General Laborer Pay by City: What Construction Laborers Make Across Major U.S. Markets (2026)
Quick Answer
The national median wage for construction laborers and helpers is $22.14 per hour ($46,050 per year), according to BLS May 2024 data — the most recently published full dataset. That number moves significantly by market: laborers in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago earn 25–40% more than the national median, while markets in the South and parts of the Midwest pay 10–20% below it. Experience, union status, and project type all drive the number further. This article breaks down what laborers actually earn across 20+ major U.S. markets so you can benchmark your own rate.
The National Baseline: What the Data Shows
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey tracks wages for Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061) across all 50 states and more than 400 metropolitan areas. The most recent complete dataset is from May 2024.
Fact: The national median wage for construction laborers and helpers was $22.14/hr ($46,050/year) in May 2024, per BLS OEWS. The top 10% earned more than $36.33/hr; the bottom 10% earned less than $16.16/hr.
The median is the most useful benchmark for workers — half the country's laborers earn above it, half below. But the median alone doesn't tell you whether your local market pays more or less than average, or where your experience level should place you within the range. That's what market-level data is for.
One clarification on terminology: BLS classifies general construction laborers under SOC 47-2061 and construction helpers (who work alongside specific trades) under SOC 47-3010 through 47-3019. The wages are similar but not identical. This article primarily covers SOC 47-2061 or general construction laborers, which is the largest group and most comparable to what most non-union commercial and industrial labor jobs pay.
Pay by Market: High, Mid, and Lower-Cost Metro Areas
Where you work is one of the biggest levers on your hourly rate. The markets below are drawn from BLS OEWS May 2024 data and current labor market surveys. They're organized by regional tier from premium markets, mid-tier markets, and lower-cost markets so you can see the full range.
Table 1 · General Laborer Median Hourly Wage by Major U.S. Market
Median hourly wage for construction laborers (SOC 47-2061) by metropolitan area. Sourced from BLS OEWS May 2024 metropolitan area data and supplemental 2025 labor market surveys. Figures reflect all experience levels and union/non-union combined.
| Market | State | Median Hourly | Est. Annual (2,080 hrs) | vs. National Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward | CA | ~$30–$32 | ~$62,400–$66,600 | +36–45% |
| New York–Newark–Jersey City | NY/NJ | ~$26–$29 | ~$54,100–$60,300 | +17–31% |
| Boston–Cambridge–Newton | MA | ~$26–$28 | ~$54,100–$58,200 | +17–26% |
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | WA | ~$25–$27 | ~$52,000–$56,200 | +13–22% |
| Chicago–Naperville–Elgin | IL | ~$24–$26 | ~$49,900–$54,100 | +8–17% |
| Washington, DC–Arlington | DC/VA/MD | ~$23–$25 | ~$47,800–$52,000 | +4–13% |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim | CA | ~$23–$25 | ~$47,800–$52,000 | +4–13% |
| Minneapolis–St. Paul | MN | ~$22–$24 | ~$45,800–$49,900 | 0–+8% |
| Denver–Aurora–Lakewood | CO | ~$22–$24 | ~$45,800–$49,900 | 0–+8% |
| Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington | PA/NJ | ~$22–$24 | ~$45,800–$49,900 | 0–+8% |
| Las Vegas–Henderson–Paradise | NV | ~$21–$23 | ~$43,700–$47,800 | −5 to +4% |
| Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale | AZ | ~$20–$22 | ~$41,600–$45,800 | −9 to 0% |
| Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach | FL | ~$19–$21 | ~$39,500–$43,700 | −14 to −5% |
| Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington | TX | ~$19–$21 | ~$39,500–$43,700 | −14 to −5% |
| Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land | TX | ~$19–$21 | ~$39,500–$43,700 | −14 to −5% |
| Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta | GA | ~$18–$20 | ~$37,400–$41,600 | −19 to −10% |
| Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia | NC | ~$18–$20 | ~$37,400–$41,600 | −19 to −10% |
| Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro | TN | ~$18–$20 | ~$37,400–$41,600 | −19 to −10% |
| United States (national median) | — | $22.14 | $46,050 | Baseline |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024 metropolitan area data (SOC 47-2061), Salary.com 2025 city-level data, PayScale 2026 city surveys. Ranges reflect combined union and non-union workers. Non-union wages typically run 10–20% below the range shown; union wages typically run 20–40% above. National median of $22.14/hr is BLS May 2024 (SOC 47-2061 and 47-3010 combined). Applying BLS Employment Cost Index wage growth of +3.1% (Q1 2026) to May 2024 baseline suggests a current national median near $23.50/hr.
Fact: San Francisco-Oakland ($30–$32/hr) and New York City ($26–$29/hr) are consistently the two highest-paying markets for construction laborers in the country. Both combine union density, high cost of doing business, and prevailing wage requirements on public work.
A few things to note when reading market pay data: The figures above represent median wages for the full laborer population in each market, including both union and non-union workers. Non-union wages in a given market typically run 10–20% below the median; union wages run 20–40% above. Project type also matters as civil and industrial work (infrastructure, utilities, heavy highway) generally pays 10–15% more than residential labor in the same metro.
What Moves the Number Within a Market
Market location sets the floor. But within any given metro area, your individual rate is driven by several compounding factors. Understanding them is the difference between earning at the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile in the same city.
Union vs. Non-Union
The union premium is significant and consistent. According to BLS data, union construction workers earned a median of $1,585 per week in 2025, compared to $1,132 for non-union workers — a gap of roughly 40%. For laborers specifically, that gap tends to be 20–35% depending on the local and the market. Markets with strong Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) presence, including New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle, show the widest union-to-non-union gaps.
Fact: Union construction workers earned roughly 40% more per week than non-union workers in 2025, per BLS Current Population Survey data. The gap has narrowed slightly as open-shop contractors compete harder for workers, but it remains significant at the laborer level.
Project Type
On the commercial side, data center construction, hospital and healthcare projects, and industrial plant work consistently pay above the market median for laborers. Highway and heavy civil work also pay a premium — often 10–20% above standard commercial rates — partly because the work is physically demanding and often involves night shifts and OT. Residential labor is typically the lowest-paying segment in any market.
Experience and Certifications
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 cards are the baseline for most commercial sites and are required by many general contractors before you step foot on the job. Having them doesn't automatically increase your rate, but not having them limits where you can work. Flagging certifications, confined space training, and hazmat awareness can add $1–$3/hr on top of base rate for the right project.
Prevailing Wage Work
On public construction projects funded by federal or state money, Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage rates apply. These rates are set by the Department of Labor for each trade and county and are typically well above private-sector wages for the same work. A general laborer on a prevailing wage highway project in Texas may earn $25–$28/hr where the private-sector rate is $18–$20/hr. Prevailing wage work is worth identifying as it's where government funding shows up as take-home pay for workers.
Regional Breakdown: What to Expect by Geography
Broad regional patterns hold across the data:
Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA)
The highest-paying region for construction laborers. New York City leads nationally. Boston, Hartford, and Philadelphia all pay above the national median. Union density is the primary driver. LIUNA locals are well-organized and maintain strong wage floors. Public construction spending (transit, schools, infrastructure) adds prevailing wage work to the mix.
West Coast (CA, WA, OR)
Strong wages driven by high cost of living, union density in the major metros, and booming commercial construction in tech corridors. San Francisco and Seattle are top-tier markets. Los Angeles and San Diego are competitive but slightly below SF and Seattle due to larger non-union labor pools. Portland pays above the national median but trails the California markets.
Midwest (IL, MN, OH, MI, WI)
Mixed picture. Chicago and Minneapolis pay at or above the national median with solid LIUNA presence. Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee all pay near or slightly below the median. The Midwest offers better real wages than coastal markets on a cost-of-living adjusted basis as $22/hr in Columbus goes further than $25/hr in Los Angeles.
Southwest and Mountain West (TX, AZ, CO, NV)
Texas is a dominant construction market by volume but a lower-wage market by rate. Houston, Dallas, and Austin all pay below the national median for general laborers. This reflects a large non-union labor pool and lower cost of living. Denver and Las Vegas pay closer to the national median; Denver is trending higher with data center and infrastructure work. Phoenix is mid-market.
Southeast (FL, GA, NC, TN, SC)
Generally below the national median, with Miami being the notable exception due to high development volume and cost of living. Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Raleigh have all seen wage growth from construction booms, but remain below the national median for general labor. Right-to-work laws reduce union density, which holds wages lower relative to Northeast and West Coast markets.
Table 2 · Regional General Laborer Pay Comparison
Typical hourly wage range for general construction laborers by U.S. region. Includes entry-level through experienced workers, non-union and union. Source: BLS OEWS 2024 state and metro data.
| Region | Key Markets | Typical Hourly Range | Union Density | Key Pay Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA | $22–$32+ | High | Strong LIUNA locals; dense public construction; prevailing wage on most government work |
| West Coast | CA, WA, OR | $22–$32 | High (major metros) | High cost of living; tech sector construction demand; strong union presence in SF, Seattle, LA |
| Midwest | IL, MN, OH, MI, WI | $19–$26 | Moderate to high | Chicago and Minneapolis lead; better real wages than coastal markets on cost-of-living basis |
| Mountain West / Southwest | CO, AZ, NV, UT | $19–$24 | Low to moderate | Denver trending higher with data center and infrastructure work; Phoenix and Las Vegas mid-market |
| Texas | Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio | $18–$22 | Low | Massive construction volume; large non-union labor pool holds rate down; prevailing wage projects pay significantly more |
| Southeast | FL, GA, NC, TN, SC | $17–$21 | Low | Right-to-work states; fast-growing markets (Charlotte, Nashville, Raleigh) seeing upward wage pressure; Miami leads the region |
Ranges cover entry-level through experienced workers in both union and non-union settings. Union laborers in high-density metros typically earn at or above the top of the range shown; non-union entry-level workers typically fall at or below the bottom. Source: BLS OEWS 2024 state data, BLS Current Population Survey union wage data.
Entry Level vs. Experienced: How Pay Grows
General laborer pay is not flat. It scales with experience, and the trajectory is steeper than many workers realize. BLS percentile data for May 2024 shows the range:
Bottom 10% (entry level, <1 year): $16.16/hr or less — typically day-labor or residential demolition/cleanup work
25th percentile (1–2 years): $18–$20/hr — basic commercial site work, established employer relationship
Median (3–5 years): $22.14/hr — the national benchmark for a working laborer with consistent commercial experience
75th percentile (5–10 years, specialized work): $28–$30/hr — industrial, civil, or prevailing wage work; foreman track
90th percentile (top earners): $36+/hr — union journeyman laborer in a high-wage market, or specialized skill (hazmat, tunneling, concrete finishing)
Fact: The gap between entry-level and top-10% laborer wages is more than 2x: $16/hr vs. $36+/hr. Moving from the 25th to the 75th percentile from $19/hr to $28/hr is achievable in 4–6 years through consistent commercial work, certifications, and market selection.
The fastest path from entry-level to top-of-range wages is combining market selection (move to a higher-paying metro or target prevailing wage work), certifications (OSHA 30, equipment operation, confined space), and project type (shift from residential to commercial and industrial). Workers who do all three typically move from $18–$20/hr to $26–$30/hr within 5–7 years.
Moving Up: What Pays More Than a General Laborer
The laborer classification is the entry point not the ceiling. The most direct paths to higher pay from a general laborer role:
Equipment operator: Heavy equipment operators (SOC 47-2073) earned a national median of $24.38/hr in May 2024. Crane operators and specialized equipment operators earn $30–$45/hr. A laborer who can run a skid steer, compact excavator, or plate compactor becomes more valuable immediately.
Concrete finisher / form setter: Cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051) earned a national median of $24.95/hr. Gaining hands-on concrete experience while working as a laborer is a direct path up.
Laborer foreman / crew lead: Foreman differentials typically run $3–$6/hr above the base laborer rate. Leading a crew of 3–6 workers on a commercial site is achievable within 5–8 years and can push total comp to $32–$40/hr in major markets.
LIUNA apprenticeship: The Laborers' International Union apprenticeship runs 2–4 years and graduates at journeyman scale, which is often $28–$38/hr depending on the local. The apprenticeship includes specialized training that unlocks premium work (tunneling, hazmat, demolition).
Table 3 · General Laborer vs. Adjacent Trade Roles: Pay Comparison
How general laborer pay compares to the next-step roles that laborers commonly move into. National median wages from BLS OEWS May 2024. All figures are for non-supervisory workers; foreman differentials are listed separately.
| Role | BLS SOC | National Median Hourly | Annual (Median) | Path from Laborer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | 47-2061 | $22.14 | $46,050 | Baseline |
| Cement Mason / Concrete Finisher | 47-2051 | $24.95 | $51,900 | Hands-on experience on concrete pours; formal apprenticeship available |
| Operating Engineer (general) | 47-2073 | $24.38 | $50,700 | On-site equipment exposure; IUOE apprenticeship; skid steer / excavator certifications |
| Pipelayer | 47-2151 | $24.16 | $50,200 | Utility and civil laborer work; natural progression on infrastructure jobs |
| Crane Operator | 47-2021 | $33.91 | $70,530 | NCCCO certification required; longer path but significant pay increase |
| Laborer Foreman / Crew Lead | N/A (differential) | Base + $3–$6/hr | +$6,200–$12,500 | 5–8 years experience; demonstrated reliability; supervising 3–6 workers |
| LIUNA Journeyman (union scale) | 47-2061 (union) | $28–$45 (varies by local) | $58,200–$93,600 | LIUNA apprenticeship (2–4 years); available in major metro markets with active LIUNA locals |
National median wages from BLS OEWS May 2024. LIUNA union scale figures represent typical journeyman rates in major metro locals and vary significantly by local agreement. Crane operator figures are for mobile crane and tower crane operators combined. Foreman differential is an estimate based on typical commercial construction practice; actual differential varies by contractor and market.