Construction Laborer Salary Guide
National median: $47,120/yr · Range: $35,811–$59,371 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Construction Laborer Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 47-2061.00. SOC occupation: 47-2061 (Construction Laborer).
Construction Laborer Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $58,310 | $72,610 | $84,240 |
| San Jose, CA | $56,850 | $68,470 | $80,910 |
| New York, NY | $45,450 | $61,270 | $92,350 |
| Chicago, IL | $46,290 | $60,890 | $100,750 |
| Columbus, OH | $47,760 | $60,540 | $77,340 |
| Seattle, WA | $49,230 | $59,740 | $77,020 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $47,310 | $58,810 | $77,610 |
| San Diego, CA | $48,480 | $57,180 | $71,390 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $46,660 | $55,120 | $71,480 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $45,760 | $51,040 | $62,580 |
| Denver, CO | $44,670 | $48,760 | $57,070 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $41,160 | $46,910 | $51,800 |
| Nashville, TN | $38,840 | $46,190 | $50,480 |
| Charlotte, NC | $38,190 | $45,850 | $49,760 |
| Austin, TX | $38,150 | $44,000 | $48,100 |
| Dallas, TX | $37,840 | $43,960 | $47,400 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $37,840 | $43,960 | $47,400 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $36,760 | $43,480 | $48,180 |
| Houston, TX | $37,070 | $41,350 | $47,590 |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,640 | $39,390 | $45,500 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Construction Laborer Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Construction Laborer | $33,926 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Construction Laborer | $43,350 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Construction Laborer | $55,601 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Construction Laborer | $66,910 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $79,161 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Construction Laborer Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- OSHA 10/30 certification
- Skid steer / equipment operation
- Concrete finishing experience
- Flagger certification
- Trade apprenticeship enrollment
- Valid driver's license
How to Negotiate a Construction Laborer Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Construction Laborer roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($47,120) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Construction Laborer Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Construction Laborer pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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