How to Become a Construction Laborer in 2026
Median salary: $46,730 · +7.3% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Construction Laborer do?
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Construction Laborer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Construction Laborers is $46,730. The bottom 10% earn around $34,200 while the top 10% earn over $77,530.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $34,200 |
| Early career (P25) | $38,100 |
| Median | $46,730 |
| Experienced (P75) | $58,910 |
| Top earners (P90) | $77,530 |
Highest-paying metros
Construction Laborer salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $66,100 |
| Illinois | $64,890 |
| New Jersey | $63,190 |
| Massachusetts | $62,430 |
| California | $60,540 |
| Minnesota | $58,720 |
| Rhode Island | $58,290 |
| Alaska | $57,970 |
| New York | $57,680 |
| Washington | $57,240 |
| Missouri | $53,840 |
| Wisconsin | $51,980 |
| Connecticut | $51,720 |
| Oregon | $49,970 |
| Ohio | $49,640 |
| District of Columbia | $49,520 |
| Indiana | $49,520 |
| Montana | $49,230 |
| Michigan | $48,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,480 |
| North Dakota | $48,340 |
| New Hampshire | $47,950 |
| Nevada | $47,780 |
| Iowa | $47,700 |
| Nebraska | $46,750 |
| Vermont | $46,700 |
| Colorado | $46,620 |
| Maryland | $46,320 |
| Arizona | $46,200 |
| Utah | $46,100 |
| Wyoming | $45,860 |
| Delaware | $45,590 |
| Maine | $45,540 |
| Idaho | $45,380 |
| Kentucky | $45,340 |
| Kansas | $44,810 |
| Tennessee | $44,150 |
| South Dakota | $43,470 |
| North Carolina | $42,250 |
| South Carolina | $41,310 |
| Florida | $40,820 |
| Louisiana | $40,240 |
| Virginia | $40,210 |
| Oklahoma | $40,020 |
| West Virginia | $38,770 |
| New Mexico | $38,520 |
| Texas | $38,180 |
| Georgia | $37,970 |
| Mississippi | $37,180 |
| Arkansas | $37,020 |
| Alabama | $36,300 |
How to earn more as a Construction Laborer
The salary range for Construction Laborers spans $43,330 — from $34,200 at entry level to $77,530 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $76,150 — $29,420 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA 10/30-Hour, equipment-specific operator certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Look into union apprenticeship programs — they combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3–4 years. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers standardized craft training recognized nationwide. Trade schools offer shorter programs (6–12 months) that get you working faster, though without the union benefits. Community colleges also offer construction technology programs. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry or Construction certification is required by many employers and is available online for about $25.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (NCCER, OSHA 10/30-Hour, equipment-specific operator certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers with any mechanical, driving, physical labor, or supervisory experience have a significant head start. Union apprenticeship programs accept career changers and provide paid training — typical starting wage is $15–$25/hour while you learn. Many programs offer accelerated tracks for applicants with relevant experience. If you're coming from a related trade, you may be able to enter at an advanced apprentice level. Contact your local building trades council or visit unionjobs.com to find openings.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Construction Laborer — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Construction Laborer role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Construction Laborer.
Get your personalized Construction Laborer transition plan
Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.
Get my personalized planFrequently asked questions
SOC: 47-2061.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034