Construction Laborer Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$45,000
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.63
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-4% vs US median
US median $47,120
State Rank
#37 of 51
26,250 employed here

How much does a Construction Laborer make in Tennessee?

A Construction Laborer working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $45,000 per year, or about $21.63 per hour. That is 4% below the national median of $47,120 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $34,910 while the top 10% make $59,990 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,670 and $49,450 a year.

Construction Laborer salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,910$16.78
25th percentile (early career)$37,670$18.11
50th percentile (median)$45,000$21.63
75th percentile (experienced)$49,450$23.77
90th percentile (top earners)$59,990$28.84

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 37th 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($45,000) 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 Tennessee?
The median Construction Laborer salary in Tennessee is $45,000 per year, or about $21.63 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,910 at the entry level to $59,990 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Construction Laborers about 4% less than the national median of $47,120. Tennessee ranks 37th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Construction Laborers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $45,000 a year. About 26,250 Construction Laborers are employed in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.