How Much Does Construction Pay
What Is The Average Salary Of A Construction Worker?
Those who are looking to begin their construction career as a construction worker may be wondering, how much does construction pay? The national average construction worker salary is $50,514 per year, and $4,209 per month, as of October 2023. This depends on factors like location, experience and the specific type of construction work being done.
A skilled and experienced construction worker, particularly those in specialized trades, is likely to earn a higher wage than a general laborer. Bear in mind that this number changes according to labor demand, economic factors and other variables.
How Much Do Construction Workers Make Per Hour?
How much does construction pay per hour? The average experienced construction worker salary per hour is $24.29 in the US as of October 2023. The majority of construction workers get paid an hourly wage between $16.59 and $22.12 however, which suggests that there are many opportunities for advancement for construction workers.
How Much Do Construction Workers Make Per Year?
On average construction workers make around $50,514 annually. Over the past few years, there has been a clear upward trend in construction worker’s salaries, which is a good indication for those who are actively seeking construction worker employment and asking how much does construction pay. Salaries can vary greatly depending on the area and job type.
Best Paying Construction Jobs
The construction industry offers a wide range of jobs, from construction laborers to civil engineers. Some of these positions can be significantly higher paying for various reasons. To answer the question how much does construction pay, here are the top 5 highest paying construction jobs:
1 – Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the entire construction project, from planning stages until the project is complete. Construction managers will co-ordinate and manage the work the subcontractors are doing, to make sure that the project is done within the timeline and budget that have been decided on. Construction managers have a high level of responsibility, so their salaries reflect this.
2 – Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are an integral part of many construction and infrastructure projects, such as bridges, highways and buildings. A civil engineer’s job includes project planning, design, materials selection, construction management, risk assessment and cost estimation. Civil engineering is a dynamic field that requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
3 – Architect
Architects are predominantly involved in the design phase of a project. Their creative and technical skills are both vital parts of a construction project, as they create detailed design plans and drawings, including architectural blueprints and 3D models. These plans encompass the building’s layout, spatial organization, materials, and structural elements.
4 – Structural Engineer
The role of a structural engineer is to ensure the safety, stability, and integrity of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Their key tasks include analyzing structural components, developing safe designs, selecting appropriate materials, adhering to building codes, overseeing construction, assessing safety, and collaborating with various professionals. Structural engineers earn higher salaries because they have a high level of responsibility to ensure the integrity of construction projects.
5 – Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. They create electrical plans for construction projects, which need to be compliant with safety standards and codes, then select the right components, and oversee the installation and maintenance of the electrical systems. This level of responsibility commands a higher salary as the successful completion of construction projects hinges on electrical engineers.
Top 10 Best Paying Construction States
Construction salaries vary from state to state, due to the cost of living, demand for construction, unionization, local regulations, economic conditions, skills and overall competition. The top 10 states when it comes to construction salaries range from New York to Wyoming.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| New York | $58,396 | $4,866 | $1,123 | $28.08 |
| Vermont | $52,710 | $4,392 | $1,013 | $25.34 |
| Maine | $52,566 | $4,380 | $1,010 | $25.27 |
| Massachusetts | $51,446 | $4,287 | $989 | $24.73 |
| Nevada | $51,384 | $4,282 | $988 | $24.70 |
| New Jersey | $51,084 | $4,257 | $982 | $24.56 |
| Wisconsin | $50,933 | $4,244 | $979 | $24.49 |
| Washington | $50,466 | $4,205 | $970 | $24.26 |
| Oregon | $50,144 | $4,178 | $964 | $24.11 |
| Wyoming | $49,787 | $4,148 | $957 | $23.94 |
Best Paying Construction Cities
The best paying construction cities range from San Francisco, with an annual salary of $63,235 to Hayward, with an annual salary of $58,384. However, it’s noteworthy that most of the cities in this list are situated in California. When we’re answering the question how much does construction pay, let’s take a look at the 10 best paying cities for construction in the US.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| San Francisco, CA | $63,235 | $5,269 | $1,216 | $30.40 |
| San Jose, CA | $61,101 | $5,091 | $1,175 | $29.38 |
| Fremont, CA | $61,091 | $5,090 | $1,174 | $29.37 |
| Oakland, CA | $60,292 | $5,024 | $1,159 | $28.99 |
| SF Bay Area, CA | $59,424 | $4,952 | $1,142 | $28.57 |
| Orange County, CA | $59,130 | $4,927 | $1,137 | $28.43 |
| Antioch, CA | $58,979 | $4,914 | $1,134 | $28.36 |
| Lebanon, NH | $58,503 | $4,875 | $1,125 | $28.13 |
| New York, NY | $58,396 | $4,866 | $1,123 | $28.08 |
| Hayward, CA | $58,384 | $4,865 | $1,122 | $28.07 |
What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Construction Worker?
Construction laborers are good positions to use to kickstart a construction career, and a formal degree is typically not required for these and many other construction jobs. However, there are some qualifications and requirements that can make it easier to become a construction worker. A high school diploma isn’t always a requirement for construction laborers, but it can be a beneficial qualification to use to demonstrate that you are a competitive candidate.
A general construction worker position (such as construction laborers) should possess certain practical skills which can help them stand out from other candidates in a job application and further their construction career. These skills include the ability to use hand and power tools, reading blueprints and understanding construction drawings and plans.
Certain construction specialties will require certification, for example jobs that require operating heavy machinery. The certifications that are involved with these jobs require written and practical exams that demonstrate competency in these areas. For construction laborers however, this may not be required.
Depending on the job, a drivers license may be required. Safety knowledge may also be needed, particularly for construction laborers, which includes understanding the safety protocols and regulations for the construction industry and using personal protective equipment.
Resources Used In This Post – https://www.ziprecruiter.com/
Additional Resources
This Construction Loan Calculator quickly works out the maximum loan amount that you can qualify for when applying for a Construction Loan.
Find out the latest Construction Loan Rates here. This guide explores what rate you are likely to qualify for.
First and foremost, you need to know the location of the development and you also need to have building plans and permits.
The typical down payment on a construction loan is between 10% and 20% of the total project cost.
Some lenders are better than others. This guide reveals the Best Construction Lenders at this moment in time.
This guide explains out how you can get started in the Construction Industry.
This is a step-by-step guide which explains how to start a Construction Business.
There are 3 main types of Construction Loan. This guide highlights the differences between them.
There are various US banks providing different Construction Loan options for real estate investors
There are a number of differences between a Construction Loan and Mortgage. Each difference is fully explored in this guide.