Salary data · Bespree
Construction Laborer Salary in Los Angeles
Construction Laborers in the Los Angeles area earn a median of $28.62/hr — based on BLS OEWS May 2024.
At median pay, that's roughly $59,530/year, $1,145/week, or $4,957/month (40-hour week, before taxes).
About construction laborers
Job duties, work environment, and education based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What construction laborers do
Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites. They clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris, loading and unloading building materials, and setting up scaffolding. They also operate equipment like jackhammers and compactors, assist other craft workers, and follow construction plans and blueprints. Some specialize in areas like concrete or demolition work.
Work environment
Construction laborers work outdoors in all types of weather, on active building sites. The work is physically demanding — it involves standing, bending, lifting, and carrying heavy materials for extended periods. Workers face hazards including falls, exposure to harmful substances, and injuries from heavy equipment. Safety training and protective equipment are essential. Many work full time, and schedules may vary with weather and project deadlines.
How to become one
Most construction laborers require no formal education, though a high school diploma is preferred. They typically learn on the job, starting with basic tasks and progressing to more complex work as they gain experience. Some enter through apprenticeship programs lasting 2 to 4 years. OSHA safety training certifications are often required.
Similar occupations
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — bls.gov/ooh. BLS content is in the public domain.
Hourly wage ranges
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th) | $19.68 | $40,934 |
| 25th percentile | $22.76 | $47,341 |
| Median (50th) | $28.62 | $59,530 |
| 75th percentile | $37.41 | $77,813 |
| Top earners (90th) | $44.47 | $92,498 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 · Annual estimate = hourly × 2,080 hrs · Actual annual income varies by hours worked and schedule.
Construction Laborers — Hourly Pay Distribution
Percentile range from entry-level to top earners
How Los Angeles compares
Construction Laborers pay by metro
| Metro | Median/hr |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $28.62 |
| Trenton-Princeton | $35.00 |
| Chicago | $32.89 |
| New York City | $29.74 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford | $26.58 |
| New Haven | $26.32 |
| Philadelphia | $25.58 |
| Miami | $21.14 |
| Houston | $18.51 |
Construction Laborers — Median Hourly Pay by Metro
Sorted by median pay, highest to lowest
Job outlook for Construction Laborers
National employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
🟡 About as fast as average
+4.7% projected growth, 2024–2034
+41,600
2024–2034
~109,000
New + replacement
878,700
2024 estimate
No formal credential
Entry-level
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034. Published August 2025. National-level projections — local growth may differ.
Skills & qualifications
Key skills and knowledge areas from O*NET OnLine, plus representative tools compiled by Bespree for construction laborers.
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Jackhammers
- Concrete mixers
- Power saws
- Levels
- Measuring tapes
Skills and knowledge data from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Bespree has selected and summarized a subset of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Tools & technology listed are representative examples compiled by Bespree.
Commute-adjusted effective wage
What you actually earn after subtracting the cost of getting to work.
Effective hourly wage after estimated commute costs, based on a 40-hr work week.
| Commute mode | Monthly cost | Hourly impact | Effective wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| No commute cost (baseline) | — | — | $28.62 |
| Metro rail/bus (monthly pass) | ~$122/mo | −$0.70/hr | $27.92/hr |
| Driving (gas + wear, no parking) | ~$280/mo | −$1.62/hr | $27.00/hr |
Methodology: Commute cost is deducted from median hourly wage assuming 2,080 working hours per year (52 weeks × 40 hrs). Costs are directional estimates based on published transit fares or AAA average variable driving costs. Actual costs vary by distance, schedule, vehicle, and commute days.
Metro rail/bus (monthly pass): LA Metro monthly pass, 2024 rate.
Driving (gas + wear, no parking): AAA avg variable cost × 20mi avg LA round-trip.
Local job market
—
No current paid openings on Bespree
No exact matches right now — new openings are added regularly.
Browse all jobs on Bespree →BLS estimates 21,240 construction laborers employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area, or 4.7 per 1,000 jobs. (BLS OEWS May 2024)
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Data source: Wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, BLS OEWS May 2024. Job outlook data is from the BLS Employment Projections program (BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034). BLS data is in the public domain. Occupation profile content summarized from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Skills and knowledge data from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Bespree has selected and summarized a subset of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Tools & technology listed are representative examples compiled by Bespree. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after retrieval. Wage figures are estimates and do not constitute a guarantee of earnings. Actual pay depends on employer, experience, certifications, and hours worked. Weekly and monthly earnings shown assume a 40-hour work week and are pre-tax estimates. Commute cost figures are directional estimates based on published transit fares and AAA average variable driving cost data; actual commute costs vary.