Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has published its 2024 Construction Craft Salary Survey, revealing that skilled craft professionals continue to earn impressive wages. The survey compiled responses from 183 organizations, encompassing nearly 323,000 employees from the industrial, commercial, and residential construction sectors across the United States.
The findings show that average annual salaries range from $52,520 to $89,609, with over 80% of positions reporting earnings above $65,000. General foremen and instrumentation technicians lead the way, with salaries exceeding $89,600 and $84,700, respectively. These figures represent base annual earnings and exclude overtime, per diem, and other common construction industry incentives.
Salary levels for skilled professionals are influenced by factors such as construction type, credentials, certifications, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in construction and extraction occupations will grow at a rate comparable to the average for all occupations through 2032. As the industry confronts a growing workforce shortage, it's estimated that construction employers will need over half a million new skilled workers each year.
“The survey results highlight one of the many benefits of choosing a career in the construction industry — competitive compensation,” Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at NCCER, Jennifer Wilkerson, said. “With the high demand for craft professionals, and growing evidence that Gen Z and others are seeking alternatives to the traditional college path, the construction industry offers very real options for long-term, rewarding careers.”