What is the average construction salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for the construction industry is good. Job growth is set to rise by 7% in the next ten years. If you’re looking for a career path with opportunities for advancement, construction could be a good fit. With some hard work, construction workers can earn a competitive salary. But what is a construction worker? And how much do they make? In this guide, we’ll tell you about some of the most popular construction careers. We’ll also tell you about the top responsibilities and how much you can expect to make. Plus, we’ll show you where to look for work.

What is a construction worker?

A construction worker is someone who works on a construction site. They work on projects of all sizes, including new homes, renovations, commercial and industrial buildings, bridges, roads, and railways. There’s a range of construction jobs available, including construction laborers, construction managers, electricians, roofers, tilers, and carpenters. Some positions, such as laborers, are entry-level. For this type of role, a high school diploma and physical fitness are what you will need for a job. Other roles, such as construction management, require a bachelor's degree. Construction workers work full-time, part-time, or seasonally. They often are paid an hourly rate with overtime.

How much can you make in construction?

Want to know how much a construction worker makes? Let's take a look at the average salary for some of the top job titles.

1. Construction laborer

Construction laborers unload building materials, prepare domestic and commercial construction sites, dig trenches, and assist skilled tradespeople. These general contractors usually receive training on the job. This can often lead to an apprenticeship. Construction laborers need to be physically fit, have basic math skills, and be self-motivated. What is the average construction laborer salary? The national average salary for construction laborers is $37,520 per year or $18.04 per hour. The highest-paying state in the US is Illinois. Construction laborers working there receive an average salary of $61,930 per year. Texas is one of the lowest-paying states, with an average base salary of $35,850. Where to look for a construction laborer job If you want to start your career in construction work, browse construction laborer positions on Jobcase.

2. Construction manager

​​A construction manager or superintendent creates plans, sets budgets, and supervises workers. They make sure any health and safety requirements are met and that the job meets state building codes. The construction manager usually works on-site. For this construction worker job, applicants need a bachelor's degree and construction experience. They need to have leadership skills and math skills. What is the average construction salary? The median salary for construction managers is $98,890 per year. The average hourly wage is $47.55 per hour. Construction managers in Alaska earn the most, with an average salary of $150,230 per year. Next is New Jersey, with an average of $144,050. One of the lower-paying states is Texas, with an average yearly salary of $102,540. Where to look for a construction manager job You can browse construction manager positions on Jobcase.

3. Construction project manager

Construction project managers oversee large building projects. They’re responsible for marketing, approvals, and securing real estate. They don't always have experience in construction, but they do need a bachelor's degree. For example, they may have a Bachelor of Engineering. What is the average construction project manager salary? The salary range for a construction project manager is $100,970 per year. New Mexico is one of the highest-paying states at over $123,160 per year, while those working in Ohio make around $85,740. Where to look for a job as a construction project manager You can browse construction project manager positions on Jobcase.

4. Project engineer

Project engineers come up with concepts and designs for projects. They may help build infrastructure and often supervise projects. Engineers work in a range of industries, both public and private. For example, they’re involved in the construction of buildings, bridges, and roads. Project engineers need a bachelor’s degree. What is the average project engineer salary? The average annual salary for project engineers is $88,050 or $42.33 per hour. The highest-paying state is California, with a median yearly salary of $109,890. You can compare this to Hawaii, where the average salary is $85,280. Where to look for a job as a project engineer You can browse project engineer positions on Jobcase.

5. Carpenter

Construction carpenters work with wood, drywall, and other common building materials. They follow blueprints, cut and install structures, and construct walls and doors. They use a range of tools, including saws, drills, and cranes. Carpenters work on new structures, and they may also repair existing ones. Most carpenters learn their trade through an apprenticeship. What is the average carpenter salary? The average salary for carpenters in the US is $48,260 per year or $23.20 per hour. The top-paying state for carpenters is Hawaii. The average salary is $79,200 per year. Compare this to South Dakota, where the average yearly carpenter salary is $40,260. Where to look for a carpenter job You can browse carpenter positions on Jobcase.

6. Electrician

An electrician is a skilled laborer. They work with electrical power and components, such as wiring, heating, and light fixtures. They install electrical systems during the construction process. Electricians need to read blueprints and troubleshoot faults. These workers can be involved in new or existing projects. Most electricians complete an apprenticeship. What is the average electrician salary? The typical salary for an electrician is $60,040 per year or $28.87 per hour. One of the highest paying states for electricians is Illinois. The average salary is $83,140 per year. In North Dakota, the average salary is $67,750 per year. One of the lowest-paying states is Texas, where electricians make $53,080 per year. Where to look for an electrician job? You can browse electrician positions on Jobcase.

7. Plumber

Plumbers are valuable members of the construction trade. They read blueprints and install pipes and other fixtures. For example, they do the plumbing for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. If there are any issues, a plumber will be called to make repairs or replace components. Plumbers may be required during the initial construction stage to lay pipes. They work on both new and existing projects. Plumbers usually learn the trade through an apprenticeship. What is the average plumber salary? The median annual wage for a plumber is $59,880 or $28.79 per hour. The average pay range can vary between states. The highest paying state is Illinois, where plumbers make around $86,200 per year. In Rhode Island, the average is $65,090 per year. Compare these figures to one of the lowest paying states, which is Florida. Plumbers here make an average of $48,120 per year. There are wage advancement opportunities for those who start their own business. Where to look for a plumber job? You can browse plumber positions on Jobcase.

8. Glazier

Glaziers work with glass. Construction tasks include installing windows, shower screens, skylights, and other glass fittings in new projects. Glaziers also replace broken or aging windows. They use a range of tools and cut glass to custom sizes. They expertly secure glass into frames and make sure windows are sealed. Glaziers usually work toward the end of the construction timeline. Glaziers need math skills, attention to detail, and manual dexterity. Most glaziers complete an apprenticeship. What is the average glazier salary? The national average salary for glaziers is $47,180 per year or $22.68 per hour. The highest paying state for glaziers is New Jersey, with an average salary of $80,160 per year. The wage estimate for a glazier in Massachusetts is $70,660. One of the lowest paying states is Texas, where the average is $41,830 per year. Where to look for a glazier job? Browse glazier job postings on Jobcase. 9. Brick mason Brick masons lay bricks, stones, and concrete blocks. It's a common career in construction as these workers are needed on a range of construction projects. For example, brick masons build walls, fences, and driveways. They need to cut the materials and use mortar to secure the bricks in place. Brick masons use a range of tools, including trowels and power tools. Brick masons need to be physically fit with good manual dexterity. Most brick masons learn the trade on the job. What is the average brick mason salary? The average annual figure for a brick mason is $48,040 per year or $23.09 per hour. Massachusetts is the highest paying state, with an average annual salary of $90,360. New Jersey is next, with an average salary of $87,930 per year. One of the lowest paying states for brick masons is Florida, with $42,850 per year. Where to look for a brick mason job? Browse brick mason positions on Jobcase.

10. Roofer

Roofers install roofs on a range of construction projects, including domestic, commercial, and industrial properties. They also make repairs or replace roofs that are leaking or damaged. Roofers make sure structures are waterproof and that any roofs have the correct ventilation. They use different construction equipment and components, including nails, screws, and power tools. All materials need to be cut to size, so roofers need to be detail-oriented. These construction workers need math skills and manual dexterity. The role can involve working at heights. Most roofers learn on the job. What is the average roofer salary? The average salary for a roofer is $47,110 per year or $22.65 per hour. Alaska is the highest paying state for roofers. The average salary is $76,760 per year. In Connecticut, roofers can expect to make $63,950. Some of the lowest-paid roofers are in Texas, where the average salary is $40,030 per year. Where to look for a roofer job? Browse roofer positions on Jobcase.

Starting your career in construction

If you want to work in construction, you may be wondering what the top-paying jobs are. In this salary report, we explained what’s involved with construction work. We also gave you a rundown of some of the most popular job types with their average salaries. We told you about laborers, construction managers, project managers, project engineers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, glaziers, and roofers. If you're ready to work, you can browse all construction positions in your area. Or, if you need help with your resume and application, you can visit our Getting Hired Resource Center for expert tips!