Construction Laborer Salary in the USA

Construction laborer salary in the USA can be different depending on the state, construction company, experience, type of project, and the kind of work a person does on the job site. In May 2025, construction laborers had a national median salary of about $47,120 per year, or around $22.66 per hour. Some workers earn closer to entry-level pay while experienced construction laborers, union workers, or workers in higher-paying states can make much more. If you are searching for how much does a construction laborer make, construction laborer salary per hour, construction worker salary, or construction laborer salary by state, this guide gives a full look at the pay, duties, salary range, state-wise wages, experience and other important details.

Construction Laborer Salary in the USA

A construction laborer is one of the workers who helps keep a construction site moving. The work can include carrying materials, preparing the work area, digging, cleaning, loading and unloading supplies, using basic hand tools, helping skilled tradespeople and doing many other physical tasks around a construction project.

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, the median annual wage for construction laborers was $47,120 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $22.66 an hour. The national mean annual wage was higher at about $52,030. This difference is normal because mean salary can be pulled upward by workers earning higher wages.

The salary can look very different from one place to another. A construction laborer in California or Hawaii may earn much more than a worker doing a similar job in Alabama or Arkansas. Local construction demand, cost of living, union wages, type of construction and employer can all make a difference.

How Much Does a Construction Laborer Make?

So, how much does a construction laborer make in the United States? A typical construction laborer earns around $47,120 a year at the national median. That works out to roughly $3,927 per month before taxes if the annual salary is divided across 12 months.

But this is not a fixed salary for every worker. New workers can start at a lower wage, while workers with several years of experience or workers on large commercial, highway, infrastructure or union projects may earn considerably more.

• Median annual salary: $47,120
• Median hourly wage: $22.66
• Mean annual wage: $52,030
• 10th percentile: about $35,090 per year
• 25th percentile: about $38,620 per year
• 75th percentile: about $59,740 per year
• 90th percentile: about $78,090 per year

This means there is a pretty wide construction laborer pay range in the United States. The highest-paid workers can make well above the national median, while entry-level workers may earn considerably less.

Construction Laborer Salary by State

Construction laborer salary by state can change a lot across the country. The following table uses the May 2025 median annual wage for construction laborers. It is useful for comparing the typical salary level from one state to another. A higher salary does not always mean a worker has more money left after expenses, because housing and other living costs can also be much higher in some states.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Salary figures shown are median annual wages for Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061).

Highest Paying States for Construction Laborers

Some states are much better paying for construction laborers than others. In the May 2025 data, Hawaii had the highest median annual wage among the 50 states, at about $77,110. New Jersey and Massachusetts were also near the top, with median wages of about $64,060 and $63,390.

Illinois, California and Minnesota also had strong salary levels. California is especially interesting because it has a very large construction workforce and major demand across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

• Hawaii — $77,110
• New Jersey — $64,060
• Massachusetts — $63,390
• Illinois — $60,690
• California — $60,270
• Minnesota — $60,260
• Connecticut — $58,290
• Alaska — $58,060
• Washington — $57,720
• Rhode Island — $57,240

These numbers show why location is important when looking at construction laborer salary. Still, workers should also look at rent, transportation, taxes and other living expenses before deciding that one state is automatically better than another.

Lowest Paying States for Construction Laborers

Construction laborer pay is lower in some parts of the country. Alabama had a median annual wage of about $36,900 in May 2025, followed by Arkansas at $37,630 and Mississippi at $37,710. Louisiana and New Mexico were also below $40,000 at the median.

Lower state wages do not mean every construction worker in these states earns a low income. A worker with experience, special skills, overtime, union employment or a supervisory role can still earn more than the typical state wage.

Construction Laborer Salary Per Hour

Construction laborer hourly pay is another common search because many workers are paid by the hour instead of receiving a fixed yearly salary. The national median hourly wage was about $22.66 per hour in May 2025.

At 40 hours per week, $22.66 per hour would be around $906 per week before taxes. Over a full year of 52 weeks, that is close to $47,000. Actual yearly income can be higher or lower because construction work can include overtime, seasonal changes, missed work days and different weekly schedules.

• Entry-level pay can be below the national median.
• Experienced workers can move into higher-paying jobs.
• Overtime can increase total yearly income.
• Union construction jobs may have stronger wage packages.
• Large commercial and infrastructure projects may pay differently than small residential projects.

Construction Laborer Salary Per Month

If we divide the national median construction laborer salary of $47,120 by 12 months, the result is around $3,927 per month before taxes. This is only a simple monthly calculation, not a separate monthly wage published by BLS.

A worker earning $52,030, which is close to the national mean annual wage, would average about $4,336 per month before taxes. Someone earning $60,000 would average $5,000 per month before taxes.

Take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance and any other deductions. The actual amount that reaches a worker's bank account can be different from the advertised salary.

How Much Does an Entry Level Construction Laborer Make?

An entry level construction laborer usually starts with basic site work and learns many tasks while working. There is normally no need for a college degree for this occupation. BLS says construction laborers and helpers generally learn through short-term on-the-job training.

New workers may start closer to the lower part of the wage range. As they learn how to safely use tools, understand construction plans, operate equipment and work with skilled tradespeople, their pay can improve.

For someone starting a construction career, the first job may not be the highest paying one. The bigger opportunity is learning useful construction skills and moving into a more specialized position later.

What Does a Construction Laborer Do?

A construction laborer does many different jobs at a construction site. The exact duties depend on the project and employer. One day may involve moving material and cleaning a work area, while another day can involve digging, preparing a site or helping a carpenter, mason, roofer or other skilled worker.

• Move and supply construction materials.
• Load and unload tools and materials.
• Clean construction areas and remove debris.
• Dig trenches and prepare areas for construction.
• Assist skilled construction workers.
• Use hand tools and some power tools.
• Help set up and take down equipment.
• Prepare surfaces and work areas.
• Follow safety instructions on the job site.
• Perform general physical labor as needed by the construction crew.

Because construction sites change all the time, laborers often need to be flexible. The job is not only about carrying things. Good laborers learn how a site works, understand safety rules and become useful to different members of the construction crew.

Construction Laborer Salary by Experience

Experience can make a real difference in construction laborer salary. A person starting their first construction job usually does more basic work, while an experienced laborer can handle more difficult tasks, work with less supervision and sometimes help newer workers on the site.

There is no single salary rule based only on years of experience. Pay depends on the employer, state, construction type, union status and the skills a worker has learned. But in general, construction workers can improve their earnings as they gain experience.

• Entry-level construction laborer: Usually starts near the lower part of the local pay range.
• 1–3 years experience: Can earn more after learning regular site duties and tools.
• 3–5 years experience: May take on more difficult work and responsibilities.
• 5+ years experience: Can qualify for better-paying construction positions or specialized work.
• Highly experienced worker: May move into lead laborer, foreman or skilled trade positions.

For this reason, someone should not look only at starting construction laborer salary. Construction can provide a path where a worker starts with general labor and later learns a trade that has a much higher earning potential.

Construction Laborer Starting Salary

Construction laborer starting pay is normally lower than the national median because new workers have less experience. The actual starting wage depends heavily on the local construction market and the employer.

Some workers enter construction with no previous experience and receive on-the-job training. They may start by cleaning the site, moving materials, digging, helping other workers and doing basic tasks. After learning the work and proving they can be reliable, their hourly pay can increase.

Starting salary is also affected by the type of construction. A small residential contractor may offer a different wage than a large commercial construction company, highway contractor or public infrastructure project.

Construction Laborer Pay Range

The construction laborer pay range in the United States is fairly wide. BLS wage data shows workers at the lower end earning around the mid-$30,000 range annually, while workers near the top of the occupation can earn well over $70,000 a year.

The national median is about $47,120, but this should not be treated as the maximum salary. Some workers earn significantly more when overtime, location, union wages, special projects or additional responsibilities are included.

• Lower-paid workers may earn around $35,000 or more per year.
• Workers near the national median earn around $47,000 per year.
• Experienced workers can move toward $60,000 or more.
• Higher-paid construction laborers can reach $70,000+ in some markets.
• Overtime and special project work can increase total earnings.

These numbers are useful for understanding the general range, but an individual job offer should always be compared with the local wage and benefits.

Construction Laborer Salary for Commercial Construction

Commercial construction includes projects such as office buildings, stores, hotels, warehouses, hospitals and other large buildings. Construction laborers on these projects can have different duties than workers on small residential projects.

Large commercial projects often have bigger crews and more organized job roles. A laborer may work closely with carpenters, electricians, plumbers, concrete crews and equipment operators. Because projects can be large and deadlines are important, employers may look for workers who are dependable and already understand construction-site safety.

Pay can also be affected by whether the project is union or non-union. Large commercial projects in expensive metropolitan areas may offer higher wages, although living costs in those locations can also be much higher.

Construction Laborer Salary for Residential Construction

Residential construction laborers work on houses, apartment buildings, remodeling projects and other residential work. Their duties can include preparing the site, moving lumber and materials, cleaning, digging and helping skilled tradespeople.

Residential construction can be a good starting point for someone who wants to learn the construction business. A worker may get experience with several different parts of a project instead of doing only one task.

Salary can vary a lot between small contractors and larger home-building companies. Workers who develop skills in framing, concrete, roofing, remodeling or other areas may eventually move into specialized jobs with higher pay.

Union Construction Laborer Salary

Union construction laborers can have a different compensation package than non-union workers. A union job may include an hourly wage along with benefits such as health coverage, retirement contributions and paid training, depending on the local agreement and employer.

Union wages are not the same everywhere in the United States. Each local market and collective bargaining agreement can have its own wage rates and benefit structure.

This is why comparing only the hourly wage can sometimes give an incomplete picture. A job paying a little less per hour may have different benefits, while another job may have a higher hourly rate but fewer employer-paid benefits.

Construction Laborer Benefits

Benefits depend on the employer and the type of construction job. Some construction laborers receive benefits in addition to their regular wages, while others may receive a smaller benefits package.

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Retirement or 401(k) plans
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Safety training
• On-the-job training
• Union pension or benefit programs for eligible workers

Benefits can add meaningful value to construction laborer compensation. When comparing two jobs, workers should look at the complete package instead of salary only.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Construction Laborer?

Construction labor does not usually require a college degree, but workers need to be physically capable and willing to learn. Construction sites can be noisy, dusty, hot, cold and physically demanding. A person also needs to take safety seriously because there can be many hazards around equipment, vehicles, tools and building materials.

• Physical strength and stamina
• Ability to work outdoors
• Basic understanding of hand tools
• Ability to follow instructions
• Good teamwork
• Basic communication skills
• Ability to follow safety rules
• Willingness to learn new construction skills
• Ability to work at different heights or in difficult conditions when required
• Reliability and good attendance

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Construction Laborer?

For a general construction laborer job, a college degree is generally not required. Many workers learn through on-the-job training. Employers may look more closely at physical ability, reliability, willingness to work and basic construction experience.

Some jobs can have additional requirements. For example, operating certain equipment may require specific training or certification, and some projects may have safety or site-specific requirements.

This makes construction labor an interesting career option for people who do not want to spend several years in college before entering the workforce.

Construction Laborer Career Path

One of the biggest advantages of starting as a construction laborer is that the job can become the first step toward a more specialized construction career.

A new worker might begin as a general laborer and gradually learn carpentry, concrete work, masonry, equipment operation, roofing or another trade. With enough experience and training, the worker may move into a skilled position, crew leader or eventually a supervisory role.

• Construction Laborer
• Experienced Construction Laborer
• Specialized Construction Worker
• Lead Laborer
• Crew Leader
• Foreman
• Construction Supervisor

The career path is not exactly the same for everybody. Some people stay in general construction labor, while others use the experience to enter an apprenticeship and become a skilled tradesperson.

How to Increase Your Construction Laborer Salary

If you want to make more money as a construction laborer, simply staying in the same job for many years may not always be enough. Learning useful skills can make you more valuable to an employer.

• Learn to safely operate construction equipment.
• Get additional job-related training.
• Learn a skilled trade such as carpentry or masonry.
• Consider an apprenticeship program.
• Build experience with commercial construction.
• Look at union opportunities in your area.
• Take overtime when it is available and fits your situation.
• Develop good workplace safety habits.
• Become someone the crew can depend on.
• Move into specialized or supervisory construction work when qualified.

Skills are especially important because construction employers need workers who can do more than basic physical labor. A laborer who can safely operate equipment or assist several different trades can have more opportunities than someone who only performs one basic task.

Construction Laborer Overtime Pay

Overtime can have a major effect on how much a construction laborer makes in a year. Construction projects often have deadlines, and some workers may have opportunities to work more than their normal weekly hours.

For eligible workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, overtime is generally paid at one and one-half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. However, overtime rules can depend on the worker's classification, employer and applicable law.

For example, a worker earning $22 per hour who receives time-and-a-half overtime would have an overtime rate of about $33 per hour. Working additional hours can therefore increase yearly income substantially.

But overtime is not guaranteed. Construction work can also be seasonal, weather-dependent or affected by the number of active projects.

Is Construction Labor a Good Job?

Construction labor can be a good job for someone who likes practical work and does not want a traditional office career. The work is physical and sometimes difficult, but it can provide a way to start earning without a four-year college degree.

Another benefit is the opportunity to learn skills while getting paid. A person who starts as a laborer can later move toward a skilled trade, equipment operation or construction supervision.

The downside is that construction work can be physically demanding. Workers may spend long hours standing, lifting, bending, climbing and working outside in different weather conditions.

So, whether it is a good job depends on the person. For someone who enjoys hands-on work and wants a construction career, it can be a useful starting point.

Construction Laborer vs Construction Worker

The terms construction laborer and construction worker are sometimes used for the same type of job, but they are not always exactly the same. Construction worker is a broad term that can describe many people working in construction, while construction laborer usually refers to workers doing general labor and support tasks on a construction site.

A construction worker can be a laborer, carpenter, roofer, electrician, plumber, equipment operator or another type of construction professional. A construction laborer normally helps with the physical work needed to keep the project moving.

• Construction worker is a broad job term.
• Construction laborer is usually a more specific occupation.
• Laborers often support skilled tradespeople.
• Some laborers later move into skilled construction trades.

Construction Laborer Salary vs General Laborer Salary

Construction laborer salary can be different from general laborer salary because construction work often requires workers to work outdoors, around heavy equipment and on active building sites. Construction laborers can also develop job-specific skills that are useful across many projects.

The title used by an employer is important. One company may call a worker a construction laborer, while another may use construction worker, construction helper or general laborer. The actual duties and pay should be checked rather than looking only at the job title.

What Affects Construction Laborer Salary?

There are many reasons why two construction laborers doing similar work can receive different pay. Location is one of the biggest factors, but it is not the only one.

• Location: Wages are usually different from state to state and city to city.
• Experience: Experienced workers can qualify for better-paying opportunities.
• Construction type: Commercial, residential and infrastructure projects can have different pay levels.
• Union status: Union jobs may have different wage and benefit packages.
• Employer: Large contractors and small contractors can offer different compensation.
• Overtime: Additional hours can increase annual earnings.
• Skills: Equipment operation and specialized construction skills can improve job opportunities.
• Project size: Large projects may have different wage structures than small jobs.

Construction Laborer Jobs in the USA

Construction laborer jobs can be found in many parts of the United States because construction activity happens in almost every state. Workers may find jobs with general contractors, specialty contractors, home builders, infrastructure companies, government contractors and other construction businesses.

Job opportunities can be connected to new homes, commercial buildings, roads, bridges, utilities, remodeling and infrastructure projects. The type of project available in a local area can therefore affect both employment and wages.

People looking for construction laborer jobs should also search using related job titles because employers do not always use exactly the same wording.

• Construction Laborer
• Construction Worker
• General Laborer
• Construction Helper
• Construction Site Laborer
• Building Laborer
• Construction Crew Member
• Laborer Helper

Construction Laborer Work Environment

Construction laborers normally work on construction sites rather than in a regular office. The work environment can change every day depending on the project.

Workers may spend much of their shift outside. They can work in hot weather, cold weather, rain or dusty conditions depending on the location and project. Construction sites can also be noisy because of trucks, machinery and power tools.

The physical side of the job is important. Workers can spend many hours walking, standing, lifting, carrying, bending and using tools. Good safety practices are therefore a major part of construction work.

Construction Laborer Safety

Safety is one of the most important parts of construction labor. Workers can be around moving vehicles, heavy materials, power equipment, ladders, scaffolding and unfinished structures.

A construction laborer needs to follow the safety rules of the employer and worksite. Personal protective equipment may include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, protective footwear, hearing protection or other equipment depending on the task.

• Follow site safety instructions.
• Use required personal protective equipment.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Pay attention around heavy equipment.
• Use tools correctly.
• Report unsafe conditions.
• Do not ignore construction safety procedures.

Construction Laborer Career Outlook

The future of construction labor can be positive because buildings, roads, infrastructure and other physical projects continue to require workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow during the 2025–2035 period, with many job openings expected each year because of both employment growth and workers leaving the occupation.

This is important for people considering construction as a career. Construction labor does not only provide a first job. It can also provide experience that can be used to move into a skilled trade or another construction occupation later.

Can a Construction Laborer Make $60,000 a Year?

Yes, a construction laborer can make $60,000 or more a year, although it is not the typical salary for every worker. The possibility depends on location, experience, overtime, employer, union status and the type of construction work.

The state salary table in this article shows that the median annual wage is already above $60,000 in some states. In other states, a worker may need experience, overtime or a higher-paying project to reach that income level.

Can a Construction Laborer Make $70,000 a Year?

Some construction laborers can make $70,000 or more annually. Higher-paid workers are more likely to be in strong construction markets, have considerable experience, work overtime or have additional skills.

However, $70,000 should not be considered the standard salary for a construction laborer. The national median is considerably lower, so workers should compare the salary with their state and local market.

Is Construction Labor a Good Career Without College?

Construction labor can be a good career starting point for people who do not want to attend a four-year college. Many construction laborer positions focus on practical skills and on-the-job learning.

The bigger advantage is that workers can continue learning after getting their first job. A person may eventually become a carpenter, equipment operator, mason, roofer, electrician helper, supervisor or another construction professional.

For someone who prefers hands-on work over sitting at a desk, construction can offer a practical career path.

Final Thoughts on Construction Laborer Salary

Construction laborer salary in the USA is around $47,120 a year at the national median, with a median hourly wage of about $22.66 based on May 2025 BLS data. But the actual amount a worker makes can be very different depending on state, experience, overtime, union status, employer and type of construction project.

For someone entering the field, construction labor can be more than just a general labor job. It can be the first step toward learning a skilled trade and building a long-term construction career. Workers who continue developing useful skills can have more opportunities to move into higher-paying positions.