Construction Worker

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks construction laborers under SOC code 47-2061. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $47,120 (

$22.66/hr), with 1,096,780 workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow 7.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 129,400 openings expected each year.

Key Takeaways

• Median pay: $47,120 per year ($22.66/hr)
• Top 10% earn: more than $78,090 per year ($37.54/hr)
• Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $35,090 per year ($16.87/hr)
• Projected growth: 7.3% from 2024 to 2034
• Annual job openings: ~129,400 per year through 2034
• Workers employed nationwide: 1,096,780
• Highest-paying state: Hawaii (median $77,110)
• State with most workers: Texas (123,250 employed)

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed July 24, 2026.

Quick answer: You can start working as a construction laborer within weeks once you have a high school diploma or GED and basic safety training. Many workers build the career through a registered apprenticeship with a union such as LIUNA, which pays you while you learn over a few years, or through a trade-school or community college program. Costs vary by program and school, and most apprenticeships pay you while you train. Entry-level jobs usually do not require a license, though job sites expect OSHA safety training. The median construction laborer wage is $47,120 per year ($22.66/hour), and employers post about 129,400 openings nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025).

Construction laborers build and support the structures around us, from homes and schools to roads, bridges, and commercial buildings. The work is hands-on, pays a solid wage, and does not require a four-year degree. This guide explains how to get started, what training covers, and how licensing and certifications can apply by state.

How to Become a Construction Worker

Most people get into construction faster than into many other careers. There is no single licensing exam to pass at the entry level. Instead, you build the career through basic education, hands-on training, safety certification, and real job-site experience.

• Meet the basic requirements

Start with a high school diploma or GED, which most apprenticeships and employers require. Useful high school or adult-education coursework includes math, especially measurements and fractions you will use for layout and material estimates, plus shop, welding, or any class that puts tools in your hands. Many roles require a valid driver’s license, and some sites ask for a clean drug screen and the physical ability to lift, bend, and stand for long shifts. If you are a career changer, you usually do not need to repeat school. Skills from past jobs, such as reliability, teamwork, and following directions, carry over well to a job site. Showing up on time and being willing to learn matters as much as anything on a resume when you are starting out.

• Get into an apprenticeship or trade program

This is where you build real skills, and you have a few solid paths. A registered apprenticeship, such as those sponsored by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), pays you while you learn over several years and combines paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction in concrete, demolition, scaffolding, and site preparation.

Trade-school programs offer shorter, focused training and often help with job placement.

Community college programs can lead to certificates or associate degrees in construction technology or construction management, which help if you want to move into supervision later. Apprenticeships are popular because you earn a paycheck and graduate with little or no tuition debt. When comparing options, ask about the trades covered, how hands-on hours work, and what credentials you finish with.

• Complete safety and skills certifications

Safety training is expected on nearly every job site. The standard credentials are the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Construction outreach cards, which cover hazard recognition, fall protection, and your rights and responsibilities on site. Many general contractors will not let you start without one. Beyond OSHA,

NCCER offers construction-trades curricula and credentials that document skills in areas like core construction, carpentry, and concrete, and these portable credentials can help you move between employers and states. Depending on the work, you may also pick up certifications for equipment operation, scaffolding, flagging, or first aid and CPR. Each certificate you add makes you more useful on a crew and easier to hire.

• Gain on-the-job experience

Training gets you ready, but employers want to see you can do the work. Apprenticeships build this in by placing you on real job sites alongside journey-level workers, where you learn how to read site plans, set forms, mix and pour concrete, and operate tools and machinery safely. If you start outside an apprenticeship, an entry-level laborer or helper position gets you onto a crew where you can learn the workflow and earn references. Treat the early months as paid learning: ask questions, watch experienced workers, and master the basics of site safety. Reliability and a strong work ethic get noticed fast, and they are what lead to more responsibility and higher pay.

• Advance to a specialty, supervisor, or contractor role

Construction offers clear ways to grow. With experience you can specialize in a trade such as carpentry, masonry, concrete finishing, or heavy-equipment operation, each of which can raise your earning potential. Strong, dependable workers often move up to lead positions like foreman or site supervisor, managing crews and schedules. If you want to run your own jobs, many states require a contractor license to bid and operate independently, with requirements that vary by state and specialty. Check your state licensing board before bidding on projects. Continuing education, added NCCER credentials, and a track record of safe, quality work all support these moves.

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What Do Construction Workers Do?

The term construction worker covers a wide range of roles, from general laborers to specialized tradespeople and licensed contractors. Laborers handle the physical groundwork that keeps a project moving and support the skilled trades on site.

Common Duties Include

• Building residential and commercial structures
• Reading blueprints and site plans
• Operating machinery and power tools
• Pouring concrete, framing walls, or setting up scaffolding
• Loading, unloading, and moving materials
• Maintaining safety standards on job sites

As you gain experience, you can specialize in areas like carpentry, masonry, concrete finishing, roofing, or general contracting.

Skills That Make Great Construction Professionals

• Physical strength, stamina, and coordination
• Blueprint reading and basic math
• Teamwork and clear communication
• Attention to safety and detail
• Time and task management
• Reliability and a strong work ethic

If you like building things with your hands and seeing tangible results, construction can be a strong fit.

Construction Training Options

Whether you are starting out or upskilling, training options include:

• Union apprenticeships with organizations such as LIUNA. Earn while you learn with structured on-the-job hours and benefits.
• Trade-school programs. Short-term, hands-on training, often with career support.
• Community college programs. Certificates or associate degrees in construction technology or construction management.

Licensing and Certifications

Depending On Your Role And State, You May Need

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction safety cards for job-site access
• NCCER credentials that document trade skills
• General contractor license (varies by state)
• Specialty contractor license (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and others)

Tip: Always check with your state licensing board before starting independent work or bidding on projects.

See State Licensing Guides

Career Growth and Advancement

Projected job growth for construction laborers Use this chart on your site (free)

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With experience, construction workers can move into roles such as:

• Skilled tradesperson in carpentry, masonry, or concrete finishing
• Equipment operator running heavy machinery
• Foreman or site supervisor who manages crews and schedules
• General or specialty contractor running independent jobs

Cost and Duration of Training

• Program cost: varies by program and school. Registered apprenticeships pay you while you learn and often carry little or no tuition.
• Time to start: many laborers begin within weeks; registered apprenticeships run a few years.
• Certifications: OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction cards and optional NCCER credentials.

Compare programs directly, since tuition and length differ by state and format.

Pros and Cons of Construction Work

Pros

• Steady demand and projected job growth
• No college degree required
• Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn
• Clear paths to specialty, supervisor, or contractor roles

Cons

• Physically demanding work
• Outdoor and seasonal conditions
• Risk of injury if safety is ignored

Quick Facts: Construction Worker Salary, Education, and Outlook

Median Pay $47,120 $22.66/hr Top 10%: $78,090

Job Outlook (2024-2034) 7.3% 129,400 openings/yr

Employment (2025) 1,096,780

Wage Percentiles 25th $38,620 75th $59,740

Typical Education High school diploma or GED

On-the-Job Training Apprenticeship or moderate-term on-the-job training

Highest Paying States HawaiiNew JerseyMassachusetts

Top Industries Cross-industry

Certification Optional (OSHA 10/30, NCCER)

2025 data | SOC 47-2061 | Source: BLS OEWS

What construction laborers earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free)

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Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies

These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

• Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Primary construction laborer union; sponsors registered apprenticeships.
• OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 Construction Safety Standard job-site safety training cards.
• NCCER Construction trades curricula and credentials.

Wage and Employment Charts

Top-paying states for construction laborers Use this chart on your site (free)

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Workplace Safety Snapshot

BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 316.9 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in construction laborers (about 3.17 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does construction worker training take?

Many people start working as a construction laborer within weeks once they have a high school diploma or GED and basic safety training. A registered apprenticeship through a union such as LIUNA usually runs a few years, combining paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction, and leads to higher pay and specialized skills.

Do you need a college degree to work as a construction worker?

No. A college degree is not required to work in construction. Most people enter through an apprenticeship, a trade-school or community college program, or direct on-the-job training. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.

How much does construction training cost?

Costs vary widely by program and school. Registered apprenticeships, such as those sponsored by LIUNA, pay you while you learn and often carry little or no tuition. Trade-school and community college programs charge tuition that differs by state, length, and format, so compare programs directly before enrolling.

Do you need a license or certification to work in construction?

Entry-level construction laborer jobs usually do not require a license. Most job sites do expect safety training such as an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction card, and NCCER credentials can help you stand out. Specialty and contractor roles may require a state-issued license, so check your state's requirements.

Is construction work hard?

The work is physically demanding and often takes place outdoors in heat, cold, or seasonal conditions. It rewards stamina, attention to safety, and reliability. Many workers value the hands-on nature of the job and the chance to see finished structures they helped build.

Is construction a growing career?

Yes. BLS projects 7.3% employment growth for construction laborers between 2024 and 2034. Employers are expected to post about 129,400 openings nationwide each year over that period as workers retire or move into other roles.

How many construction laborers work in the United States?

BLS reports approximately 1,096,780 construction laborers employed nationwide as of May 2025, with a median wage of $47,120 per year ($22.66 per hour).

How Construction Worker Pay Compares to Similar Trades

Side-by-side comparison of Construction Worker and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Construction Worker this guide $47,120 +7.3% 129,400 Carpentry $60,580 +4.5% 74,100 Plumbing $63,800 +4.5% 44,000 Electrician $63,190 +9.5% 81,000 Welding $53,750 +2.2% 45,600

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers

• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Electrician
• Welding
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Construction & Insulation Listings

Advance Your Career with a Degree

Experienced Construction Worker professionals often step up into degree-track careers where field experience is a hiring advantage:

• Civil Engineer - median pay $100,840 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Land Surveyor - median pay $75,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Architect - median pay $99,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Health and Safety Engineer - median pay $115,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Welding Engineer - median pay $112,860 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Landscape Architect - median pay $79,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Cartographer & GIS Specialist - median pay $81,390 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Mining Engineer - median pay $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree
• Construction Project Manager - median pay $102,320 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree

See all trade careers that require a 4-year degree.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)

Outcome figures such as graduation, completion, and job placement rates are reported by schools and by federal data sources, reflect prior student cohorts, and are not a prediction or promise of future results. Individual outcomes may vary.

Construction Worker Salary by State

BLS OEWS, May 2025

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State Median annual Top 10% annual New Jersey $64,060 $106,140 Illinois $60,690 $105,040 Massachusetts $63,390 $98,880 New York $55,930 $96,590 Hawaii $77,110 $96,490 Minnesota $60,260 $96,150 Washington $57,720 $95,110 California $60,270 $93,620 Rhode Island $57,240 $88,620 Alaska $58,060 $83,710 Missouri $56,730 $83,470 Wisconsin $56,100 $80,920 Ohio $56,080 $79,110 Oregon $50,860 $78,410 Nevada $48,990 $76,660 Connecticut $58,290 $76,520 Indiana $50,070 $74,740 Pennsylvania $49,400 $74,670 District of Columbia $50,020 $72,320 North Dakota $49,070 $71,210 Michigan $49,590 $69,890 Iowa $48,490 $68,900 Montana $49,830 $63,980 Delaware $45,550 $63,730 South Carolina $42,940 $63,370 New Hampshire $49,980 $63,310 Utah $46,550 $63,310 Idaho $46,940 $63,190 Colorado $47,900 $62,010 Nebraska $47,260 $61,780 Vermont $48,580 $61,710 Maryland $46,960 $61,670 Arizona $46,590 $60,930 West Virginia $42,670 $60,550 Maine $46,430 $60,520 Kentucky $45,710 $60,200 Louisiana $38,230 $60,090 Kansas $44,840 $60,070 Tennessee $45,000 $59,990 North Carolina $44,720 $59,970 Florida $44,030 $58,900 Oklahoma $39,360 $58,070 Wyoming $46,030 $57,590 Virginia $43,560 $57,110 Texas $40,620 $56,930 Georgia $38,990 $56,450 New Mexico $38,400 $53,590 Mississippi $37,710 $52,640 South Dakota $45,710 $52,350 Alabama $36,900 $49,740 Arkansas $37,630 $48,410

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.