Construction Laborer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 36K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$44,720
$21.50/hr
vs National Average
$49,295
-9.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $60K
36K employed in North Carolina
The median Construction Laborer salary in North Carolina sits at $44,720 annually. This figure represents the midpoint, with actual earnings for these essential workers typically falling between $31,850 and $59,970 per year. Currently, this compensation is 9% below the national average for the role, with approximately 35,620 individuals employed in this field across the state.
Several factors can influence a Construction Laborer salary in North Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, as does the specific employer and their location within the state, with urban areas sometimes offering higher wages. The type of construction project, whether residential, commercial, or infrastructure, can also impact earning potential, as can any specialized skills or certifications an individual possesses.
Salary Distribution — Construction Laborer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,850 |
| 25th percentile | $37,380 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,720 |
| 75th percentile | $49,070 |
| 90th percentile | $59,970 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,310 |
| 2023 | $38,550 |
| 2024 | $42,250 |
| 2025 | $44,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,334 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,310 | $43,155 |
| 2023 | $38,550 | $45,779 |
| 2024 | $42,250 | $48,020 |
| 2025 | $44,720 | $49,295 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,334 | $52,177 |
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,380 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $49,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,970 |
Construction Laborer Salary in Other States
Related Construction Laborer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Construction Laborer ($44,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Construction Laborer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in NC | $151,540 | +238.9% | $72.86/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in NC | $75,270 | +68.3% | $36.19/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | +27.6% | $27.44/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | +27.0% | $27.31/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in NC | $48,200 | +7.8% | $23.17/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in NC | $47,910 | +7.1% | $23.03/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NC | $45,820 | +2.5% | $22.03/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NC | $44,530 | -0.4% | $21.41/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NC | $45,140 | +0.9% | $21.70/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in NC | $45,790 | +2.4% | $22.01/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NC | $45,890 | +2.6% | $22.06/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NC | $46,700 | +4.4% | $22.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a construction laborer make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a construction laborer in North Carolina is $44,720 per year, which breaks down to about $22 per hour. Most construction laborers in the state earn between $31,850 and $59,970 annually.
What is the average hourly wage for a construction laborer in North Carolina?
- Construction laborers in North Carolina earn a median hourly wage of $22. The salary range generally falls between $15.31 and $28.83 per hour.
Is the salary for construction laborers in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Construction laborers in North Carolina typically earn 9.3% less than the national average. The median salary of $44,720 annually in North Carolina reflects this difference.
How many construction laborers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 35,620 construction laborers employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant number of job opportunities within this field in the state.