Construction Laborer Salary in Iowa
Based on 14K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$48,490
$23.31/hr
vs National Average
$49,295
-1.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $69K
14K employed in Iowa
Construction Laborer salary in Iowa averages $48,490 per year, positioning the state slightly below the national average at 2% lower. Across Iowa, approximately 13,780 construction laborers are employed in roles spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. The salary range typically falls between $38,180 and $68,900 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and job type.
Several factors influence Construction Laborer salary in Iowa, including years of experience, specialized skills, and employer size. Geographic location within the state, seasonal work availability, and project complexity also play important roles in compensation levels. Union membership and certifications in areas like equipment operation or safety can result in higher wages compared to entry-level positions without additional credentials.
Salary Distribution — Construction Laborer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,180 |
| 25th percentile | $45,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,490 |
| 75th percentile | $58,470 |
| 90th percentile | $68,900 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,400 |
| 2023 | $46,640 |
| 2024 | $47,700 |
| 2025 | $48,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,293 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,400 | $43,155 |
| 2023 | $46,640 | $45,779 |
| 2024 | $47,700 | $48,020 |
| 2025 | $48,490 | $49,295 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,293 | $50,111 |
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $58,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $68,900 |
Construction Laborer Salary in Other States
Related Construction Laborer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Construction Laborer ($48,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Construction Laborer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in IA | $131,730 | +171.7% | $63.33/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | +61.9% | $37.75/hr |
| Plumber in IA | $63,890 | +31.8% | $30.72/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | +25.5% | $29.26/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | +7.6% | $25.08/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IA | $50,510 | +4.2% | $24.28/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IA | $48,870 | +0.8% | $23.50/hr |
| Social Worker in IA | $48,530 | +0.1% | $23.33/hr |
| Dental Assistant in IA | $48,430 | -0.1% | $23.28/hr |
| Bookkeeper in IA | $48,180 | -0.6% | $23.16/hr |
| Data Analyst in IA | $49,020 | +1.1% | $23.57/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in IA | $47,530 | -2.0% | $22.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction laborers make in Iowa?
- The median salary for construction laborers in Iowa is $48,490 per year, or $23 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.6%, making Iowa a competitive market for this trade.
What is the salary range for construction laborers in Iowa?
- Construction laborers in Iowa earn between $38,180 and $68,900 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This range shows significant earning potential as workers advance in their careers.
How many construction laborers work in Iowa?
- There are currently 13,780 construction laborers employed in Iowa, indicating a substantial workforce in the construction industry throughout the state.
Is construction labor pay in Iowa above or below the national average?
- Construction laborer pay in Iowa is 1.6% below the national average. Despite this slight difference, the median salary of $48,490 per year remains competitive for the region.