Construction Salaries by State (2025): Complete Guide to Wages, Benefits, and Career Growth

Construction worker salaries in the United States vary dramatically by state — sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars for the exact same role. That means where you work can matter just as much as what you do. This 2025 guide explores which states pay the most, why wages differ, how benefits like retirement plans and health insurance add to total compensation, and practical steps you can take to boost your income and career growth.

For deeper role-specific data, download our Construction Salary Survey or browse the latest industry insights on our Construction Blog.

Several factors shape construction pay: local demand for skilled workers, housing costs, union membership, and large-scale projects funded by programs like the federal infrastructure bill.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall construction jobs are expected to grow steadily through the decade, keeping wages in high demand across many markets.

Average Construction Salaries by State in 2025

Across the country, construction worker salaries range from the mid-$30Ks in lower-cost regions to $75K+ in high-demand states. Benefits packages such as health insurance, performance bonuses, and retirement plans can add $10K–$15K more to total compensation. This means that while the national midpoint sits near ~$58K annually (per BLS trends), many professionals see significantly higher earnings depending on their location and specialization.

Top-paying states in 2025 often include Alaska, Hawaii, New York, California, and Massachusetts.
Lower-paying states often include Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, and South Carolina.
In large metro areas like Honolulu, New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle, salaries are consistently above state averages because projects are more complex and the cost of living is higher.

Want to find a role in one of these high-paying markets right now? Check live openings in cities like Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, and Tampa on our
Construction Jobs page.

State-by-State Pay Snapshot (2025)

Note: Figures below are directional estimates for a typical construction worker salary. “Hourly” assumes 2,080 hours per year. “vs. U.S.” compares to a national midpoint near ~$58K. Always confirm with local postings and our
Construction Salary Report for role-specific data.

Quick takeaway: higher pay doesn’t always equal higher take-home income. Always consider housing, taxes, and cost of living. In some cases, a “lower-salary” state can actually deliver more money in your pocket than a high-cost coastal city.

Why Some States Pay More for Construction Workers

Why does a carpenter in one state earn $20K more than someone with the same experience in another? Several factors drive these differences in construction worker salaries and total compensation. Understanding these variables is crucial for both job seekers and hiring managers:

• Cost of living: States with expensive housing, energy, and everyday expenses (California, New York, Massachusetts) push construction jobs salaries higher to compete for talent.
• Union membership: Regions with strong union membership often see wages 10–30% higher, plus stronger retirement plans, health insurance, and safety training programs.
• Prevailing wage laws: Public projects and infrastructure programs often set higher minimum pay scales, especially in union-heavy or coastal states.
• Local demand for skilled workers: Booming metros with rapid growth (Phoenix, Nashville, Austin) face shortages of skilled workers, leading to rising pay and better benefits.
• Climate & geography: Harsh or remote conditions (Alaska, Hawaii, mountain states) demand higher wages to attract and retain construction talent.
• Licensing & certifications: In states with tougher requirements, fewer qualified workers are available, so pay rates climb.

When combined, these factors show why construction worker salaries are not simply a reflection of job role but of regional economics, state policy, and workforce needs. For job seekers, aligning skills with markets in high demand can result in higher wages and stronger long-term career growth.

Regional Highlights: Where Construction Pays More

Each region of the United States has unique wage drivers. Here’s how construction jobs are shaping up in 2025:

Northeast: Consistently among the highest averages due to dense urban centers, strict building codes, union strength, and steady public infrastructure work. States like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut lead wage growth.

West Coast: Driven by seismic retrofitting, renewable energy projects, and high population density, states like California and Washington offer some of the highest construction worker salaries nationwide. These areas also attract global talent, raising competition and wages.

Mountain West & Southwest: Rapid growth in cities like Denver, Phoenix, Austin, and Salt Lake City fuels demand for project managers, skilled workers, and specialists in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. Construction firms here are aggressively hiring to keep pace.

Midwest: Known for balanced wages and affordable living. States like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio offer competitive pay in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure. While base salaries may sit closer to the national average, lower costs often mean stronger take-home pay.

Southeast: Experiencing rapid job growth as population booms in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Hurricanes, storms, and rebuilding efforts continue to create high-demand construction jobs. Pay is rising fastest in coastal areas where skilled labor shortages are most severe.

Key takeaway: Whether you’re a laborer, carpenter, or construction project manager, location is one of the biggest factors in salary. Moving to a high-demand market can significantly boost wages and accelerate career growth.

Construction Salary by Role (2025 Estimates)

Beyond geography, your job title and level of expertise play a huge role in determining your income. Below are simplified salary ranges for common roles. These ranges reflect 2025 market conditions, with variations by state, union membership, and demand for skilled workers.

• General labor: ~$32K–$55K. Entry-level positions pay less in rural states, but in Alaska, Hawaii, and union-heavy markets, pay is substantially higher.
• Carpenter: ~$38K–$68K. High demand in the Northeast and West Coast, especially on large infrastructure and housing projects.
• Electrician: ~$45K–$85K. Roles tied to renewable energy, EV charging infrastructure, and data centers are paying premiums.
• Heavy equipment operator: ~$42K–$75K. Salaries peak in mining and oil-producing states where skilled equipment operation is critical.
• Construction manager / Project manager: ~$65K–$125K. Pay varies by project scale; large commercial and infrastructure projects often reach six figures.
• Specialties: Welders, crane operators, HVAC technicians, and licensed specialists range from ~$40K–$90K depending on certifications and demand.

For more detailed role-specific insights, explore:

• Construction Project Manager Salary Ranges
• Senior vs. Chief Estimator — Skills & Salaries
• How Inflation Pushed Construction Salaries Higher

How to Maximize Your Pay and Career Growth

If you want to earn more in construction, you need more than experience — you need strategy. Here are proven steps to increase construction worker salaries and accelerate your career growth in 2025:

• Earn the right licenses: Certifications and union cards open doors to higher-paying jobs, especially in states with strict licensing laws.
• Target high-demand states: Relocating to markets with large infrastructure programs or housing booms can significantly boost wages.
• Compare net take-home pay: A state with lower wages but cheaper housing and taxes can leave you with more in your pocket than a “high-salary” coastal market.
• Consider union membership: Beyond pay, unions strengthen benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and training programs that raise total compensation.
• Build skills in growth areas: Solar, EV infrastructure, data centers, and sustainable construction are commanding premium pay.
• Network strategically: Contractors on federal, state, and large commercial projects are willing to pay more for proven talent. Build those connections early.

Ready to explore higher-paying opportunities? Browse our
current construction job openings
— including Superintendent roles in Atlanta, Project Manager roles in Tampa, and Traveling Superintendent opportunities in Nashville.

FAQs

Which state pays construction workers the most?

Alaska and Hawaii are consistently among the top-paying states, followed closely by New York and California. Remote sites, complex projects, and higher living costs drive wages upward.

Do big cities always pay more?

Generally, yes. Cities like San Francisco, New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle tend to offer higher salaries due to project complexity and cost of living. However, higher expenses can offset the increased wages.

How much more do union jobs pay?

On average, union roles pay 10–30% more, plus stronger benefits like retirement plans and health insurance. Apprenticeship programs also offer structured career growth and wage progression.

Is it worth moving to another state for higher pay?

It depends. A state with higher salaries may also have higher housing and tax costs. Always run the numbers on net take-home pay before relocating for work.

Where can I find official wage numbers?

The most reliable data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and your state’s Department of Labor for local wage and licensing information.

Next Steps

Candidates: Want to explore higher-pay markets? Submit your resume and we’ll be in touch.

Hiring Managers: Need salary guidance or help filling roles? Start a confidential search or book a 15-minute call.