A construction worker is someone who works as part of a construction team and performs a variety of activities on construction sites, many of which include physical labor. However, there are several jobs that do not require working on a construction site. In this post, we will look at the definition of a construction worker, as well as the average expected salary per hour in different states including California, New York, Oregon, Georgia, Canada, and Singapore. We’ll also look at the qualifications required to be a construction worker.
Construction Worker Definition
The phrase construction worker can apply to a variety of professions within the business, but it often refers to someone who does a variety of conventional construction activities during all phases of a construction project.
There are, however, people that specialize in specific areas, such as
- Building demolition
- Hazardous materials removal
- constructing highways and roads
- tunneling and mine shafting
- Putting down concrete or asphalt
Many construction workers use simple tools like brooms and shovels, while others use more sophisticated tools like pavement breakers, jackhammers, and surveying equipment.
Various Roles of a Construction Worker
Because construction work entails a wide range of duties, it necessitates a diverse set of talents. Construction involves a wide range of roles, not only those found on construction sites.
Here are a few examples of construction job roles:
- Manager of construction
- Architect
- Site supervisor
- General construction worker
- Engineer in civil engineering
- Electrician.
What are the Responsibilities of a Construction Worker?
A construction worker’s responsibilities will differ depending on the role they play. All construction employees must follow strict health and safety requirements.
Among the responsibilities are:
- Setting up the construction site, which includes cleaning up any debris or risks.
- Moving and prepping the materials for the project
- constructing or relocating a variety of constructions such as scaffolding, bridges, or barriers, and so on
- preparing the ground for construction – i.e. digging trenches, filling holes, or compressing the soil
- Using equipment such as diggers, concrete mixers, hammers, and drills
- Assisting other craftspeople such as joiners and roofers, among others
- Liaison with project planners, designers, or architects to ensure project needs are satisfied
Workers with specialized training may be able to take on additional responsibilities, such as getting certified to remove asbestos, lead, or chemicals, or supporting craftworkers such as electricians and carpenters with a number of basic tasks.
What Qualifications Should a Construction Worker Have?
The qualifications needed to become a construction worker vary based on the position. Many jobs in the construction business can be obtained by:
- Apprenticeships
- College
- Traineeships
- University
- Experience at work
What is a Construction Workers’ Earning Potential?
The earning potential in the construction business varies based on your function. Some more specialized roles, such as stonemason or electrician, may pay more than a general construction operative.
The average salary for a ‘on-the-tools’ construction worker in the US is between $17,000 and $30,000.
When fully trained and experienced, professions that demand additional training and abilities, such as architect or civil engineer, are likely to command a salary of $60,000 or more.
Are you cut out be a Construction Worker?
Workers in the construction industry have distinct characteristics. They are realistic people, which implies they are self-sufficient, stable, persistent, sincere, practical, and thrifty. They prefer tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical work. Some are also entrepreneurial, which means they are daring, ambitious, forceful, outgoing, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.
What is it like to work as a Construction Worker?
Construction employees are subjected to physically demanding tasks. They carry hefty objects and frequently bend their bodies to reach inaccessible regions. Some people labor at tremendous heights, while others work in tunnels. Most people work outside in all kinds of weather.
They must wear earplugs and gloves around loud equipment, as well as gloves, safety glasses, and other protective equipment.
What Is the Average Construction Worker Salary by State?
Here is a breakdown of the average salary a construction worker gets per hour, week, month, and year.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| New York | $37,211 | $3,101 | $716 | $17.89 |
| New Hampshire | $36,073 | $3,006 | $694 | $17.34 |
| Vermont | $34,098 | $2,842 | $656 | $16.39 |
| Wyoming | $33,224 | $2,769 | $639 | $15.97 |
| Maine | $33,159 | $2,763 | $638 | $15.94 |
| Massachusetts | $33,110 | $2,759 | $637 | $15.92 |
| West Virginia | $32,335 | $2,695 | $622 | $15.55 |
| Hawaii | $32,216 | $2,685 | $620 | $15.49 |
| Washington | $32,185 | $2,682 | $619 | $15.47 |
| Pennsylvania | $31,787 | $2,649 | $611 | $15.28 |
| Connecticut | $31,487 | $2,624 | $606 | $15.14 |
| Montana | $31,416 | $2,618 | $604 | $15.10 |
| New Jersey | $31,163 | $2,597 | $599 | $14.98 |
| Arizona | $31,093 | $2,591 | $598 | $14.95 |
| Rhode Island | $30,915 | $2,576 | $595 | $14.86 |
| Indiana | $30,893 | $2,574 | $594 | $14.85 |
| Alaska | $30,642 | $2,554 | $589 | $14.73 |
| North Dakota | $30,459 | $2,538 | $586 | $14.64 |
| Nevada | $30,400 | $2,533 | $585 | $14.62 |
| Maryland | $30,370 | $2,531 | $584 | $14.60 |
| Tennessee | $30,118 | $2,510 | $579 | $14.48 |
| Minnesota | $30,104 | $2,509 | $579 | $14.47 |
| Wisconsin | $30,083 | $2,507 | $579 | $14.46 |
| Georgia | $29,994 | $2,500 | $577 | $14.42 |
| Ohio | $29,899 | $2,492 | $575 | $14.37 |
| Nebraska | $29,876 | $2,490 | $575 | $14.36 |
| South Dakota | $29,569 | $2,464 | $569 | $14.22 |
| Virginia | $29,485 | $2,457 | $567 | $14.18 |
| Utah | $29,445 | $2,454 | $566 | $14.16 |
| Alabama | $29,293 | $2,441 | $563 | $14.08 |
| California | $29,228 | $2,436 | $562 | $14.05 |
| Louisiana | $29,195 | $2,433 | $561 | $14.04 |
| Oregon | $29,133 | $2,428 | $560 | $14.01 |
| Kansas | $28,728 | $2,394 | $552 | $13.81 |
| Iowa | $28,654 | $2,388 | $551 | $13.78 |
| New Mexico | $28,592 | $2,383 | $550 | $13.75 |
| South Carolina | $28,547 | $2,379 | $549 | $13.72 |
| Colorado | $28,458 | $2,371 | $547 | $13.68 |
| Delaware | $28,385 | $2,365 | $546 | $13.65 |
| Florida | $28,269 | $2,356 | $544 | $13.59 |
| Oklahoma | $27,768 | $2,314 | $534 | $13.35 |
| Idaho | $27,353 | $2,279 | $526 | $13.15 |
| Kentucky | $27,241 | $2,270 | $524 | $13.10 |
| Mississippi | $26,916 | $2,243 | $518 | $12.94 |
| Arkansas | $26,735 | $2,228 | $514 | $12.85 |
| Michigan | $26,702 | $2,225 | $514 | $12.84 |
| Illinois | $26,589 | $2,216 | $511 | $12.78 |
| Texas | $26,393 | $2,199 | $508 | $12.69 |
| Missouri | $26,125 | $2,177 | $502 | $12.56 |
| North Carolina | $24,327 | $2,027 | $468 | $11.70 |
Highest Paying States in the United States for Construction Worker Jobs
In six states, the average salary for a Construction Worker is higher than the national average. New York tops the list, with New Hampshire and Vermont close behind in second and third place. Vermont outperforms the national average by 3.3 percent, and New York adds $4,199 (12.7 percent) to the $33,012 figure.
Significantly, the Construction Worker job market in New York is highly active, with various organizations now looking for this type of position.
Average Construction Worker Salary in California
What is the average salary for a construction worker in California? As of, the average construction worker salary in California was $43,493, with a salary range of $38,650 to $48,292. Salary ranges can vary greatly depending on a variety of things, including schooling, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you have worked in your field.
What is the average salary for a Construction Worker in Oregon?
The average annual salary for a Residential Construction Worker in Oregon is $31,886 as of March 19, 2023. In case you need a quick salary calculation, that works out to about $15.33 per hour. This equates to $613 each week or $2,657 per month.
Construction Worker salaries in Oregon presently vary from $23,521 (25th percentile) to $36,223 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $42,339 per year.
The average salary range for a Construction Worker in Oregon ranges substantially (up to $12,702), implying that there may be several prospects for promotion and better pay dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience.
In terms of Construction Worker salary, Oregon ranks 11th out of 50 states.
What is the average salary for a Construction Worker in Georgia?
The average annual salary for a Construction Worker in Georgia is $29,994 as of March 19, 2023. In case you need a quick salary calculation, that works out to about $14.42 per hour. This equates to $577 each week or $2,500 per month.
Construction Worker wages in Georgia presently vary from $24,649 (25th percentile) to $33,612 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $37,646 per year.
The average salary range for a Construction Worker ranges substantially (up to $8,963), implying that there may be numerous prospects for promotion and increased income dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Georgia ranks 24th out of 50 states in terms of Construction Worker wages.
Average Construction Worker Salary in Canada
The average gross salary for a construction worker in Canada is $53,816 per year, or $26 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of $936. Salary estimates based on salary survey data taken directly from businesses and anonymous employees in Canada. The average salary for an entry-level construction worker (1-3 years of experience) is $40,075. A senior level construction worker (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, receives an average salary of $65,260.
Average Construction Worker Salary in Singapore
In Singapore, the average gross salary for a construction worker is $45,694, or $22 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of $795. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from companies and anonymous Singapore employees. The average salary for an entry-level construction worker (1-3 years of experience) is $34,158. A senior level construction worker (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, receives an average salary of $55,623.
What Are the Differences Between Construction Workers, Laborers and Construction Helpers?
A construction worker is a job title that encompasses a wide range of construction jobs, from entry-level to advanced. On the other hand, a construction helper is an assistant who assists more experienced construction workers with basic chores such as cleanup, tool supply, and material transport. Conversely, a construction laborer is a trained worker who is responsible for the physical labor involved in construction projects. Many construction laborers are artisans who have received specialized training in areas such as roofing, paving, welding, and concrete pouring. A position as a construction helper allows you to gather experience and see which elements of construction you prefer if you’re just starting out in the industry.
In Conclusion,
With only a few states paying above the national average, the chances for economic advancement by migrating to a new place as a Construction Worker should be approached with care. It is also necessary to evaluate the cost of living expenditures.
Average Construction Worker Salary FAQs
How much does a construction worker in United States Make?
In the United States, the national average annual salary for a Construction Worker is $39,653.
What is the highest salary for a construction worker in the United States?
The highest salary for a construction worker in the United States is $63,486 per year
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