If you are considering a career in construction — or you are a project owner, estimator, or developer trying to understand labor costs — the question of how much construction workers make is one of the most important financial questions you can ask. Construction is one of the largest industries in the United States, employing more than 8 million workers across hundreds of trades, roles, and specializations. Pay varies widely depending on the trade, experience level, geographic location, union status, and the type of projects you work on.
This comprehensive guide breaks down construction worker salaries across every major trade and every region of the country — including Alaska, where construction wages are among the highest in the nation. Whether you want to know what a laborer earns on day one, what a journeyman electrician makes after ten years, or how wages differ between Texas and Alaska, this article has the data and context you need.
National Overview: How Much Do Construction Workers Make on Average?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for construction and extraction occupations is approximately $53,000 per year, or roughly $25.50 per hour. However, this average number tells only part of the story. Construction encompasses everything from entry-level laborers earning $17 per hour to master electricians and crane operators earning $45 or more per hour. The range is wide — and the factors driving that range are well understood.
| Key National Salary Benchmarks (2026 Estimates) Median hourly wage — all construction occupations: ~$25.50/hr Median annual salary — all construction occupations: ~$53,000/y rEntry-level construction laborer (0-2 years): $17 – $22/hr Experienced skilled tradesperson (5-10 years): $28 – $42/ hrJourneyman / licensed tradesperson: $35 – $55/ hrForeman / superintendent / project manager: $55,000 – $120,000/yr Top 10% of all construction earners: $90,000+/yr |
These figures represent national medians. In high-cost states like Alaska, Hawaii, New York, and California, wages are significantly higher. In lower-cost regions like the Deep South and parts of the Midwest, wages tend to sit below the national median — though cost of living adjustments often narrow the real-income gap.
Construction Worker Salaries by Trade: What Each Occupation Earns
The single biggest driver of how much construction workers make is trade specialization. Skilled trades — electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, ironworkers, and operating engineers — consistently earn more than general laborers because of the training, licensing, and expertise required. Here is a detailed breakdown of average construction wages by trade across the United States.
1. Construction Laborers
Construction laborers are the backbone of every job site. They handle material moving, site preparation, cleanup, concrete finishing assistance, equipment operation support, and dozens of other tasks. Because the role requires less specialized training, it is also the entry point for most workers who eventually move into a skilled trade.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $17 – $20/hr | $35,000 – $41,600 |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $20 – $26/hr | $41,600 – $54,000 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $26 – $32/hr | $54,000 – $66,500 |
| Crew Lead / Foreman | $32 – $42/hr | $66,500 – $87,000 |
2. Carpenters
Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades in construction, covering framing, formwork, finish carpentry, cabinet installation, and structural work. Carpenters who specialize in concrete formwork or structural framing typically earn more than finish carpenters, though the trade offers significant upward mobility.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Apprentice (1–3 years) | $18 – $24/hr | $37,500 – $49,900 |
| Journeyman (4–7 years) | $26 – $36/hr | $54,000 – $74,800 |
| Master Carpenter (8+yr) | $36 – $48/hr | $74,800 – $99,800 |
| Carpenter Foreman | $42 – $55/hr | $87,300 – $114,400 |
3. Electricians
Electricians are among the highest-paid tradespeople in construction. The trade requires extensive apprenticeship training (typically 4–5 years), a state-issued journeyman license, and ongoing continuing education. Commercial and industrial electricians who work on large-scale construction projects typically earn more than residential electricians.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Apprentice Electrician | $18 – $26/hr | $37,500 – $54,000 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $32 – $48/hr | $66,500 – $99,800 |
| Master Electrician | $45 – $65/hr | $93,600 – $135,200 |
| Electrical Foreman / Supt | $55 – $75/hr | $114,400 – $156,000 |
4. Plumbers & Pipefitters
Plumbing is another high-demand, high-wage trade. Plumbers who work in commercial construction earn substantially more than those in residential service work. Pipefitters — who install industrial process piping and mechanical systems — are among the top earners in the entire construction labor force, particularly on petrochemical, industrial, and power generation projects.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Apprentice Plumber | $19 – $27/hr | $39,500 – $56,200 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $34 – $50/hr | $70,700 – $104,000 |
| Master Plumber / Pipefitter | $48 – $72/hr | $99,800 – $149,800 |
| Plumbing Foreman | $55 – $78/hr | $114,400 – $162,200 |
5. HVAC Technicians
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install and maintain mechanical systems in commercial and residential buildings. HVAC work is highly technical and in growing demand as building energy efficiency standards become more demanding. In cold-climate states like Alaska, HVAC expertise is especially critical and highly compensated.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Apprentice HVAC Tech | $18 – $24/hr | $37,500 – $49,900 |
| Journeyman HVAC Tech | $28 – $42/hr | $58,200 – $87,300 |
| Senior HVAC Tech | $40 – $58/hr | $83,200 – $120,600 |
| HVAC Project Foreman | $50 – $70/hr | $104,000 – $145,600 |
6. Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment Operators)
Operating engineers run cranes, bulldozers, excavators, graders, and other heavy construction equipment. On large civil, earthwork, and industrial projects, experienced crane operators and equipment operators command some of the highest hourly wages in the construction workforce.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Entry-Level Operator | $22 – $28/hr | $45,800 – $58,200 |
| Experienced Equipment Op. | $30 – $45/hr | $62,400 – $93,600 |
| Crane Operator | $40 – $60/hr | $83,200 – $124,800 |
| Senior / Lead Operator | $50 – $70/hr | $104,000 – $145,600 |
7. Ironworkers & Structural Steel Workers
Ironworkers erect the steel skeletons of buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. The work is physically demanding and carries risk, and compensation reflects that. Structural ironworkers who work on high-rise and heavy industrial projects are among the top earners in the construction trades nationally.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Apprentice Ironworker | $20 – $28/hr | $41,600 – $58,200 |
| Journeyman Ironworker | $34 – $52/hr | $70,700 – $108,200 |
| Senior Ironworker | $48 – $68/hr | $99,800 – $141,400 |
| Ironwork Foreman | $56 – $78/hr | $116,500 – $162,200 |
8. Concrete Workers & Cement Masons
Concrete workers place, finish, and cure concrete structures including slabs, walls, columns, and foundations. While entry-level concrete work pays similarly to general labor, experienced concrete finishers and formwork specialists can earn substantially higher wages due to their technical skill.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage (National Avg) | Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Concrete Laborer (entry) | $17 – $22/hr | $35,400 – $45,800 |
| Cement Mason / Finisher | $24 – $36/hr | $49,900 – $74,800 |
| Lead Concrete Finisher | $34 – $48/hr | $70,700 – $99,800 |
| Concrete Foreman | $42 – $60/hr | $87,300 – $124,800 |
How Much Do Construction Workers Make by State? A 50-State Perspective
Geography is the second most powerful variable in construction worker compensation. High-demand markets, strong union presence, elevated cost of living, and remote project conditions all push construction wages significantly above national averages in certain states. Below is a state-by-state overview covering the highest-paying states, the most competitive mid-tier markets, and important context for each region.
Highest-Paying States for Construction Workers
These states consistently rank among the top ten in construction wages, driven by strong union density, high cost of living, active construction markets, and in Alaska’s case, remote project premiums.
| State | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary | Key Driver |
| Alaska | $38 – $55/hr | $79,000 – $114,000 | Remote premiums, union wages, extreme climate |
| Hawaii | $36 – $52/hr | $74,900 – $108,200 | Island freight costs, high cost of living |
| New York | $38 – $58/hr | $79,000 – $120,600 | NYC union density, large-scale commercial |
| Illinois | $34 – $52/hr | $70,700 – $108,200 | Chicago union market, industrial activity |
| Massachusetts | $33 – $50/hr | $68,600 – $104,000 | High COL, active commercial / lab market |
| California | $34 – $54/hr | $70,700 – $112,300 | High COL, tech campuses, dense urban market |
| New Jersey | $33 – $50/hr | $68,600 – $104,000 | NYC metro spillover, union presence |
| Washington | $32 – $48/hr | $66,600 – $99,800 | Tech construction boom, aerospace projects |
| Connecticut | $32 – $48/hr | $66,600 – $99,800 | High COL, defense & healthcare construction |
| Minnesota | $30 – $46/hr | $62,400 – $95,700 | Strong union trades, industrial growth |
Mid-Tier States: Competitive Wages with Lower Cost of Living
These states offer construction wages slightly below the highest-paying states but often provide excellent real purchasing power because of lower housing and living costs.
| State | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary | Notable Markets |
| Colorado | $28 – $44/hr | $58,200 – $91,500 | Denver metro, Front Range commercial |
| Oregon | $28 – $44/hr | $58,200 – $91,500 | Portland, Eugene, tech campuses |
| Nevada | $27 – $42/hr | $56,200 – $87,400 | Las Vegas hospitality / casino construction |
| Texas | $22 – $38/hr | $45,800 – $79,000 | DFW, Houston, Austin — high volume |
| Arizona | $22 – $36/hr | $45,800 – $74,900 | Phoenix growth market |
| Michigan | $27 – $44/hr | $56,200 – $91,500 | Detroit auto facility construction |
| Ohio | $25 – $42/hr | $52,000 – $87,400 | Columbus, Cleveland industrial |
| Pennsylvania | $27 – $44/hr | $56,200 – $91,500 | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh markets |
| Georgia | $21 – $35/hr | $43,700 – $72,800 | Atlanta metro, manufacturing build-out |
| Florida | $21 – $35/hr | $43,700 – $72,800 | Miami, Orlando, Tampa commercial |
Lower-Wage States: Construction Salaries in the South and Rural Markets
In many Southern and rural states, construction wages are below the national median. However, lower cost of living — particularly housing costs — means that the real standard of living for construction workers in these states is often closer to national norms than the raw wage figures suggest.
| State | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary (Est.) |
| Mississippi | $17 – $26/hr | $35,400 – $54,100 |
| Arkansas | $18 – $27/hr | $37,400 – $56,200 |
| West Virginia | $19 – $29/hr | $39,500 – $60,300 |
| Alabama | $19 – $30/hr | $39,500 – $62,400 |
| South Carolina | $19 – $30/hr | $39,500 – $62,400 |
| Oklahoma | $20 – $32/hr | $41,600 – $66,600 |
| Kentucky | $21 – $34/hr | $43,700 – $70,700 |
| Tennessee | $21 – $34/hr | $43,700 – $70,700 |
How Much Do Construction Workers Make in Alaska? A Deep Dive
Alaska consistently ranks as one of the top two or three states in the nation for construction worker compensation. The reasons are structural — remote project access, extreme climate demands, high cost of living, strong union density, and a concentration of large-scale commercial, industrial, and government construction activity. If you are a construction professional wondering whether to relocate to Alaska, or a project owner trying to understand why Alaska labor costs more, this section provides the detail you need.
Why Construction Wages Are Higher in Alaska
| The Alaska Wage Premium — Key FactorsGeographic Isolation: Alaska has no land border with the Lower 48. All materials and workers must arrive by air, sea, or the Alaska Highway — a logistical reality that drives up project costs and justifies higher labor compensation.Extreme Climate: Design temperatures in Fairbanks reach -60°F. Cold-weather construction requires additional worker expertise, slower production rates, heated enclosures, and enhanced safety protocols — all of which command higher wages.High Cost of Living: Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau rank among the most expensive cities in the United States for groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation. Workers in Alaska need higher wages to maintain equivalent purchasing power.Strong Union Presence: Alaska has a highly unionized construction workforce. Union contracts — particularly in the Building Trades — set wage floors and benefit rates that are among the highest in the country.Remote Project Premiums: Projects on the North Slope, in Bush Alaska, and at remote mining and oil field sites pay substantial per diem, mobilization, and housing allowances on top of base wages.Short Build Seasons: In interior and arctic Alaska, the outdoor construction season is compressed. Workers and contractors must earn maximum compensation during a limited window. |
Construction Worker Wages by Trade in Alaska
| Trade | Hourly Wage (Alaska) | Annual Salary (Est.) | Notes |
| General Laborer | $24 – $35/hr | $49,900 – $72,800 | Higher than national avg; union rates common |
| Carpenter | $36 – $52/hr | $74,900 – $108,200 | Framing & formwork especially in demand |
| Electrician (Journeyman) | $46 – $68/hr | $95,700 – $141,400 | Commercial/industrial highest paid |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | $48 – $72/hr | $99,800 – $149,800 | Industrial pipefitters top earners in AK |
| HVAC Technician | $42 – $62/hr | $87,400 – $128,900 | Cold-climate expertise at premium |
| Equipment Operator | $42 – $65/hr | $87,400 – $135,200 | Crane operators especially in demand |
| Ironworker | $46 – $68/hr | $95,700 – $141,400 | Strong union contract rates |
| Concrete Worker | $28 – $44/hr | $58,200 – $91,500 | Cold-weather pour expertise required |
| Roofer / Envelope | $30 – $48/hr | $62,400 – $99,800 | Arctic-grade systems knowledge needed |
| Electrician (Master) | $58 – $80/hr | $120,600 – $166,400 | Top of the pay scale in AK |
Construction Wages Across Alaska’s Regions
Even within Alaska, wages vary significantly depending on where the work is located. Projects in Anchorage, the state’s largest city, operate in a competitive labor market with strong union halls and a wide range of commercial activity. Projects in Fairbanks, on the North Slope, or in rural Bush Alaska carry additional premiums to attract and retain workers willing to work in more demanding conditions.
| Region / City | Wage Context |
| Anchorage & Mat-Su Valley | Highest volume of construction activity in the state. Union hall wages are the baseline. Commercial and federal projects pay journeyman and above rates. Non-union contractors typically pay within 10–15% of union scale to remain competitive for workers. |
| Fairbanks & Interior Alaska | Cold-weather premiums apply. Fairbanks projects typically pay 5–12% above Anchorage rates for equivalent trades due to more extreme conditions and a smaller local labor pool. |
| Juneau & Southeast Alaska | Marine climate, barge-dependent logistics, and a strong state government construction market drive wages above national averages. Remote Southeast communities add further freight and mobilization costs. |
| Kenai Peninsula & Kodiak | Active oil and gas support construction on the Kenai Peninsula pays at or above Anchorage union rates. Kodiak island location adds mobilization costs and small freight premiums. |
| North Slope & Arctic Alaska | The highest-paying construction environment in Alaska. North Slope projects typically include base wages 20–40% above Anchorage rates, plus per diem allowances of $100–$200/day, rotational schedules with full room and board, and substantial mobilization pay. Annual earnings for experienced tradespersons on North Slope projects can exceed $120,000–$180,000. |
| Bush & Rural Alaska (Nome, Bethel, Kotzebue) | Remote rural projects pay the highest effective premiums because workers must fly in, housing is provided, and the local workforce pool is extremely limited. Project-specific packages vary widely but total compensation packages are among the highest in the state. |
Non-Union VS Union Construction Workers: How Much of a Difference Does It Make?
Union membership is one of the most consistent wage-boosting factors in the construction industry nationally — and especially in Alaska.
Union members in the Building Trades are covered by collectively bargained agreements that set minimum wages, define apprenticeship ratios, mandate health and pension contributions, and establish overtime rules.
| Factor | Union Construction Worker |
| Base Hourly Wage | Set by collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Varies by trade and local. Typically 20–40% higher than non-union equivalent in the same market. |
| Health Insurance | Full family health coverage typically included as a negotiated benefit — a significant financial advantage. |
| Pension / Retirement | Defined benefit pension contributions paid by employer on top of wages. Multi-employer union pension funds common in Building Trades. |
| Apprenticeship | Structured 4–5 year registered apprenticeship with wage step increases, classroom training, and guaranteed journey-level advancement. |
| Overtime & Prevailing Wage | On federal and many state-funded projects in Alaska, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements apply — effectively mandating union-scale wages for all workers. |
| Job Security / Dispatch | Union hall dispatch system connects workers with available projects. In active markets like Anchorage, union members have consistent access to work. |
Non-union construction workers in Alaska can earn competitive wages — particularly on private industrial and oil-and-gas projects — but they typically receive fewer guaranteed benefits, less structured training pathways, and lower base wages in trades where union density is high (electricians, pipefitters, ironworkers).
The BLS estimates that union construction workers earn approximately 20–30% more in total compensation (wages + benefits) than non-union workers nationally. In Alaska, that gap is often wider due to the strength of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Alaska.
Construction Worker Salary by Experience: From Laborer to Superintendent
One of the most appealing aspects of construction as a career is the clear earning progression tied to skill and experience. Unlike many white-collar professions where wage growth plateaus, skilled construction workers see consistent pay increases as they advance through apprenticeship, journeyman status, foreman responsibilities, and into project management or superintendency roles.
| Career Stage | Typical Role | National Avg Wage | Alaska Avg Wage |
| 0–2 years | Laborer / Helper | $17 – $22/hr | $24 – $32/hr |
| 2–5 years | Apprentice (mid-level) | $22 – $30/hr | $30 – $42/hr |
| 5–8 years | Journeyman Tradesperson | $32 – $48/hr | $44 – $68/hr |
| 8–15 years | Senior / Lead Tradesperson | $42 – $58/hr | $54 – $78/hr |
| 10–15 years | Foreman | $48 – $65/hr | $62 – $88/hr |
| 15+ years | Superintendent | $75K – $130K/yr | $90K – $160K/yr |
| 15+ years | Project Manager | $85K – $150K/yr | $100K – $180K/yr |
The jump from apprentice to journeyman is the single largest wage step in most trades, often representing a 40–60% pay increase achieved after completing a registered apprenticeship program. In Alaska, the Building Trades offer registered apprenticeship programs in all major trades through organizations like the Alaska Works Partnership, providing a structured pathway from entry-level laborer to high-earning journeyman.
What Factors Determine How Much Construction Workers Make?
Beyond trade and geography, a number of additional factors influence individual construction worker earnings. Understanding these drivers helps workers maximize their earning potential and helps project owners understand why labor cost estimates vary.
1. Certifications and Licenses
Licensed trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians) command higher wages than unlicensed roles because licensing requirements restrict supply and validate expertise. Additional certifications — such as OSHA 30, First Aid / CPR, confined space entry, aerial lift operation, or specialized welding certifications — can increase a worker’s earning potential by 5–20% depending on the trade and market.
2. Project Type and Size
Large commercial, industrial, and government projects typically pay more than small residential projects. A carpenter framing custom homes earns differently than a carpenter building a federal correctional facility or an Alaskan oil field module. In Alaska specifically, federal projects subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements must pay locally prevailing wage rates, which are typically at or above union scale.
3. Shift Type and Schedule
Construction projects that operate night shifts, extended-hour schedules, or rotational remote schedules (common in Alaska’s oil fields and North Slope projects) typically pay shift differentials, overtime premiums, and per diem allowances that significantly boost effective hourly and annual earnings. A pipefitter working a 7-and-7 rotation on the North Slope can earn far more in annualized compensation than the same tradesperson working standard day-shift hours in Anchorage.
4. Overtime Availability
In active construction markets — including Anchorage during peak season and on major capital projects — overtime is often available and expected. A journeyman electrician earning $50/hr at straight time who works 10 hours of overtime per week at $75/hr can add $36,000+ to their annual income. In Alaska, where construction seasons can be intense and fast-moving, overtime availability is a major compensation multiplier.
5. Cost of Living Adjustments
Raw wage figures do not tell the whole story. A construction laborer earning $22/hr in rural Mississippi may have higher real purchasing power than a laborer earning $28/hr in San Francisco. In Alaska, the cost of living — particularly in Anchorage and Fairbanks — is 20–40% higher than the national average, which is why Alaska’s elevated wages are necessary to maintain equivalent living standards and why the state continues to attract experienced trade workers from the Lower 48.
Construction Worker Job Outlook and Wage Growth Trends
The demand for skilled construction workers is strong nationally and exceptionally strong in Alaska. Several macro-level trends are driving sustained wage growth across the construction industry:
- Aging workforce: A large share of skilled tradespeople in the U.S. are approaching retirement age. As experienced workers exit the workforce, the supply of skilled labor contracts and wages for those who remain increases.
- Infrastructure investment: Federal infrastructure legislation has directed hundreds of billions of dollars into roads, bridges, airports, water systems, and utilities — all requiring construction labor. In Alaska, federal infrastructure spending is proportionally among the highest in the nation per capita.
- Clean energy construction: Solar, wind, and battery storage construction is creating new demand for electricians, ironworkers, and civil construction workers across every state.
- Industrial reshoring: Manufacturing facilities, data centers, and semiconductor plants are being built in the U.S. at historic rates, creating sustained demand for industrial construction tradespeople.
- Alaska-specific drivers: Alaska has significant capital infrastructure needs — aging schools, healthcare facilities, water and sewer systems, road and airport improvements, and continued oil and gas activity — that will sustain construction demand and wages well into the next decade.
The BLS projects construction and extraction occupations to grow by approximately 5% over the coming decade, with skilled trade occupations growing faster than average due to the retirement wave and the difficulty of automating physical trade work. For workers entering or advancing in the trades, wage growth prospects are favorable — especially in high-demand states like Alaska.
Beyond the Hourly Rate: Total Compensation for Construction Workers
When calculating how much construction workers make, it is essential to look beyond the hourly wage to total compensation. For union construction workers in particular, the value of benefits packages can add 30–50% to the effective value of their compensation beyond the base wage.
| Compensation Component | What Construction Workers Typically Receive |
| Health Insurance | Employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage. For union workers, this is typically full family coverage. Non-union packages vary widely — some major contractors offer comparable plans; smaller subcontractors may offer limited or no coverage. |
| Pension / Retirement | Union Building Trades members receive employer-contributed pension fund payments — typically $5–$12/hr contributed to a multi-employer defined benefit plan. Non-union workers may receive 401(k) matching on larger commercial and industrial projects. |
| Per Diem (Remote Projects) | Workers on remote Alaska projects typically receive $100–$200/day in per diem allowances for meals and lodging, on top of their base wages. On North Slope rotational projects, room and board are fully provided, making per diem effectively additional take-home pay. |
| Overtime Pay | Construction workers are typically covered by FLSA overtime rules — 1.5x base rate for hours over 40/week. On some Alaska projects, double-time provisions apply after 10 hours per day or on weekends. |
| Paid Time Off | Union agreements typically specify vacation accrual — often 6–8% of gross wages contributed to a vacation and holiday fund. PTO for non-union workers varies by employer. |
| Training & Apprenticeship | Registered apprenticeship participants earn wages while training — starting at 50–60% of journeyman scale and increasing with each year of the program. |
Quick Reference: How Much Do Construction Workers Make — At a Glance
Use this summary table for a fast reference to construction wages by trade, experience level, and region.
| Trade | National Median/Hr | Alaska Avg/Hr | Top Earners (AK/yr) |
| General Laborer | $21 | $29 | $72,800+ |
| Carpenter | $28 | $44 | $108,200+ |
| Electrician | $38 | $57 | $141,400+ |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | $40 | $60 | $149,800+ |
| HVAC Technician | $32 | $52 | $128,900+ |
| Equipment Operator | $34 | $54 | $135,200+ |
| Ironworker | $38 | $57 | $141,400+ |
| Concrete / Mason | $26 | $36 | $99,800+ |
| Superintendent / PM | $90K/yr | $130K/yr | $180,000+ |
Accurate Labor Cost Estimating for Alaska Construction Projects — Alaska Estimation
Understanding how much construction workers make is only the first step in building an accurate construction budget. Translating real Alaska wage rates — including union scale, prevailing wage requirements, overtime exposure, per diem costs, and benefits burden — into a reliable project estimate requires expertise that goes far beyond national salary databases.
Alaska Estimation is Alaska’s dedicated construction cost estimating firm, serving general contractors, mechanical and electrical subcontractors, project owners, developers, and federal agencies throughout Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, the Mat-Su Valley, the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, the North Slope, and across all of rural and Bush Alaska. Our estimators apply current, locally sourced Alaska labor rates — including verified union scale rates from the Alaska Building Trades — to every estimate we produce, ensuring your project budget reflects what construction workers actually make in the Alaskan market where your project is located.
Whether you need a mechanical estimate for a commercial building in Anchorage, a civil and sitework budget for an infrastructure project in Fairbanks, or a full multi-trade construction estimate for a federal facility in remote Alaska, Alaska Estimation delivers the accuracy, speed, and Alaska-specific expertise your project demands.
Get a Free Construction Estimate Consultation
Alaska Estimation — Built for Alaska. Trusted by Alaska Contractors.
References & Data Sources
The wage data, salary benchmarks, and labor market statistics cited throughout this article are drawn from the following authoritative sources. All figures represent the most current publicly available data as of 2026 and reflect national and Alaska-specific construction labor market conditions.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | Occupational wage data for all construction and extraction occupations, including trade-level median hourly and annual wages by state.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction Trades | Career profiles, wage ranges, job outlook projections, and employment trends for all major construction trades.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/home.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Alaska | Alaska-specific wage data for construction and extraction occupations, including trade-level hourly and annual wage percentiles.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) — Wage and Hour Division: Davis-Bacon and Related Acts | Federal prevailing wage determinations applicable to federally funded construction projects in Alaska, including Alaska-specific wage schedules by trade and county/borough.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction
- U.S. Department of Labor — Wage Determinations Online (SAM.gov / WDOL) | Official prevailing wage rate schedules for federally funded construction projects in Alaska by trade, classification, and geographic area.
https://sam.gov/content/wage-determinations
- Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) — Research and Analysis | Alaska-specific labor market information including occupational wage surveys, employment projections, and industry wage reports for the construction sector.
https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov
- Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Wage and Hour Administration: Alaska Wage Rates | Official Alaska state prevailing wage rate determinations for public construction projects, including trade classifications and hourly wage schedules.