If we look at history, the USA has always been on top when it comes to highly developed infrastructure. The techniques they use to build safer and more sustainable buildings are worth praising.
However, this also calls for requiring construction workers who are skilled and knowledgeable in their field to work on tough projects.
If you're a student, a job seeker, or someone who wants to go into the field, it's important to know how much do construction workers make in the USA. Moreover, you should also know what skills you need for better career growth and future opportunities.
In this blog, we will explore the salary of a construction worker and the types of jobs available. Let's first understand the average salary of a construction worker in the USA.
How Much Construction Workers Make On An Average?
The average construction worker in the USA earns $40,750. If you're a highly experienced construction worker, you can easily make more than $51,200 per year. But, if you're a beginner in the construction industry, you can expect an average salary of around $35,330 per year.
In the end, the construction worker's salary depends on your work performance and experience in the field. However, the state you're working at also plays a major role in your salary.
Top States In the USA With Highest Salaries for Construction Workers
The cost of living and demand for construction work differs from state to state in the USA. If you take a job in a state with high demands for construction work, the company will give higher construction labor pay rates and vice versa. The best five states in the USA with the highest-paying construction salaries are:
- Hawaii, HI: $66,650
- New Jersey, NJ: $65,590
- Illinois, IL: $65,590
- Massachusetts, MA: $64,940
- New York, NY: $59,280
Applying for construction jobs in any state will help you get hired in a reputed firm. Moreover, this will also lead to higher pay and better opportunities.
But what construction jobs should you apply for, especially if you're looking for Entry-level construction job salaries? Let's explore the options in the next section.
Best Paying Jobs For Construction Workers In USA
If you're looking for jobs in the construction industry, many jobs will pay a decent salary for your work. These jobs will also help you grow in your career by gaining experience and knowledge in the field. Let's discuss what these jobs are and what they offer.
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers
As the construction industry is growing, there's always a need for elevator and escalator installers in hotels, airports, malls, etc. As an elevator and escalator installer, you have to work around escalators to make sure they are fitted and installed properly. You'll even have to look after the repair to make sure it operates safely.
Skills Required:
- Advanced technical expertise
- Advanced mechanical skills
- Knowledge of safety rules and regulations
Salary per year: $99,000
2. Boilermakers
Boilers are used as a common equipment for generating electricity and heating the water. As a boilermaker, you have to make sure that the tanks, valves, and regulators are constructed and installed properly. You might also have to do the testing, cleaning, and repairing of the boilers for better performance and safety.
Skills Required:
- Technical knowledge in the field
- Advanced welding skills
- Attention to detail
Salary per year: $66,920
3. Construction and Building Inspectors
As a construction and building inspector, you have to work around blueprint and building regulations to make sure the project is getting constructed according to the given standards. This job requires high knowledge of the construction field to analyze and verify all the standards and regulations met.
Skills Required:
- Regulatory knowledge of construction
- High analytical skills
- Attention to knowledge
- Good communication skills
Salary per year: $64,480
4. Tapers
After the building is constructed, tapers add the finishing touches to the wall by making it more smooth. This makes sure that wallpaper or paint will stick properly to the wall, giving it a visually appealing look.
Skills Required:
- Drywall expertise
- Attention to detail
- Tool proficiency
Salary per year: $62,360
5. Iron And Steel Workers
As an iron and steel worker, you have to work with steam girders, beams, and other such material to make the framework of the project. This job also involves you to use heavy machinery to make sure that the steel and iron materials are framed properly, avoiding any construction or safety issues.
Skills Required:
- Advanced metalworking skills
- Heavy machinery operation
- Safety practices and awareness
Salary per year: $60,500
6. Electricians
As an electrician, you have to look after the installation and maintenance of wired devices and circuits. This makes sure that the electricity is properly supplied in the buildings, offices, etc., depending on the project you work on.
Skills Required:
- Advanced electrical knowledge
- Troubleshooting
- Regulatory Awareness
Salary per year: $60,240
7. Plumbers
As a plumber, you have to make sure that the pipes are fitted properly so that the water can flow from one place to another without any leak. You;ll be mostly required in households, industrial buildings, and commercial buildings.
Skills Required:
- Advanced plumbing skills
- Tool proficiency
- Problem-solving skills
Salary per year: $60,090
Now that you know the best jobs in the construction industry, let's explore the factors that influence the construction workers salary.
Key Factors Influencing Construction Worker's Salaries
While the job designation and state where you're working as a construction worker matter a lot, there are many other factors that affect your salary as a construction worker. These factors are:
1. Economic Cycle
One important factor influencing the salary of a construction worker is fluctuations happening in the economic cycle. If the fluctuations are higher, your salary might get hampered because of it.
2. Labor Market Conditions
If there's a lot of demand for laborers in the construction industry, your salary will only rise. But if there's less demand, you might not get the desired salary because of the less need for the construction workers.
3. Geographic Location
If you're working in a state that has a lot of projects going on, the company might give higher salaries to construction workers for their skills to bring the desired results. Also, if the cost of living is higher in the location, the company is supposed to give a higher salary to cover that as well.
4. Type of Construction
Your salary also depends on the type of project you're working on. It can be commercial, residential, or other areas as well. Depending on the budget of the project, the company decides the pay for the construction workers.
5. Government Regulation
If the government has set some laws and regulations, the company has to follow the standards. As a result, this can cause fluctuation in your salary.
But thanks to the proven strategies that we have, you can always look forward to increasing your salary as a construction worker.
Strategies To Increase Salaries As A Construction Workers
While there are many factors that affect a construction worker's salary, the good part is you can always utilize strategies to increase your salary. If applied properly, these strategies can even help you get jobs that pay 100k a year. Let's explore what these strategies are in a detailed way.
1. Deliver Results To Show Skills
Work on your skills, and when you're given a project, apply those skills to bring the desired results. This way, you can build a good reputation in front of your managers and other officials, helping you get an increment due to your expertise.
2. Focus On Building Connections
Try to involve yourself in conversations and talk to other team members to know more about the work. This shows that you are enthusiastic about the work and are open to more opportunities, increasing your chances of being hired in a better role.
3. Open Yourself To Change
There are many soft and hard skills that are required in construction jobs. Learning these skills will expand your expertise and knowledge in the field. This shows that you're open to change and are always trying new things to grow your expertise. Officials love dedicated workers, and being open to change can help you land a higher-salary job.
4. Do Consulting Or Freelancing
You don't have to work for a company all the time to generate a high income. If possible, look for freelancing projects where you get the money for the time you offer. This way, you'll have another source of income and a new opportunity as well to grow your money and skills.
Conclusion
If you're looking to join the construction industry, learning how much do construction workers make is important to understand the dynamics of the industry.
The construction industry offers plenty of roles that have good salaries and career growth. Applying the proven strategies given in the blog will help you increase your salary and stay ahead in the field.
All the best for your new journey!