— General Laborer wage guide · Updated for 2026
General Laborer wages by state
General laborers are the backbone of the jobsite, supporting crews, moving materials, preparing work areas, and helping projects stay on schedule. See which states pay General Laborers the most, explore wages across the country, and drill into your state for an exact number.
Top-paying states for General Laborers
— Highest paying markets
These are statewide averages across different experience levels — from entry-level workers to experienced laborers, all blended together. They don't reflect your years of experience, specialized skills, or sector. For your actual number, run it through the wage calculator.
01
California
$26–$35/hr
Strong construction activity and major infrastructure projects
02
New York
$25–$34/hr
Large-scale construction and strong union presence
03
Washington
$24–$33/hr
Active commercial development and infrastructure work
Massachusetts
$24–$32/hr
Strong demand across construction and public projects
04
Find General Laborer pay in your state
— All 48 states
Rates shown are statewide averages for General Laborers. Select any state for the full breakdown and a personalized calculator.
Every rate below is a single statewide average — it does not account for your years of experience, specialized skills, or sector. Click into your state and use the calculator there to get your real number.
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What drives General Laborer pay state to state
General Laborer wages vary by state based on construction activity, local demand, project size, and cost of living. States with major infrastructure programs, commercial development, and large construction projects often offer more opportunities for reliable laborers.
Experience with tools, materials, jobsite safety, and specialized tasks can also help workers move into higher-paying roles. Union representation and large-scale projects may further influence local pay.
Use the calculator on any state page to see how your experience, skills, and sector can affect your rate.
Don't guess your rate — calculate it.
Get a personalized pay range based on your state, experience, skills, and sector, then create a free profile to get matched with contractors hiring General Laborers near you.