These Construction Jobs Earned the Most in 2024

In 2024, construction workers earned more than the average U.S. worker, with half of them making over $60,320 per year and the top 25% earning at least $81,510. Comparatively, the national median income is just $49,500 with the top 25% of earners making $78,810 per year, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Eye On Housing blog.

Still, some construction roles earn far more. Lawyers are the highest-paid in the construction industry, earning $180,520 on average. CEOs follow closely behind with a median pay over $174,030. Less-skilled roles, such as trade apprentices, earn far less and tend to have smaller wage gaps between positions. For instance, the pay for carpenters’ apprentices scales from $35,870 per year to $46,720 per year.

In general, construction trades that require more years of formal education tend to offer higher annual wages. Median wages of construction and building inspectors are $66,340 and the top quartile is $89,550. This is also the trade with a relatively wide pay scale spread, with the top 25 percent making at least 74% more than the bottom quartile, potentially reflecting a wider variance in educational attainment, professional responsibilities and expertise of building inspectors.