Construction Laborer Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Construction Laborers in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$44,720
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.50
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $47,120
State Rank
#39 of 51
35,620 employed here

How much does a Construction Laborer make in North Carolina?

A Construction Laborer working in North Carolina earns a median salary of $44,720 per year, or about $21.50 per hour. That is 5% below the national median of $47,120 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $31,850 while the top 10% make $59,970 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,380 and $49,070 a year.

Construction Laborer salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$31,850$15.31
25th percentile (early career)$37,380$17.97
50th percentile (median)$44,720$21.50
75th percentile (experienced)$49,070$23.59
90th percentile (top earners)$59,970$28.83

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 39th out of 51 states and territories for Construction Laborer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$77,110
2New Jersey$64,060
3Massachusetts$63,390
4Illinois$60,690
5California$60,270

Working as a Construction Laborer in North Carolina

Nationally, about 1,097,000 people work as Construction Laborers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($44,720) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Construction Laborer make in North Carolina?
The median Construction Laborer salary in North Carolina is $44,720 per year, or about $21.50 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $31,850 at the entry level to $59,970 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Construction Laborers about 5% less than the national median of $47,120. North Carolina ranks 39th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Construction Laborers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,720 a year. About 35,620 Construction Laborers are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Construction Laborer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.