Wage growth in the construction industry continues to outpace the national average, according the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey data and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). According to the NAHB, half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $47,290, compared with the U.S. median wage of $38,640. Median wages have grown for the construction industry by 3.2% year over year (YOY), compared with 2.5% YOY growth for all industries. Median wages in particular trades, including floor layers, stucco masons, and plasterers, grew at a much higher rate than the industry average.
The OES publishes wages for close to 380 occupations in construction. Out of these, only 54 are construction trades. The other industry workers are in finance, sales, administration and other off-site activities.
Among construction trades, elevator installers top the median wages list with half of them earning over $78,990 a year, and the top 25% making at least $100,720. The median wages for rotary drill operators is close to $70,000, with the top quartile of the pay scale earning over $77,610 annually. First-line supervisors of construction trades are next on the list, with half of them making over $64,600. Boilermakers are close fourth highest paid construction craft. Half of these craftsmen working in construction earn over $64,480, and the highest paid 25% bring in over $78,250.
In general, construction trades that require more years of formal education, specialized training or licensing tend to offer higher annual wages. The median wages of construction and building inspectors are $60,240 and the wages in the top quartile of the pay scale exceed $80,580. Half of electricians and plumbers in construction earn over $53,540, with the top quartile making over $71,300.
Carpenters are one of the most prevalent construction trades in the industry. The trade requires less formal education. Nevertheless, the median wages of carpenters exceed the national median. Half of carpenters working in construction earn over $46,810, and the highest paid 25% earn at least $61,810 annually.
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