Construction Laborers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Construction Laborers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $46,500 a year, or about $22.36 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $62K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $42,708 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 70% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $47K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About construction laborers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level construction laborers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $62K or more - a $26K spread from bottom to top.
Construction Laborers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $66K | +41% | 4,140 |
| Illinois | $65K | +39% | 31,960 |
| New Jersey | $63K | +35% | 20,720 |
| Massachusetts | $62K | +34% | 16,800 |
| California | $61K | +30% | 85,370 |
| Minnesota | $59K | +26% | 27,510 |
| Rhode Island | $58K | +25% | 2,080 |
| Alaska | $58K | +24% | 3,110 |
| New York | $58K | +23% | 49,890 |
| Washington | $57K | +22% | 27,410 |
| Missouri | $54K | +15% | 18,180 |
| Wisconsin | $52K | +11% | 19,220 |
| Connecticut | $52K | +11% | 8,380 |
| Oregon | $50K | +7% | 12,050 |
| Ohio | $50K | +6% | 30,820 |
Track construction laborers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do construction laborers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $46,500 a year - that works out to about $22.36 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,100, and experienced construction laborers can clear $61,720. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,141/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 71.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a construction laborers salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median construction laborers salary is worth about $42,708 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do construction laborers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.