How much does a construction worker make?
a year · about $24 an hour
A typical construction worker in the United States makes $49,910 a year, about $24 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They arrive at a job site, clear debris, move supplies, and dig or prepare tools for the next stage. They may use drills or saws and help electricians or plumbers, then tidy the work area.
Did you know? In the U.S., teens can work on construction sites at 16, but under-18s may do only limited jobs and use limited tools.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $36,510 and $78,700How do you become one?
In the U.S., no special degree is usually needed; some employers prefer a high-school diploma, and new workers learn on the job. Some train through apprenticeships and safety courses; teens may do limited construction work from age 16.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful skills, safety certificates, the kind of employer, and location can all affect pay. Specialized or harder tasks and the hours or shifts worked can also make a difference.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($70,540), lowest in Florida ($45,120).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36,510 | $49,910 | $78,700 | about 28,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $70,540 | about 960 |
| California | $60,890 | about 3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,950 | about 620 |
| Colorado | $54,380 | about 1,000 |
| Ohio | $54,020 | about 1,000 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.ht
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes474090.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-4091.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.osha.gov/young-workers-construction/appropriate-jobs
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY