Top Earning Construction Roles in Pennsylvania State

Uplift in the Construction Industry

The construction industry has witnessed a surge in activity due to considerable private residential construction growth and record-breaking public funding for infrastructure projects. The U.S. government’s key legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, have pledged over $2 trillion investment to sectors including transportation, manufacturing, and broadband over the next decade.

This rise in federal investment and private construction growth is set to continue driving the industry’s expansion. The construction sector, already one of the fastest expanding sectors post-pandemic, is predicted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to maintain its growth rate in line with the national average. Jobs in high demand include solar photovoltaic installers and highway maintenance workers, underpinning competitive wages in the construction industry.

Construction Wages in Comparison

Construction workers earn a notable income compared to workers with similar education levels

Construction jobs, despite having minimal educational requirements for entry, tend to offer strong wages. These roles often do not require formal education or a high school diploma, yet offer a median weekly income of $945—close to the $1,005 median weekly earnings of individuals with an associate’s degree. Generally, high school graduates earn a median of $853 per week, while those without a diploma earn $682.

State-wise Construction Wages

Hawaii, Illinois, and Massachusetts offer the highest median hourly wages for construction workers

Construction wages vary significantly based on geographical location. The West Coast and selected areas in the Midwest and Northeast pay construction workers higher hourly wages compared to other regions. Conversely, several Southern states pay less than $22 per hour for construction labor.

Additionally, the nature of the construction job greatly impacts the compensation level. Specialized roles such as elevator installers and pile driver operators command higher wages. However, even general construction supervisors and common tradespeople like electricians are among the highest-paying jobs in the construction industry.

Best-Paying Construction Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Construction Coverage analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data presents the following data breakout for the top-paying construction occupations in Pennsylvania:

• Best-paying occupation: Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• State median hourly wage: $49.81
• State median annual wage: $103,600
• Total state employment: 200

• 2nd best-paying occupation: Boilermakers
• State median hourly wage: $41.68
• State median annual wage: $86,690
• Total state employment: 120

• 3rd best-paying occupation: Pile Driver Operators
• State median hourly wage: $38.44
• State median annual wage: $79,960
• Total state employment: 70

For a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania construction occupations and detailed methodology, as well as results for the rest of the U.S., see The Best-Paying Construction Jobs in the U.S. on Construction Coverage.