Highest Paying Construction Jobs Revealed

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The 10 Highest-Paying Construction Jobs in 2024

When we explore the highest-paying construction jobs of 2024, we find that four of these occupations boast average annual salaries exceeding $70,000. To put this in perspective, the average annual wage for all occupations across the United States stands at $61,900 per year. The remaining six of the top-paying construction jobs offer average annual salaries slightly above $63,000, only marginally surpassing the national average for all occupations.

What’s particularly intriguing is that nearly all of the highest-paying construction jobs have witnessed consistent wage growth over the past five years. For instance, the number one highest-paying construction job on our list experienced a substantial 21.8% increase in earnings from 2017 to 2022, with wages rising from $77,130 to $93,960.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of the top 10 highest-paying construction jobs in the United States:

1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Average Annual Salary: $93,960
Average Hourly Wage: $45.17

2. Construction Managers

Average Annual Salary: $77,650
Average Hourly Wage: $37.33

3. Pile Driver Operators

Average Annual Salary: $70,220
Average Hourly Wage: $33.76

4. Construction and Building Inspectors

Average Annual Salary: $70,130
Average Hourly Wage: $33.72

5. Boilermakers

Average Annual Salary: $69,780
Average Hourly Wage: $33.55

6. Tapers

Average Annual Salary: $65,880
Average Hourly Wage: $31.67

7. Electricians

Average Annual Salary: $65,280
Average Hourly Wage: $31.39

8. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Average Annual Salary: $65,190
Average Hourly Wage: $31.34

9. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Average Annual Salary: $64,800
Average Hourly Wage: $31.15

10. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Average Annual Salary: $63,840
Average Hourly Wage: $30.69

Emerging Trends in High-Paying Construction Jobs

As we assess the highest-paying construction jobs, we notice intriguing trends that have shaped these occupations over recent years. One significant trend emerges in the form of substantial wage growth among specific roles. Let’s explore some noteworthy examples:

Helpers-Roofers: This occupation witnessed remarkable growth in average annual pay, with earnings increasing by an impressive 37.6% from $29,710 in 2017 to $40,880 in 2022.
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers: Occupying the second spot in terms of wage growth, Terrazzo Workers and Finishers experienced a substantial 35.5% increase in their average annual wage during the same period, climbing from $45,520 to $61,680.
Stonemasons: Ranking third in terms of wage growth, Stonemasons saw a notable uptick of 32.4% from $42,370 to $56,100 over the past five years.

Regional Variations in High-Paying Construction Jobs

When we examine the highest-paying construction job at a state-by-state level, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers consistently top the list. Notably, their earnings in various states surpass the national average significantly. Here’s a glimpse of the states where Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers earn exceptionally high salaries:

Hawaii: In the picturesque state of Hawaii, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers command an average annual salary of $123,910.
Massachusetts: In the historic state of Massachusetts, their average annual earnings reach $118,930.
Maine: Nestled in the northeastern corner of the country, Maine offers Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers an average annual salary of $117,400.

In summary, the world of construction offers a diverse array of high-paying jobs, with notable growth in certain professions and substantial regional variations in earnings. Whether you’re considering a career change or simply curious about the industry, these insights into the top-paying construction jobs of 2024 provide a valuable perspective on the opportunities within this vital sector of the American economy.