Being a construction worker is truly satisfying because at the end of the project you have a tangible product you can admire for all your hard work. You get up early, you work long hours in less than ideal conditions, and you sweat a lot. But, even though many find it satisfying, the main reason we work is for money.
In a report published in September of 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzed the median pay of 19 different construction jobs that only require a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED. Based on their findings, it appears that construction workers, overall are much better off than most industries, as the median pay for those in the construction industry, in general, was $41,380 in May of 2014 versus $35,540 for all other occupations. That equals a 16.4% yearly salary premium more than non-construction workers.
Let’s get to the top 10 list:
10. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
2018 median pay: $45,180
Job description: Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials.
9. Carpenters
2018 median pay: $46,590
Job description: generally, carpenters frame and finish structures, such as doorframes, stairways, rafters, among others.
8. Construction Equipment Operators
2018 median pay: $46,990
Job description: drive heavy construction equipment, such as loaders, dozers, and excavators. Construction equipment can be very dangerous to operate, so it’s important to be very well trained and stay aware of your surroundings.
7. Sheet Metal Workers
2018 median pay: $48,460
Job description: fabricate and/or install products made from thin metal sheets, such as HVAC ductwork.
LOOKING FOR A JOB? CHECK OUT OUR JOB SEARCH PAGE BY CLICKING HERE!
6. Ironworkers
2018 median pay: $52,770
Job description: install the structural steel and other reinforcing steel
5. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
2018 median pay: $53,910
Job description: install the piping for waste, water, gas and vent lines.
4. Electricians
2018 median pay: $55,190
Job description: install and repair electrical systems, including lighting, controls, communication wiring.
3. Construction and Building Inspectors
2018 median pay: $59,700
Job description: examine and verify that application building codes are being followed on specific construction job sites
2. Boilermakers
2018 median pay: $62,150
Job description: install and repair boilers and other systems that hold liquids or gases.
1. Elevator Installers and Repairers
2018 median pay: $78,780
Job description: install and repair elevators. Far and away the highest paid of all construction trades.
Visit for Latest Construction News and updates
In a report published in September of 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzed the median pay of 19 different construction jobs that only require a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED. Based on their findings, it appears that construction workers, overall are much better off than most industries, as the median pay for those in the construction industry, in general, was $41,380 in May of 2014 versus $35,540 for all other occupations. That equals a 16.4% yearly salary premium more than non-construction workers.
Let’s get to the top 10 list:
10. Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
2018 median pay: $45,180
Job description: Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting, using tape and other materials.
9. Carpenters
2018 median pay: $46,590
Job description: generally, carpenters frame and finish structures, such as doorframes, stairways, rafters, among others.
8. Construction Equipment Operators
2018 median pay: $46,990
Job description: drive heavy construction equipment, such as loaders, dozers, and excavators. Construction equipment can be very dangerous to operate, so it’s important to be very well trained and stay aware of your surroundings.
7. Sheet Metal Workers
2018 median pay: $48,460
Job description: fabricate and/or install products made from thin metal sheets, such as HVAC ductwork.
LOOKING FOR A JOB? CHECK OUT OUR JOB SEARCH PAGE BY CLICKING HERE!
6. Ironworkers
2018 median pay: $52,770
Job description: install the structural steel and other reinforcing steel
5. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
2018 median pay: $53,910
Job description: install the piping for waste, water, gas and vent lines.
4. Electricians
2018 median pay: $55,190
Job description: install and repair electrical systems, including lighting, controls, communication wiring.
3. Construction and Building Inspectors
2018 median pay: $59,700
Job description: examine and verify that application building codes are being followed on specific construction job sites
2. Boilermakers
2018 median pay: $62,150
Job description: install and repair boilers and other systems that hold liquids or gases.
1. Elevator Installers and Repairers
2018 median pay: $78,780
Job description: install and repair elevators. Far and away the highest paid of all construction trades.
Visit for Latest Construction News and updates
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