Long-term labor challenges are sending construction wages to new highs, particularly in the Northeast and along the Pacific coast. As of February 2023, 10 states reported average earnings exceeding $40 per hour, including Massachusetts with a rate of $45.9, New Jersey with $45.4, and Illinois with an average of $44.6, among others.
The majority of Southern states reported average hourly earnings in construction under $31, with the lowest hourly wage of $27.5 reported in Mississippi and Arkansas, according to the National Association of Home Builders' Eye on Housing.
The lowest hourly wages are in neighboring Mississippi and Arkansas – $27.5, followed by South Carolina – $29.3, New Mexico – $29.4, West Virginia – $29.8, Kentucky – $30. Maine – $30.2, Oklahoma – $30.2, Idaho – $30.6, and Alabama – $30.7 conclude the bottom ten hourly wages in construction list.
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