Find a Job You Really Want In
Construction workers represent a vital segment of the American workforce, with job opportunities available across all states—not just in traditional hubs like California or the Southern states. As the construction industry continues to evolve, understanding where construction workers can find the best job prospects and salaries is crucial.
At Zippia, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify the states that offer the best opportunities for construction workers in 2026. Our focus was on states with abundant job openings and competitive salaries throughout various career stages.
After extensive analysis, we compiled this list of the top states for construction workers:
These states stand out for their favorable conditions for construction laborers. Want to know how we arrived at these rankings? Read on for a detailed explanation of our methodology and insights into these top-performing states.
If you’re interested in exploring the job market further, check out these resources:
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- These Are The 10 Companies That Are Hiring The Most In Seattle
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
How We Determined the Best States for Construction Workers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research shows that job availability and competitive pay are the two most important factors for construction workers.
To identify the best states for construction workers, we analyzed factors such as:
- Location quotient: Indicates the prevalence of construction jobs in a given state.
- Average annual salary: The standard pay for construction workers.
- Entry-level salary: The average pay for those just starting their careers.
- Experienced salary: The typical earnings for seasoned professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons, we adjusted salary figures according to the cost of living in each state. This adjustment highlights that while salaries might be higher in some states, the cost of living can significantly affect purchasing power. For instance, a salary of $48,250 in California may not stretch as far as a $59,960 salary in Illinois when considering living expenses.
We assigned rankings from 1 to 50 for each criterion, with 1 being the best. The overall Job Score for each state was calculated by averaging these rankings, with the lowest score indicating the best state for construction workers.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 28,980
Average Annual Salary: $48,070
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,490
Average Experienced Salary: $74,330
Location Quotient: 1.29
2. Missouri
Total Jobs: 20,020
Average Annual Salary: $47,270
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,250
Average Experienced Salary: $75,900
Location Quotient: 1.03
3. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 4,610
Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,600
Average Experienced Salary: $56,880
Location Quotient: 1.6
4. Iowa
Total Jobs: 12,870
Average Annual Salary: $37,510
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,830
Average Experienced Salary: $52,110
Location Quotient: 1.21
5. Ohio
Total Jobs: 36,990
Average Annual Salary: $44,030
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,480
Average Experienced Salary: $68,120
Location Quotient: 0.99
6. Illinois
Total Jobs: 33,270
Average Annual Salary: $59,960
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,370
Average Experienced Salary: $98,120
Location Quotient: 0.8
7. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 3,110
Average Annual Salary: $36,160
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,680
Average Experienced Salary: $48,590
Location Quotient: 1.67
8. Indiana
Total Jobs: 22,080
Average Annual Salary: $38,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,730
Average Experienced Salary: $58,150
Location Quotient: 1.05
9. Michigan
Total Jobs: 24,500
Average Annual Salary: $39,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,270
Average Experienced Salary: $58,280
Location Quotient: 0.82
10. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 12,810
Average Annual Salary: $52,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,130
Average Experienced Salary: $78,720
Location Quotient: 0.65
There You Have It – The Best States for Construction Workers
For those starting their careers in construction, these states should be your primary focus. They offer competitive pay, abundant job opportunities, and pathways for career advancement.
Curious about states with less favorable conditions for construction workers? Here are the bottom three:
For further insights, take a look at these resources:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Washington
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Washington
Detailed List Of The Best States For Construction Workers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $48,070 |
| 2 | Missouri | $47,270 |
| 3 | North Dakota | $42,000 |
| 4 | Iowa | $37,510 |
| 5 | Ohio | $44,030 |
| 6 | Illinois | $59,960 |
| 7 | Wyoming | $36,160 |
| 8 | Indiana | $38,380 |
| 9 | Michigan | $39,700 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $52,150 |
| 11 | Kansas | $35,600 |
| 12 | Alaska | $51,470 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $43,900 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $41,260 |
| 15 | West Virginia | $36,450 |
| 16 | Louisiana | $35,120 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $36,150 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $52,780 |
| 19 | New Jersey | $53,540 |
| 20 | Montana | $37,330 |
| 21 | Texas | $32,630 |
| 22 | Utah | $33,680 |
| 23 | Arizona | $36,000 |
| 24 | Connecticut | $49,700 |
| 25 | Georgia | $33,600 |
| 26 | New York | $51,720 |
| 27 | Idaho | $32,630 |
| 28 | Nebraska | $34,660 |
| 29 | Nevada | $37,100 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $32,070 |
| 31 | Rhode Island | $47,030 |
| 32 | Oregon | $41,080 |
| 33 | Mississippi | $30,410 |
| 34 | Tennessee | $31,940 |
| 35 | Colorado | $36,520 |
| 36 | California | $48,250 |
| 37 | Hawaii | $58,770 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $31,230 |
| 39 | Delaware | $35,640 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $31,090 |
| 41 | Alabama | $32,000 |
| 42 | Florida | $31,630 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $38,490 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $29,070 |
| 45 | Virginia | $31,950 |
| 46 | North Carolina | $30,280 |
| 47 | Maryland | $34,420 |
| 48 | Vermont | $36,120 |
| 49 | Maine | $32,950 |
| 50 | South Dakota | $30,700 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
