Though it varies by occupation and by region of the country, the typical construction worker is roughly the same age as the overall work force.
NAHB’s analysis of the most recent 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) found that the median age of a construction worker is 41, the same as the median age of the overall labor force.
Average ages depend on the state, particularly in the Northeast. The median age of a construction worker is 47 in Vermont, 46 in Rhode Island, and 44 in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, half of all construction workers in Rocky Mountain and Midwest states such as Nebraska, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming are under 38 years of age.
By job, construction and building inspectors are typically the oldest workers, at over 50. Construction managers, electricians, and cement masons also tend to be older than 40, while helpers, roofers, and insulation workers are usually on the younger side.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Trade Contractors
Which States and Construction Trades Rely Most on Immigrant Workers?
California and Texas have higher concentrations of immigrants in their construction workforce, and certain skilled trades also rely more on foreign-born labor than others
Women in Construction
NJ $4M Grant to Help Boost Access to Construction Trades for Women and Minorities
Through a combination of legislation and grant money, the state of New Jersey is taking steps to increase the diversity of its workforce in construction and the skilled trades
Education + Training
Annual Chico Trades Day Provides Students With Hands-on Experience
In Chico, Calif., trades take center stage at annual trades day event that introduces students to skilled trades career options