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How much does an entry level construction worker make starting out ?

24 years old starting trade school

construction
Thank you comment icon Oh, sweetheart, starting pay varies by location, but it’s usually around £12-£20 per hour. Just focus on learning—skills will raise your worth quickly! Uran James
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Angelo! Good on you for getting into trade school—construction is a solid career with good pay, job security, and room for growth.

Entry-Level Pay in Construction🤔....

Starting wages depend on location, experience, and the type of construction work (residential, commercial, union vs. non-union, etc.). But to give you a rough idea:

General laborers (no experience): $15 - $22/hr

Apprentices (learning a trade like electrical, plumbing, or carpentry): $18 - $28/hr

Union workers: Often start higher, around $20 - $30/hr, depending on the state

California (San Jose area): Higher cost of living = generally higher wages. Entry-level could be $20 - $25/hr or more

Since you’re going to trade school, you’re already setting yourself up for higher pay.
Let me know if you need more details, how it clears something! All the best man! 😎

Dr recommends the following next steps:

Get certifications (OSHA 10/30, forklift, safety training)
Specialize (carpentry, electrical, welding, HVAC—specialists earn more)
Consider union work (higher wages & benefits)
Learn from experienced workers and ask questions
Once you gain experience, skilled tradespeople often make $30 - $50/hr, and some contractors earn six figures. So, stick with it—it’s a great career path!
Thank you comment icon Oh, love, Dr H is absolutely right—stick with it, learn from the best, and those skills will take you far! Keep going, sweetheart, you’re on the right path. Uran James
Thank you comment icon That’s such a beautiful and encouraging message, Uran! Supporting and uplifting each other is what truly makes the journey worthwhile. Wishing you and everyone here endless success and growth! Keep pushing forward! Dr H
Thank you comment icon Syuk Chang, your insight always shines through! Appreciate the support! Dr H
Thank you comment icon Thank you Melanie for your support it is uplifting and motivational. Dr H
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Melanie’s Answer

If you're in California and need information on construction labor wages for public works projects, check out the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). It's pretty simple to find the wage rates for different types of jobs where you plan to work. Jobs like operating cranes tend to pay well and are less physically demanding. When choosing a job type, consider how physically demanding it is and how you want your body to feel after 10, 15, or even 20 years.

Here are the links to find wage rates for 2025:

- For California apprentices: [Apprentice Wage Rates](https://www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/pwappwage/PWAppWageStart.asp)
- For experienced California journeymen: [Journeymen Wage Rates](https://www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/2025-1/PWD/index.htm)

These links can help you compare pay rates for the jobs you're interested in.

If you're in another state, you might have a similar department ensuring public works projects (like roads, bridges, and airports) pay a minimum wage. This doesn't apply to private sector construction.

Melanie recommends the following next steps:

Good luck to you!
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Jim’s Answer

Hey Angelo,

Building things is a worthwhile and noble trade. If you apply yourself in school and focus on learning how things are done in the real world. You can start working for about 25/hr. Especially if you are in CA, and you're not a fool. Get to know people and work hard every day. Don't let people push you around, but be extremely willing to learn. It's a fine balance being confident and also listening to others but it is important to learn from people with more experience. Get familiar with power tools and a tape measure. If you have to start at 18/hr then you can quickly make more than that if you want to. Above all else, do your best and make sure you make yourself proud of the work you finish.
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Paul’s Answer

A lot of your starting pay depends on where you are located, and if you are applying for a Union Apprenticeship or Non-Union. In my area a 1st year Carpenter apprentice starts out at 50% of Journeyman scale, so a Commercial Carpenter here makes $38.07 an hour and 50% of that would be $19.03 an hour. If you go to work for a contractor building bridges and heavy road work that is called, Heavy Highway which pays $40.96 to a Journeyman and 50% for an Apprentice would be $20.48 an hour. You also have to keep in my that the hourly wage is what you make and are paid, your insurance, annuity, and pension are paid into by the company you are working for, so the money you are paid an hour plus what the company pays in your benefits actually adds up to $74.75 an hour. So, it's a great opportunity to make a great living with very good benefits, and in today's world, that is a very hard thing to find.
In your area Carpenters Union Local 405 is who you would contact for an apprenticeship, and their website is www.carpenters405.org

Paul recommends the following next steps:

Look up the website
See the opportunities available
Contact them and apply
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Robert’s Answer

Angelo,

I did a quick search and here is an article from Indeed.com that has 17 trades with their starting salary.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/construction-trades

I hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

Bob K.
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