The construction industry has faced a shortage of workers for many years, but in 2026, the number of workers in the industry reached a new high of 8.34 million. While efforts to hire and retain construction workers have been slow, higher than typical wages are helping to sway people to join the construction laborforce. 

According to Construction Coverage, construction workers earn a median annual wage of $59,540, which is nearly 17% higher than the $50,980 median nationwide across all occupations. In some areas, however, they earn even more.

Many Midwestern states offer the best wages

The Midwest offers the best cost-adjusted earnings, according to the report. Illinois leads with $80,600 annually, followed by Minnesota at $73,605, North Dakota at $68,773, Missouri at $67,972, and then Iowa at $67,751.

Construction workers earn the least in the South

At the same time, Southern states rank at the bottom of the list, occupying nearly all of the 10 lowest spots for cost-adjusted construction wages. Florida has the lowest wages at $47,740, followed by Texas at $50,661, and then Georgia at $51,707.