Construction Laborer Salary in California
Based on 88K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$60,270
$28.98/hr
vs National Average
$49,295
+22.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $94K
88K employed in California
Construction Laborer salary in California averages $60,270 per year, which is approximately 22% above the national average. With over 88,240 workers employed in this field throughout the state, construction laborers in California earn between $40,950 and $93,620 annually, depending on various factors affecting compensation and career progression.
Several elements influence construction laborer compensation in California, including experience level, specific trade specialization, and geographic location within the state. Project type, union membership status, and seasonal employment patterns also play significant roles in determining individual earnings. Additionally, the state's higher cost of living and robust construction industry demand contribute to wages exceeding national benchmarks.
Salary Distribution — Construction Laborer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,950 |
| 25th percentile | $48,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,270 |
| 75th percentile | $78,520 |
| 90th percentile | $93,620 |
Top-Paying Industries for Construction Laborer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Construction Laborers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Construction Laborers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $74,980 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $55,630 | 1K |
| Utilities | $54,950 | 3K |
| Information | $53,400 | 2K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $49,830 | 7K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Construction Laborer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,930 |
| 2023 | $56,720 |
| 2024 | $60,540 |
| 2025 | $60,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,270 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,930 | $43,155 |
| 2023 | $56,720 | $45,779 |
| 2024 | $60,540 | $48,020 |
| 2025 | $60,270 | $49,295 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,270 | $49,295 |
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $93,620 |
Construction Laborer Salary in Other States
Related Construction Laborer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Construction Laborer ($60,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Construction Laborer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CA | $353,900 | +487.2% | $170.14/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | +62.1% | $46.96/hr |
| Electrician in CA | $76,160 | +26.4% | $36.62/hr |
| Plumber in CA | $72,830 | +20.8% | $35.01/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | +7.8% | $31.24/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | +3.9% | $30.10/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -5.4% | $27.40/hr |
| Truck Driver in CA | $60,230 | -0.1% | $28.96/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CA | $59,250 | -1.7% | $28.49/hr |
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | -1.7% | $28.48/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CA | $57,560 | -4.5% | $27.67/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | +7.2% | $31.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction laborers make in California?
- Construction laborers in California earn a median salary of $60,270 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This is 22.3% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for construction laborers in California?
- Construction laborer salaries in California range from $40,950 at the lower end to $93,620 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How many construction laborers are employed in California?
- There are currently 88,240 construction laborers employed throughout California.
Does California pay construction laborers more than the national average?
- Yes, California construction laborers earn significantly more than the national average, with California's median salary of $60,270 per year being 22.3% higher than the national average for this role.