How Much Do Construction Workers Make? 2025 U.S. Salary Guide
Construction work has always been a cornerstone of the American economy. From homes and schools to bridges and skyscrapers, these projects wouldn’t exist without the hardworking people in the construction industry.
It’s a tough but rewarding career that opens the door to a ton of opportunities, no matter your skill level or experience.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How much do construction workers make in the United States?” you’re not alone.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a career in construction or you’re hiring for your next big project, this guide will help you get a feel for salaries within the construction industry in 2025.
Content Table
Is Construction a Good Career in 2025?
Short answer? Absolutely. Construction is booming, with massive growth in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady 4% growth rate for construction jobs through 2030. Plus, there’s currently a severe labor shortage, which means higher wages and more opportunities for people ready to dive in.
Beyond the paycheck, construction offers a sense of pride and accomplishment. Every completed project becomes a tangible part of your community.
One of the best aspects of a construction career is the low barrier to entry. No college degree? No problem. Start as a general laborer, learn on the job, and climb the ladder. Specializing in trades like plumbing or electrical work can significantly boost your earnings.
Take Miguel, for example. He started out as a general laborer in Austin, Texas, earning $15/hour.
Miguel quickly realized he had a knack for carpentry, so he began taking evening classes at a local trade school. Two years later, he’s a certified carpenter earning $28/hour. He’s now considering moving into project management, where he could see his salary jump to six figures.
Here’s a glimpse of career trajectories and potential salaries:
- General Laborer: Entry-level roles often start around $35,000 per year.
- Skilled Tradesperson: With certifications, you could earn $50,000–$70,000 annually in fields like plumbing or electrical work.
- Project Manager: Advanced roles like this can bring in $100,000 or more per year.
What is a Construction Worker, And What Do They Do?
A construction worker is someone involved in the building and maintenance of structures like homes, offices, roads, and more.
Depending on their role, they usually perform tasks involving physical labor in construction sites using hand and power tools.
Moreover, they also might handle tasks such as digging, general labor, operate machinery, or specialize in other construction trades like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
For example, Sarah, a general laborer, turned heavy equipment operator from Colorado. Sarah began by cleaning up job sites and moving materials. She eventually learned to operate a backhoe during a project where the team was short-handed. Now she runs heavy machinery full-time, making $35/hour.
Here’s a snapshot of common tasks:
- Preparing job sites (clearing debris, leveling ground).
- Operating tools and machinery.
- Building structures such as walls, roofs, and decks.
- Performing finishing work like painting, tiling, or flooring.
Want to keep track of tasks? Tools like Time Tracking Software ensure that projects stay on schedule and labor hours are accurately logged.
Average Construction Worker Salary in the United States
On average, construction workers in the U.S. earn about $46,000 per year. Entry-level roles might start closer to $35,000, while experienced workers or specialists can easily make $55,000 or more.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Median Salary: $42,000
- Top 25%: $55,000+
- Bottom 25%: $35,000
Hourly rates generally range from $18 to $30, with specialists earning even more. For instance, electricians or welders often make $40/hour or higher.
For example,Tom, a welder from Chicago. Welding is a high-skill trade, and Tom’s expertise in structural welding earns him $42/hour. He’s currently working on a new bridge project, which he describes as his dream job.
What About Fixed Rates for Projects
Hourly rates are common, but many projects operate on a fixed-price basis. Here’s how they compare:
- Hourly Rates: $18–$40/hour, depending on skill level and role.
- Fixed Project Rates: Charges are based on the type of project and its complexity.
Examples of fixed prices:
- Roof Installation: $7,000–$15,000
- Bathroom Remodel: $5,000–$10,000
- Deck Construction: $4,000–$12,000
Jessica, a general contractor from California, prefers fixed pricing for her clients because they are easier for her clients to budget, and it allows her team to focus on quality without watching the clock
Need to create a professional invoice for one of these jobs? Check out Invoice Maker to send polished, accurate bills that impress clients.
Construction Worker Salary by Years of Experience
Does experience matter? Yes. Experience plays a huge role in how much you can earn. Here’s what you might expect:
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $30,000–$35,000/year.
- Mid-Level (3–7 years): $40,000–$50,000/year.
- Experienced (8+ years): $55,000–$70,000/year.
Take a carpenter, for example. They might start out earning $35,000, but after a decade of experience and additional training, they could move into project management and pull in $80,000 or more annually.
Want to keep tabs on your career growth or your team’s performance? Use tools like Reporting Software to analyze earnings, project trends, and more.
Construction Worker Salary State-by-State
Location is another big factor in wages. States with high demand for construction or a higher cost of living often pay more. Meanwhile, less populated areas or those with lower living costs, like Alabama or Nebraska, tend to offer lower average salaries.
Top 5 Highest-Paying States:
- Hawaii: $68,500/year
- New Jersey: $67,000/year
- Illinois: $66,500/year
- Massachusetts: $65,000/year
- New York: $61,000/year
If you’re in the big cities, the numbers get even better. Honolulu, Chicago, and Boston are some of the highest-paying spots for construction workers, with average salaries ranging from $67,000 to $70,000. For example, Danielle, a roofer in Honolulu, earns $70,000/year.
Whether you’re working in New York or Nebraska, staying organized with tools like Export to PDF ensures you can save and share important project documents without hassle.
What Affects Construction Worker Rates?
Several factors influence construction worker rates. Here are the biggest ones:
1. Skill Level
- Skilled tradespeople like electricians or plumbers earn way more than general laborers. For example:
- General Laborer: $15–$20/hour
- Electrician: $25–$40/hour
- Ironworker: $35–$50/hour
Construction workers can upgrade they skills by completing construction apprenticeship programs.
2. Location
Economic conditions, cost of living, and demand for construction services vary by region, influencing wage levels.
Urban areas with high living costs and robust construction activity tend to offer higher wages to attract skilled labor. A roofer in California might make $60,000, while one in Alabama earns $35,000.
3. Union Membership
Unionized workers often benefit from collective bargaining agreements that secure higher wages. They often make 10–30% more than their non-union peers.
Plus, they usually get better working conditions and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. better benefits. Frank, a Union Electrician, from New York earns $45/hour, about 25% more than his non-union counterparts.
4. Project Type
Salaries differ based on the nature of the work.
For example, roles in commercial construction or specialized sectors like infrastructure development may offer higher pay compared to residential construction.
Larger commercial projects typically pay more than small residential ones. Wiring a skyscraper in Chicago? You’re likely earning top dollar.
5. Economic Conditions
Broader economic trends, including inflation rates and labor market dynamics, impact wage levels across industries, including construction.
6. Material Costs
Rising costs of materials and equipment such as lumber, steel, or concrete can indirectly affect labor rates.
For contractors and tradespeople, tools like Receipt Scanner can help track expenses and keep your budget in check when material costs fluctuate.
How to Hire a Construction Worker
Finding the right construction worker for your project requires a little planning. Here’s how to do it:
- Determine Your Needs: Do you need general labor or a specialist?
- Research Rates: Understand local market conditions to offer competitive pay.
- Post a Job Ad: Platforms like Indeed or trade-specific boards are great places to start.
- Vet Candidates: Check certifications, references, and past projects.
Once you’ve hired the right people, tools like Notifications and Client Portal make it easy to keep everyone in the loop and streamline communication.
Tools to Manage Construction Worker Costs
Keeping track of labor costs is essential for contractors and project managers. Tools like Construction Management Software can help you:
- Track hours and wages.
- Manage project budgets.
- Streamline invoicing and payments.
What Affects Construction Worker Rates?
Looking ahead, several projections provide insight into expected salary trends for construction workers in 2025:
1. General Wage Growth
Surveys and market analyses suggest that overall salary increases across various industries are anticipated to range between 3.5% and 3.9% in 2025.
2. Construction Industry Specifics
While specific projections for construction worker salaries are limited, industry reports indicate a potential slowdown in wage growth. For instance, an analysis by AWCI forecasts a deceleration in wage and salary income growth to 4.7% in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2024 and 5.4% in 2023.
3. Industry Outlook
The construction sector is expected to experience moderate growth, with projections indicating an 8.5% increase in total U.S. construction starts in 2025. This growth is driven by positive economic outlooks, strong government spending, and declining interest rates, which support expansion in both residential and nonresidential building sectors.
4. Opportunities
With the demand for green building and sustainability becoming a top priority, the demand for skilled workers in eco-friendly construction is set to grow even further in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Construction isn’t just a job—it’s a career that builds the future. From skyscrapers in bustling cities to peaceful suburban homes, the work you do has a tangible, lasting impact. But beyond the pride of creation, construction offers real financial stability and room for growth.
For those just starting, it’s a field with minimal barriers to entry and nearly unlimited potential. And if you’re hiring, understanding market rates and trends will ensure you attract the best talent while staying within budget.
Whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or manage a successful project, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the construction industry. Keep an eye on trends, use the right tools to keep your projects running smoothly. Here’s to building a bright future!
Download Construction Management Software today!
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