Construction Worker | Salary & Job Information

Becoming a Construction Worker via Online Education?

At the very least, online education can help you lay a foundation and/or open up alternate career paths. South University, one of the highest ranking online schools, is a US school (accredited) offering construction courses to train individuals to become top-notch construction area managers, construction workers, construction professionals, construction superintendents, construction supervisors, etc. Currently, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there are 856,440 people employed as construction laborers alone in America, and their average annual salary is $33,190. Colleges and universities like South University that provide online education are successfully launching workers into this field.

Typical Work Locations for a Construction Worker
  • Freeway
  • Park
  • Construction office
  • Roadway
  • School
  • Highway
  • Maintenance facility
  • Biway
  • Housing development
  • Military support complex
Potential Advantages and Benefits of Working as a Construction Worker
  • Good salary
  • Work outside
  • Dynamic environment
  • Physical activity
  • Don't have to work weekends
  • Sense of accomplishment
  • Clear division between work and personal life
  • Little or no education required for position
  • Attain skills which can be transferred elsewhere
  • Wide spread job availability
Potential Drawbacks
  • Physically exhausting
  • Wear protective and safety equipment
  • Spend time standing
  • Sound and noise level can be distracting or uncomfortable
  • Possible very hot or cold temperatures
  • Requires manual dexterity
  • Requires physical strength
  • Work with dangerous equipment and tools
  • Communicate often with supervisors and peers
  • Time pressure
Related Professions to Consider
  • Civil Engineer
  • Architect
  • Plumber
  • Mechanic
  • Electrician
  • Building Inspector
  • Drafter
  • Project Manager
  • Roofer
  • Maintenance Technician
Possible Interview Questions When Applying to be a Construction Worker
  • Do you have previous experience working in construction?
  • What is your educational background?
  • Are you prepared to work over time if it is needed for completion of the project?
  • Do you think you can become a team leader?
  • Why are you interested in construction?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Do you enjoy being part of a team?
  • What extra skills you have which qualify you better than the other candidates?
  • What motivates you to do your best on the job?
  • Are you able to work under pressure?
Common Collaborating Professions
  • Civil Engineer
  • Mason
  • Highway Maintenance Worker
  • Material Repairer
  • Construction Manager
  • Construction Safety Engineer
  • Construction Engineer
  • Metal Fabricator
  • Carpenter
  • Drywall Installer
Construction Worker Training books Construction Worker (More) Popular books Potential Companies to Work For Common College Majors
  • Safety Applications
  • Building Trades Fundamentals
  • Framing Construction
  • Concrete Masonry Applications
  • Occupational Communication
  • Occupational Mathematics
  • Small Engine Maintenance and Repair
  • Interior Finish
  • Exterior Finish
  • Building Trades Mechanical Systems

Construction Worker Salary Information

Category: Construction laborers

Total # Employed in the US 856,440
Average Hourly Wage: $15.96/hr
Hourly Wage Range
PERCENTILE
10%25%50%75%90%
$8.86 $10.92 $14.01 $19.11 $27.05
Average Yearly Salary $33,190
Yearly Salary Range
PERCENTILE
10%25%50%75%90%
$18,430 $22,700 $29,150 $39,750 $56,270
Employment Demographics
% OF WORKERS WITH
< High School Diploma High School Diploma Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Master Degree Doctoral Degree
36.0% 39.9% 14.5% 3.8% 4.8% 0.7% 0.3%
Construction laborers — WAGES BY STATE, SORTED BY SALARY
STATEAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Indiana $23.75/hr $49,400
Alaska $23.65/hr $49,190
Oklahoma $22.81/hr $47,440
Missouri $22.5/hr $46,810
North Dakota $22.42/hr $46,620
Kansas $21.23/hr $44,160
Nebraska $21.04/hr $43,750
Delaware $20.47/hr $42,580
Virginia $20.27/hr $42,160
New Hampshire $18.95/hr $39,410
New York $18.79/hr $39,080
Colorado $18.74/hr $38,980
South Carolina $18.5/hr $38,490
Kentucky $18.03/hr $37,500
New Jersey $17.08/hr $35,530
Montana $16.76/hr $34,850
Tennessee $16.21/hr $33,710
Utah $15.86/hr $32,980
Florida $15.57/hr $32,390
North Carolina $15.31/hr $31,840
Louisiana $14.99/hr $31,170
District of Columbia $14.66/hr $30,490
Mississippi $14.57/hr $30,300
Connecticut $14.53/hr $30,230
Arkansas $14.46/hr $30,070
Maryland $14.4/hr $29,960
Maine $14.25/hr $29,640
Puerto Rico $13.96/hr $29,030
Pennsylvania $13.92/hr $28,960
Iowa $13.62/hr $28,320
Michigan $13.61/hr $28,310
Idaho $13.1/hr $27,250
Washington $13.02/hr $27,090
Guam $12.95/hr $26,930
New Mexico $12.76/hr $26,550
Massachusetts $12.71/hr $26,430
Wisconsin $12.53/hr $26,060
Hawaii $12.45/hr $25,910
South Dakota $12.32/hr $25,620
California $12.18/hr $25,340
Oregon $12.1/hr $25,170
Alabama $11.81/hr $24,560
Ohio $11.67/hr $24,270
West Virginia $11.62/hr $24,160
Nevada $11.39/hr $23,690
Wyoming $11.36/hr $23,620


Category: Construction Carpenters

Total # Employed in the US 743,760
Average Hourly Wage: $20.98/hr
Hourly Wage Range
PERCENTILE
10%25%50%75%90%
$11.83 $14.62 $18.98 $25.76 $34.01
Average Yearly Salary $43,640
Yearly Salary Range
PERCENTILE
10%25%50%75%90%
$24,600 $30,410 $39,470 $53,580 $70,750
Employment Demographics
% OF WORKERS WITH
< High School Diploma High School Diploma Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Master Degree Doctoral Degree
24.6% 43.8% 19.1% 5.2% 6.1% 0.9% 0.3%


Construction Programs by State & City