Skip to content
AffordMap
Construction & Trades · Tennessee

How to Become a Construction Laborers in Tennessee

Construction Laborers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $44,150/year, which is 6% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a construction laborers takes home approximately $1,714/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$44K
Median salary in Tennessee
-6%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
25,390
Employed in Tennessee

What a construction laborers can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$44,150
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,126/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,150/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,714/mo

Becoming a construction laborers in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Construction Laborers positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many construction laborers positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for construction laborerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 25,390 construction laborers. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Knoxville.

Construction Laborers salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$46K$21.9/hr8,920
Knoxville$45K$21.56/hr3,770
Memphis$43K$20.89/hr3,710
Kingsport-Bristol$40K$19.45/hr1,030
Cleveland$40K$19.39/hr300
Clarksville$40K$19.35/hr660
Johnson City$40K$19.31/hr560
Chattanooga$39K$18.92/hr1,730
Jackson$39K$18.7/hr670
Morristown$37K$18/hr560

Construction Laborers salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$37K
Median (50th)
$44K
75th percentile
$49K
90th percentile (senior)
$60K
View jobs for Construction Laborers
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
More openings for Construction Laborers
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full construction laborers salary breakdown in Tennessee
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Tennessee
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Tennessee cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Construction Laborers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a construction laborers make in Tennessee?

The median construction laborers salary in Tennessee is $44,150 per year ($21.23/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $46,730. Salaries range from $33,730 to $59,780.

What are the requirements to become a construction laborers in Tennessee?

Construction Laborers positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a construction laborers afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $44,150, a construction laborers in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,126/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for construction laborers in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for construction laborers in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($45,540), Knoxville ($44,850), Memphis ($43,460). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for construction laborers?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means construction laborers keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.