How much does a construction worker make? This varies according to what kind of construction the worker is skilled in. Some construction workers make a lower rate of pay, while other more skilled workers make a high hourly salary. The construction industry is compiled of three major segments of work: the construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction contractors, and specialty trade contractors. General contractors are the most common construction work done, focusing on a specific type of construction. The construction industry may involve a number of jobs skills, including plumbers, builders, electricians, and roofers. Construction on offices, schools, apartments, houses, factories, roads, and bridges are a portion of the projects the construction industry is involved in. Workers entering the construction industry out of high school typically start work in the industry as helpers, laborers, or apprentices.
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How much does a construction worker make per hour?
In 2008 the average for production or nonsupervisory construction workers averaged $21.87 an hour, or approximately $842 a week. Construction workers with more training, such as electricians and plumbers, get paid more than construction trades workers with less education and training. Most people assume construction workers are always working and make a good salary. The construction industry depends on seasonal work, when the weather goes bad it can be tough on construction workers. Geographic location in the U.S. plays a key role in the earnings of a construction worker, with bad weather often preventing construction workers from working.
The hourly wages below are from a report by BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2008, for construction workers includes all industries, including construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction and specialty trade contractors.
Industry And Hourly Wages
Construction managers $38.39
First-line supervisors/managers
of construction trades
and extraction workers $27.95
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters $21.94
Electricians $22.32
Operating engineers and other
construction equipment operators $18.88
Carpenters $18.72
Cement masons and concrete finishers $16.87
Painters, construction and maintenance $15.85
Construction laborers $13.71
Heating, air conditioning, and
refrigeration mechanics and installers $19.08
How much does a construction worker make per year?
The median salary for construction workers in the U.S. is $51,000. The national salary trend from indeed.com shows annual salary figures for a variety of construction workers:
Industry And Annual Wages
Construction Worker $51,000
General Construction $55,000
Masonry Worker $42,000
Electrical Worker Supervisor $67,000
Labor Maintenance Worker $46,000
Highway Maintenance Worker $29,000
Maintenance Worker Supervisor $62,000
The construction industry involves new structure builds, as well as site preparation, additions and modifications. Construction work is also needed for existing structures, including repair, maintenance, and improvements on these structures.
The U.S. recession and credit crisis has severely affected the construction industry since 2007. Home prices fell, foreclosures rose in overbuilt parts of the country while new home construction dropped. In the past the construction industry has generally been a high paying industry for workers. Currently it appears skilled construction workers, such as electricians and plumbers, have a better opportunity of finding consistent work during the recession.