Construction Laborers Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $43,280 -7.4% vs national
Median hourly $20.81
10th percentile $33,600
90th percentile $64,240
Employed locally 2,980
National median $46,730

Compare Construction Laborers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Charleston, SC stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Construction Laborers
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    In Charleston, SC, construction laborers typically earn a median annual salary of $43,280, which translates to a median hourly wage of $20.81. When compared to the national median for this occupation, which stands at $46,730, local workers in Charleston are earning less than their counterparts across the United States. Furthermore, this figure is approximately 52% of the area's median household income of $82,272, indicating that construction laborers earn considerably less on average than other households within the region.

    The salary for entry-level construction laborers in Charleston starts at about $33,600 annually (10th percentile), while those further along in their careers can expect to earn up to $64,240 or more (90th percentile). This wage range reflects several factors, including experience level and the complexity of tasks performed. Entry-level workers typically earn less due to a lack of specialized skills and on-the-job training that comes with time. On the other hand, experienced laborers who have honed their craft over years often receive higher pay for their advanced skills, efficiency, and ability to handle more complex projects. This wage progression is driven by both skill acquisition and tenure in the industry, contributing significantly to the disparity between entry-level and seasoned workers within this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,600
    25th
    $36,810
    50th (median)
    $43,280
    75th
    $49,150
    90th
    $64,240

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Construction Laborers salary vs area income 53% Median Construction Laborers salary is 47% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Construction Laborers make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Construction Laborers in Charleston, SC is $20.81, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $31.21 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Construction Laborers salaries?

    The median Construction Laborers salary in Charleston, SC is 7.4% below the national median of $46,730. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Construction Laborers in Charleston?

    Entry-level Construction Laborers (10th percentile) earn around $33,600 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,810.