How Much Do Construction Workers Make?

How much do construction workers make? The answer depends on education, experience, and location. According to compensation data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median salary falls around $37,080 with an hourly wage of $17.83. These numbers, however, are likely to change over the next few years.

Construction Worker Salary Information

The BLS predicts the construction worker job market will experience significant job growth between 2016 and 2026, as compared to the national average. That expansion is reflective of attempts to resolve the skilled labor shortage the industry is experiencing.

According to a survey conducted by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 66 percent of construction firms have increased base pay rates for workers. Another 29 percent have begun providing incentives and bonuses to attract new workers. The more demand for skilled laborers, the more money construction workers stand to make.

Other factors that help determine construction worker salaries in the United States include education, experience, and area of interest. Keep reading for more information.

Education

While not all positions demand an education, some formal training can help support requests for a higher construction worker salary. The hands-on experience provided by institutions like New England Tech provides graduates with skills that can take years to develop on-site. Often, that ability is rewarded with a higher wage. 

Experience Level

Salaries can also be dictated by the amount of experience a worker has. According to a report conducted by Career Explorer, a starting-level construction worker earns just over $21,000 per year. A mid-level construction worker makes slightly more, with an average salary of around $32,000. Meanwhile, a top-level construction worker will receive over $47,000 per year.

Area of Interest

Construction falls under a wide umbrella of labor. Though most of the work revolves around performing physically demanding tasks on a job site, there are certain specialties that offer more generous compensation. Construction managers, elevator installers, and boilermakers, for instance, are some of the most well-paid positions in the industry.  

Location

When it comes to the construction industry, urban areas typically offer higher wages than rural areas. This is largely due to the fact that big cities can provide a much higher volume of work. The cost of living is also higher in urban areas, meaning workers can demand more out of their paycheck.

Best Paying States for Construction Workers

Skilled laborers can find work anywhere in the United States, but compensation will vary from state to state. Different locations will also lend themselves to different employment opportunities, depending on the average number of construction projects the area experiences. 

According to information collected by the BLS, the top-paying states, along with their average annual salaries, include:

The organization has also determined the lowest-paying states:

Conclusion

The associate, bachelor, and master degree programs offered at the New England Institute of Technology can help students prepare for successful careers in construction.

Our hands-on curriculum introduces the concepts of design, building systems, components, engineering, and construction practices of Construction Management while expanding your problem-solving, critical thinking, and management skills.

Students can access a number of resources on our Rhode Island campus to help them pursue successful careers in the field. Our Career Services department is also available to help graduates start their job search immediately upon graduation. Get in touch with one of our representatives today!

FAQs

Do construction workers in the United States get paid well?

Construction workers in the United States make a good living, with a median annual pay of $37,080. Though, this number may vary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $25,770, while the highest 10 percent make more than $65,780.

How much does a construction worker make per day?

This answer largely depends on how many hours a day you spend on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a construction worker in the United States earns an average hourly wage of $17.83.

What construction jobs pay the best?

Construction managers, elevator installers, and repairers, and boilermakers receive more competitive salaries than others in the field. The compensation these professionals receive average around $97,180, $84,990, and  $63,100, respectively.