Construction
Industry Salary Overview
Building construction, infrastructure, and specialty trades
Industry Statistics (2024)
Salary Distribution
Top Occupations by Employment
| Occupation | Employment | Median Wage | Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Occupations | 8,127,130 | $60,320 | $70,100 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 4,731,730 | $58,650 | $64,430 |
| Construction Trades Workers | 3,817,750 | $56,870 | $61,990 |
| Construction Laborers | 892,690 | $47,070 | $52,130 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 741,160 | $48,170 | $51,910 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations | 707,050 | $59,450 | $63,650 |
| Management Occupations | 657,460 | $106,780 | $124,060 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 629,040 | $78,900 | $84,750 |
| Carpenters | 594,410 | $59,890 | $64,890 |
| Electricians | 582,130 | $61,420 | $68,650 |
| Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations | 531,520 | $57,350 | $60,700 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 495,230 | $83,270 | $92,080 |
| Business Operations Specialists | 429,250 | $83,690 | $92,500 |
| Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 401,250 | $62,120 | $69,290 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 374,640 | $62,820 | $70,340 |
| Construction Equipment Operators | 334,080 | $60,360 | $68,180 |
| Other Management Occupations | 308,670 | $105,060 | $117,520 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 302,390 | $58,770 | $61,480 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 295,700 | $60,950 | $69,180 |
| Top Executives | 283,200 | $106,230 | $128,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in construction?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2024), the average annual wage in construction is $70,100. This varies by occupation and location.
How many people work in construction?
The construction sector employs approximately 8,127,130 workers nationally as of 2024.
What are the highest-paying jobs in construction?
Based on median wages, some of the top-paying occupations include All Occupations, Construction and Extraction Occupations, Construction Trades Workers, and others listed in the table above.
Related Sub-Industries
- 23--24 - Sector 23 - Construction
- 236000 - Construction of Buildings
- 236100 - Residential Building Construction
- 236200 - Nonresidential Building Construction
- 237000 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- 237100 - Utility System Construction
- 237130 - Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
- 237200 - Land Subdivision
- 237300 - Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- 237900 - Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- 238000 - Specialty Trade Contractors
- 238100 - Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
- 238110 - Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors
- 238140 - Masonry Contractors
- 238160 - Roofing Contractors
- 238200 - Building Equipment Contractors
- 238210 - Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- 238290 - Other Building Equipment Contractors
- 238300 - Building Finishing Contractors
- 238310 - Drywall and Insulation Contractors
- 238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
- 238900 - Other Specialty Trade Contractors
Data Source
All salary and employment data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data represents 2024 annual averages. For methodology details, visit our methodology page.