Construction work is one of the jobs that is in high demand in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wages report, shared in May of last year, there are more than 1 million construction workers in the country. We explain what this job consists of and how much you earn.
What does a construction worker do?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the functions of construction workers consist of perform tasks that involve physical labor on construction sites.
These workers can operate hand and power tools of all kindssuch as jackhammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, measuring and surveying equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments.
Besides, can clean and prepare sites, digging trenches, placing reinforcements to support the sides of excavations, erecting scaffolding, and clearing rubble and other waste materials. Helpers in the construction trades are also included in this category.
How much do construction workers in the United States earn?
According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wages report, The median annual wage for a construction worker is around $46,350, while the median hourly wage is $22.29. According to the bureau’s data, the lowest 10% earn about $14.28 per hour or $29,700 per year. On the other hand, the top 10% earn $34.82 per hour or $72,430 per year.
As to construction trades helpers have a median annual wage of $39,320 and a median hourly wage of $18.90.
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It is important to mention that the hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession, among others.
The industries and states with the highest levels of construction employment
The industries with the highest levels of employment for workers or construction workers are:
Specialty Trade Contractors
Construction of residential buildings
Building utility systems
Construction of non-residential buildings
Foundation, framing and building exterior contractors
On the other hand, the industries with the highest concentration of employment for construction workers are:
Construction of roads, streets and bridges
Civil and heavy engineering constructions
Specialty Trade Contractors
Building utility systems
Construction of residential buildings
Meanwhile, the highest paying industries construction workers are:
Transportation of natural gas through pipelines
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
Supporting services
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Railway transport
The states with the highest level of employment for construction workers are:
Texas
California
Florida
NY
Pennsylvania
The states where they are paid the most construction workers are:
