Miscellaneous Construction Workers Earn $49,910 Median – Pay by State & How to Start
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers earn a median of $49,910 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage is about $24. Pay ranges from $36,510 at the 10th percentile to $78,700 at the 90th. This occupation covers a grab bag of roles like construction helpers, laborers in specialty trades, and other on-site support jobs.
How much Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers earn
National median salary: $49,910. Mean annual wage: $55,130 ($24/hour). The lowest 10% earn below $36,510; the highest 10% earn above $78,700.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Maine pays the most, with an average of $75,340. Next are Massachusetts ($70,540), Washington ($69,380), North Dakota ($66,450), and Idaho ($65,420). On the low end, Tennessee averages $41,600, Mississippi $36,260, and Kentucky $35,420.
How to become Miscellaneous Construction and Related Worker
Most jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical — many workers learn from experienced crew members. Some roles may require a state-issued apprenticeship or a trade-specific certification (e.g., flagger card). Physical stamina and basic math skills help. No college degree needed.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (usually a few months)
- Optional: OSHA 10 or 30 safety certification
- State-specific licenses/permits for certain tasks (check local requirements)
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 3.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,100 openings each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Total employment sits at 28,380.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Miscellaneous Construction and Related Worker do?
These workers perform a variety of tasks on construction sites: cleaning and preparing sites, loading/unloading materials, digging trenches, operating hand and power tools, and assisting skilled tradespeople.
Is $49,910 a good salary for this job?
It's above the national median for all occupations ($48,060). Pay varies widely by state and experience — from $36,510 for new hires to $78,700 for top earners.
How do I start without experience?
Apply for entry-level helper or laborer positions. Many employers provide on-the-job training. A high school diploma and willingness to work outdoors are the main requirements.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers data.