The U.S. construction industry is grappling with a widespread and persistent skilled labor shortage, affecting not only engineers and architects but also essential trades like HVAC, plumbing, and general labor. This shortage directly impacts project timelines, increases costs, and raises safety risks across residential, commercial, and infrastructure builds.
With tight deadlines and growing demand, the pressure to complete projects has led some teams to cut corners, compromising both quality and safety.
The labor shortfall is significant. In 2021, the industry needed an estimated 430,000 additional workers. That number rose to 650,000 in 2022 and held at 546,000 in 2023.
Even with a projected spending dip, over 342,000 new workers are still required in 2024. Compounding the issue, around 41% of the current construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031, further widening the gap.
As job seekers continue to ask how much do construction laborer make, wages have steadily increased to attract new talent.
But to ensure long-term stability, construction firms must focus on both recruiting the next generation of skilled workers and maximizing the productivity and retention of their current teams.
How Much Do Construction Laborer Make in 2025?
As of June 2025, the average hourly wage for a construction laborer in the United States is approximately $20.93, according to data from ZipRecruiter.
Most workers earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, with wages ranging from a low of $12.02 to a high of $29.33, depending on location, experience, and project type.
For those working as Construction Craft Laborers, the average pay is slightly higher—around $22.26 per hour—while union construction laborers typically earn an average of $22.00, about $0.63 more than the national average for all construction laborers.
These numbers provide a clear answer to the question how much do construction laborer make, while also showing how pay can vary across different roles and union affiliations within the construction industry.
Construction Labor Shortage
The construction industry in the U.S. is facing a serious labor shortage—one that’s affecting project timelines, budgets, and even on-site safety. While many people are searching how much do construction laborer make, the bigger issue is that there simply aren’t enough workers to meet current demand. This shortage is being driven by several major factors: an aging workforce, declining interest among younger generations, and the draw of other career options.
Primary Challenges Facing the Industry
Delays and Rising Costs: With fewer hands on deck, projects are taking longer to complete, costing more, and sometimes compromising worker safety.
High Demand, Low Supply: Roughly 70% of construction companies report difficulty finding workers—an issue that’s only gotten worse since 2020..
Aging Out of the Workforce: More than 1 in 5 construction workers are over the age of 55. With fewer than 3% of young people considering a construction career, the incoming labor pool is shrinking fast.
Strategies to Close the Labor Gap
1. Revamp Hiring and Onboarding
Improving job application processes, streamlining digital onboarding, and making training more accessible can help companies attract and retain new workers faster.
2. Offer Better Pay and Safer Workplaces
With so many job openings, many employers are responding by raising wages. This trend is reflected in the rising numbers behind how much do construction laborer make, especially in regions with high demand. Higher pay, updated equipment, and better safety measures also signal that employers value their crews.
3. Invest in Training and Career Development
Companies that provide hands-on training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities are better positioned to build loyalty and retain skilled labor over time.
4. Use Technology to Ease the Workload
Tools like AI, robotics, and drones are being used to handle repetitive tasks, improve site safety, and free up human workers to focus on skilled jobs—helping make construction more appealing and efficient.
5. Recruit the Next Generation of Workers
Targeted outreach to high schools, trade programs, and technical colleges can promote construction careers as a viable and rewarding path—especially as more people learn how much do construction laborer make starting out, and what they can earn with experience.
6. Explore Non-Traditional Labor Sources
Partnerships with community organizations, government programs, and educational institutions can help tap into underutilized labor pools and expand the workforce.
7. Support Smart Immigration Policies
Historically, immigration has played a key role in construction hiring. However, fewer immigrants are entering the field, which has limited the hiring capacity for many companies.
The answer to how much do construction laborer make is becoming more attractive as companies raise pay to meet labor demand. But to truly solve the shortage, the industry needs more than just better salaries.
It will take a combination of smarter hiring practices, investment in training, embracing new tech, and building pipelines through education and immigration support.
For job seekers, this labor gap represents a clear opportunity. And for employers, it’s a wake-up call to invest in the future of the workforce.
Starting a Career in Construction
The construction industry in 2025 offers a strong career path for individuals looking for stable, hands-on work with long-term potential.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and insights from Charles H. Hamilton Co., several key factors are driving demand across the sector.
High Demand for Skilled and Entry-Level Workers
The U.S. construction sector is expected to need an additional 439,000 workers in 2025 to meet project demands, fueled by infrastructure spending and retirements among experienced tradespeople. This demand spans both field and management roles.
Solid Industry Growth
Construction employment is projected to grow steadily through 2030, providing strong job security. For those asking how much do construction laborer make, the answer is trending upward, with wages increasing in response to the labor shortage and project volume.
What’s Driving Job Growth
- Infrastructure Projects: Ongoing investments in roads, utilities, and buildings are generating thousands of new positions.
- Broader Roles: In addition to general laborers, there’s growing demand for supervisors, site coordinators, and heavy equipment operators.
Why It’s a Good Time to Join
- Higher Pay: Employers are offering competitive wages and paid training to attract new workers.
- Faster Hiring: Companies have simplified onboarding to meet staffing needs quickly.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Many roles do not require prior experience—only a willingness to learn and work hard.
Career Advancement and Fulfillment
Starting as a laborer can lead to specialized roles or leadership positions. Construction workers often report high job satisfaction due to the visible impact of their work and the active, team-based environment.
If you’re just starting out or switching careers, now is a practical time to explore construction.
And with rising questions like how much do construction laborer make, it’s clear the role is gaining attention for both its pay and long-term potential.
Conclusion
With construction demand surging and companies actively hiring, 2025 presents a clear opportunity for anyone considering a skilled trade. Laborers are not only essential—they’re in short supply, which is pushing wages higher and expanding opportunities for advancement.
For those asking how much do construction laborer make, the answer is more promising than ever, especially as employers increase pay and provide on-the-job training to attract workers.
If you’re new to the workforce or looking for a career shift, now is the time to explore your options. TBest Services works directly with construction companies that are hiring across New York, Nevada, and beyond.
We help job seekers find real opportunities with real growth—no experience required.
