Construction Worker Salary in 2026
Construction workers perform physical labor on construction sites, operating tools and machinery, moving materials, and assisting specialized tradespeople with building projects.
Median Salary
$47,120
$3,927/mo
Entry Level
$32,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$61,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061) at a national median of $47,120 per year (mean $52,030), or $22.66 per hour, with 1,096,780 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Construction Worker Overview
Construction workers perform physical labor on construction sites, operating tools and machinery, moving materials, and assisting specialized tradespeople with building projects.
Education
High School Diploma
Experience
0-1 year
Industry
Construction
Total Jobs (US)
1.1M
5-Year Growth
+9%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$22.66/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,927
Construction Worker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Construction Worker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Construction Worker Salary
$51,000
$4,250/month · $1,962/biweekly · $24.52/hr
Construction Worker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Construction Worker field.
Entry-level Construction Workers earn around $32,100, while the top 10% earn $68,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Construction Workers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $56,000 | +$8,880 |
| New York | $54,000 | +$6,880 |
| Texas | $46,000 | $-1,120 |
| Florida | $46,000 | $-1,120 |
| Georgia | $46,000 | $-1,120 |
Top Paying Cities for Construction Workers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New YorkBLS metro | $61,270 | +$14,150 |
| Los Angeles | $53,000 | +$5,880 |
| Miami | $48,000 | +$880 |
| Houston | $47,000 | $-120 |
| Atlanta | $46,000 | $-1,120 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Construction Laborers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (1 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Construction Worker Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Construction Worker.
- Austin, TX
- Boise, ID
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Clarksville, TN
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Fort Worth, TX
- Fresno, CA
- Houston, TX
- Indianapolis, IN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Louisville, KY
- Mcallen, TX
- Miami Beach, FL
- Miami, FL
- Minneapolis, MN
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Orlando, FL
- Pasadena, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- Sacramento, CA
- Salinas, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Savannah, GA
- Seattle, WA
- Tampa, FL
- Wichita, KS
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Construction Worker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Construction Worker from entry level to expert.
$32,100
0-2 years
$47,000
3-7 years
$61,000
8-14 years
$76,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Construction Worker Salary FAQ
How much does a Construction Worker make in 2026?
The median salary for a Construction Worker in the United States is $47,120 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061); the mean is $52,030. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $32,100, senior professionals around $61,000, and top earners at $76,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Construction Worker?
A Construction Worker typically requires a High School Diploma with 0-1 year of experience. Key skills include Manual Labor, Tool Operation, Safety. Relevant certifications such as OSHA 10 or First Aid/CPR can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Construction Workers?
The job market for Construction Workers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 1.1M Construction Worker positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 9%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Construction Workers the most?
The highest-paying states for Construction Workers include Texas, California, Florida. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $46,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Construction Worker salary?
To increase your Construction Worker salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Manual Labor and Tool Operation. Pursue certifications such as OSHA 10. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 0-1 year of experience, you can progress from $32,100 to $61,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Construction Worker Salary
How we calculate Construction Worker salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $47,120, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Construction Laborers; BLS mean $52,030; BLS hourly median $22.66.
- Entry-level ($32,100) and senior-level ($61,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 1,096,780 Construction Laborers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 9% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Construction sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: High School Diploma, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $47,120; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Construction Worker compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction Worker job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Construction
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Construction Worker salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Manual Labor, Tool Operation, Safety), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.