Construction Laborer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$50,020
$24.05/hr
vs National Average
$49,295
+1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $72K
2K employed in District of Columbia
The median Construction Laborer salary in District of Columbia is $50,020 per year, which is 1% above the national average. With approximately 2,090 workers employed in this role throughout the district, construction laborers earn between $37,190 and $72,320 annually, depending on experience and specialization. This competitive wage reflects the region's robust construction market and cost of living.
Several factors influence earning potential for construction laborers in the district. Experience level, specific trade skills, and certifications play significant roles in determining salary within the $37,190 to $72,320 range. Additionally, project type, union membership, and employer size can impact compensation. The local demand for construction workers and seasonal variations in building activity throughout Washington, D.C. also contribute to wage differences among laborers in the field.
Salary Distribution — Construction Laborer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,190 |
| 25th percentile | $43,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,020 |
| 75th percentile | $59,090 |
| 90th percentile | $72,320 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $43,680 |
| 2023 | $47,420 |
| 2024 | $49,520 |
| 2025 | $50,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,525 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $43,680 | $43,155 |
| 2023 | $47,420 | $45,779 |
| 2024 | $49,520 | $48,020 |
| 2025 | $50,020 | $49,295 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,525 | $49,793 |
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $72,320 |
Construction Laborer Salary in Other States
Related Construction Laborer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Construction Laborer ($50,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Construction Laborer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber in DC | $101,020 | +102.0% | $48.57/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in DC | $86,520 | +73.0% | $41.60/hr |
| Electrician in DC | $78,970 | +57.9% | $37.97/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in DC | $68,660 | +37.3% | $33.01/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in DC | $60,310 | +20.6% | $29.00/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in DC | $49,680 | -0.7% | $23.88/hr |
| Receptionist in DC | $49,060 | -1.9% | $23.59/hr |
| Medical Assistant in DC | $51,050 | +2.1% | $24.54/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | -3.5% | $23.20/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in DC | $47,850 | -4.3% | $23.00/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DC | $47,700 | -4.6% | $22.93/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in DC | $47,410 | -5.2% | $22.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction laborers make in Washington DC?
- Construction laborers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $50,020 per year, or $24 per hour. This is about 1.5% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for construction laborers in DC?
- Construction laborer salaries in District of Columbia range from $37,190 at the lower end to $72,320 at the higher end, representing a significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is construction labor a good paying job in District of Columbia?
- Construction laborers in DC earn a median of $50,020 annually, which exceeds the national average by 1.5%, making it a reasonably competitive wage for entry to mid-level positions in the construction industry.
How many construction laborers work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 2,090 construction laborers currently employed in District of Columbia, indicating a moderate job market for this trade in the area.