction industry, with a typical salary range falling between $35,923 and $70,183 annually, indicating significant earning potential for skilled and experienced individuals.
Several factors can influence a Construction Laborer salary in the United States. Location plays a major role, with states like Hawaii offering the highest average wages around $77,110. Experience, the specific type of construction project, and the employer's size and prevailing wage rates also contribute to variations in pay across the country.
Salary Distribution — Construction Laborer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,923 |
| 25th percentile | $41,614 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,295 |
| 75th percentile | $60,612 |
| 90th percentile | $70,183 |
Construction Laborer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Construction Laborer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $77,110 | +56.4% | 5K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $64,060 | +30.0% | 24K |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $63,390 | +28.6% | 16K |
| 4 | Illinois | $60,690 | +23.1% | 36K |
| 5 | California | $60,270 | +22.3% | 88K |
| 6 | Minnesota | $60,260 | +22.2% | 29K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $58,290 | +18.2% | 7K |
| 8 | Alaska | $58,060 | +17.8% | 4K |
| 9 | Washington | $57,720 | +17.1% | 25K |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $57,240 | +16.1% | 2K |
Construction Laborer Salary by Industry
How much Construction Laborers earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($74,980 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $74,980 | +52.1% | — |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $55,630 | +12.9% | 1K |
| 3 | Utilities | $54,950 | +11.5% | 3K |
| 4 | Information | $53,400 | +8.3% | 2K |
| 5 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $49,830 | +1.1% | 7K |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,320 | -2.0% | 9K |
| 7 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,610 | -3.4% | 31K |
| 8 | Construction | $47,430 | -3.8% | 930K |
| 9 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $47,230 | -4.2% | 310 |
| 10 | Retail Trade | $47,150 | -4.4% | 2K |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $47,120 | -4.4% | 2K |
| 12 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $47,040 | -4.6% | 1K |
| 13 | Wholesale Trade | $46,600 | -5.5% | 4K |
| 14 | Manufacturing | $44,930 | -8.9% | 16K |
| 15 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $42,310 | -14.2% | 10K |
| 16 | Accommodation and Food Services | $41,460 | -15.9% | 970 |
| 17 | Transportation and Warehousing | $40,650 | -17.5% | 2K |
| 18 | Administrative and Support Services | $39,950 | -19.0% | 72K |
| 19 | Educational Services | $29,980 | -39.2% | 4K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Construction Laborer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $43,155 |
| 2023 | $45,779 |
| 2024 | $48,020 |
| 2025 | $49,295 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,604 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $41,614 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,295 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,612 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $70,183 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Construction Laborer salary in the US?
- The median Construction Laborer salary in the United States is $49,295 annually. This means half of all construction laborers earn more than this figure, while the other half earn less, with the typical range being between $35,923 and $70,183.
How much do construction laborers make per hour?
- On average, construction laborers earn about $24 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $49,295, offering a more granular view of their daily earning potential.
Which state pays the most for construction laborers?
- Hawaii is the top-paying state for construction laborers, with an average salary reaching $77,110 annually. This significantly exceeds the national median, highlighting regional economic differences in the construction sector.
What is the salary range for a construction laborer?
- The salary range for a construction laborer in the United States typically falls between $35,923 and $70,183 per year. Entry-level positions might be closer to the lower end, while experienced laborers in high-demand areas can earn towards the higher end of this spectrum.