Comprehensive wage data for 12 construction trades — from entry level to master/specialty rates, with regional variation, specialty premiums, and year-over-year growth analysis.
Annual salary/earnings ranges by trade and experience level. Compiled from BLS OEWS 2025 data and RSMeans 2026 labor rates. Figures represent W-2 wages; self-employed contractors typically earn 20–40% more on a gross revenue basis.
| Trade | Entry Level | Journeyman | Master / Specialty | Top Market | YoY Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $52,000–$72,000 | $95,000–$140,000 | $140,000–$220,000 | $180,000–$300,000+ | +6.4% | HIGH |
| Electrician 🔥 | $42,000–$58,000 | $82,000–$95,000 | $105,000–$145,000 | $130,000–$175,000 | +8.2% | CRITICAL |
| Plumber | $38,000–$52,000 | $75,000–$92,000 | $98,000–$130,000 | $115,000–$155,000 | +6.8% | HIGH |
| HVAC Technician 🔥 | $36,000–$48,000 | $68,000–$88,000 | $92,000–$125,000 | $115,000–$155,000 | +7.6% | CRITICAL |
| Welder 🔥 | $36,000–$50,000 | $52,000–$78,000 | $85,000–$140,000 | $100,000–$200,000+ | +7.1% | HIGH |
| Carpenter / Framer | $36,000–$48,000 | $58,000–$78,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | $95,000–$128,000 | +5.4% | MODERATE |
| Roofer | $32,000–$44,000 | $52,000–$70,000 | $72,000–$95,000 | $85,000–$115,000 | +5.0% | MODERATE |
| Concrete / Mason | $34,000–$46,000 | $55,000–$75,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | $90,000–$125,000 | +5.6% | MODERATE |
| Landscaper / Excavation | $28,000–$40,000 | $45,000–$62,000 | $65,000–$88,000 | $75,000–$105,000 | +4.5% | STABLE |
| Painter | $30,000–$42,000 | $48,000–$65,000 | $68,000–$90,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | +4.2% | STABLE |
| Excavation Operator | $38,000–$52,000 | $62,000–$82,000 | $82,000–$110,000 | $98,000–$135,000 | +5.8% | HIGH |
| Project Manager | $58,000–$78,000 | $88,000–$120,000 | $125,000–$175,000 | $165,000–$240,000 | +6.2% | HIGH |
ⓘ Entry level = 0–2 years, Journeyman = 3–7 years certified, Master/Specialty = 8+ years or specialty certification, Top Market = top 10% of earners in highest-cost MSAs. Annual salary shown (hourly × 2,080). Overtime common in construction — actual annual earnings can be 15–30% higher. Source: BLS OEWS 2025, RSMeans 2026.
Metropolitan areas where construction tradespeople earn the most — driven by union density, cost of living adjustments, and concentrated demand from high-value projects.
| Market | Region | Electrician (Journeyman) | Plumber (Journeyman) | Welder (Certified) | HVAC Tech (Journeyman) | Market Premium | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco / Bay Area, CA | West | $128,000–$165,000 | $118,000–$152,000 | $92,000–$128,000 | $110,000–$148,000 | +60% vs national | Tech HQ buildout, BART/transit, dense high-rise |
| New York City, NY | Northeast | $122,000–$158,000 | $112,000–$148,000 | $88,000–$122,000 | $105,000–$140,000 | +55% vs national | Density, union density, major infrastructure |
| Northern Virginia / DC | Mid-Atlantic | $115,000–$155,000 | $105,000–$142,000 | $90,000–$135,000 | $102,000–$138,000 | +50% vs national | Data center explosion, federal construction |
| Seattle, WA | West | $112,000–$148,000 | $102,000–$135,000 | $85,000–$120,000 | $98,000–$132,000 | +45% vs national | Amazon/tech HQ, Boeing supply chain, data centers |
| Boston, MA | Northeast | $108,000–$142,000 | $98,000–$130,000 | $82,000–$115,000 | $94,000–$126,000 | +40% vs national | Biotech/pharma construction, MBTA, density |
| Los Angeles, CA | West | $105,000–$138,000 | $95,000–$126,000 | $78,000–$110,000 | $90,000–$120,000 | +38% vs national | LA Olympics 2028 prep, port infrastructure |
| Dallas / Fort Worth, TX | Southwest | $92,000–$125,000 | $85,000–$115,000 | $72,000–$105,000 | $82,000–$112,000 | +22% vs national | Data center hyperscalers, semiconductor fabs |
| Chicago, IL | Midwest | $98,000–$128,000 | $90,000–$120,000 | $75,000–$108,000 | $86,000–$116,000 | +28% vs national | Strong IBEW/UA union, major commercial |
| Phoenix, AZ | Southwest | $88,000–$118,000 | $80,000–$108,000 | $70,000–$98,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | +18% vs national | TSMC fab, data centers, rapid growth |
| Huntsville, AL (Defense) | Southeast | $85,000–$115,000 | $78,000–$105,000 | $82,000–$128,000 | $76,000–$102,000 | +20–45% for cleared | Redstone Arsenal, defense contractors, NASA |
Annual earnings shown include base wages at standard hours. Overtime (common in construction) can add 15–30%. Union workers receive benefits (health, pension) worth an additional $12,000–$28,000/year.
How much wages grew from 2025 to 2026, nationally. Structural labor shortages and demand spikes from data center, defense, and clean energy construction are the primary drivers.
These salary benchmarks are compiled from publicly available government data, industry publications, and platform-collected contractor actuals. All figures represent US national data unless otherwise specified.
Important Note: Wages shown are base annual earnings at standard hours. Benefits, overtime, and per diem vary significantly. Self-employed contractors typically bill 40–80% above equivalent employee wages to cover overhead, insurance, and profit. Geographic variation is significant — always obtain local market data before making compensation decisions.
Use BuildStackHub to find verified contractors by trade and location — all with transparent pricing and credentials.
Find Contractors →