The the Average Salary of Construction Workers
Construction workers perform a wide range of tasks on building sites. They may tend machines, assemble scaffolding, unload and organize building supplies, or help craftworkers like carpenters and electricians. Many tasks require no formal education but are learned on the job. Formal training through apprenticeships is available for learning more complex tasks such as reading blueprints, or use of complex tools.
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Working Conditions
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Construction workers generally work outdoors and are exposed to heights, chemicals, odors, loud noises or dangerous machinery. They have one of the highest rates of nonfatal injuries and sickness of any profession. Safety clothing such as hardhats, gloves, ear plugs and chemical suits can minimize any danger. They typically work a standard 40-hour week, though those doing highway activities may need to work late at night. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2009, the median salary for construction workers is $29,150 per year, with a range of $18,430 to $56,270. This breaks down to $14.01 per hour, with a range of $8.86 to $27.05.
Employers
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The biggest employers of construction workers are specialty trade contractors whose work does not include foundations, building exteriors, or highway, street and bridge construction. They comprise nearly 15 percent of the total 856,440 positions and pay a mean $15.65 per hour or $32,550 per year. The next largest employer, according to the bureau, is nonresidential building construction, with almost 14 percent of the jobs, paying a higher mean at $17.23 per hour or $35,840 per year. The highest paying employers are the motion picture and video industries, with compensation at $30.46 per hour or $63,360 per year, but with only 100 jobs, these highest-paying industries are difficult to find work in.
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Geography
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The state with the highest salaries for construction laborers is Hawaii, with mean wages at $23.75 per hour or $49,400 per year for 4,610 jobs. New York is also among the top five states for pay. It has lower mean wages at $22.81 hourly or $47,440 yearly, but higher employment with 44,710 jobs. The city with the highest paying employers is New York City at $26.09 per hour or $54,270 per year. It also has great opportunities with 23,600 positions.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees jobs for construction laborers growing by 20 percent until 2018, which is much faster than average for all jobs. The growing population will feed this demand, since they require places to live, work and play. Opportunities will be best for those with experience and specialized skills, especially if they can relocate to areas with new projects.
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References
- Photo Credit Hard working construction worker at a construction scene. image by Andy Dean from Fotolia.com
