Construction Laborers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $49,470 +5.9% vs national
Median hourly $23.79
10th percentile $37,840
90th percentile $63,390
Employed locally 3,310
National median $46,730

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    In Des Moines, IA, construction laborers earn a median annual salary of $49,470, which is slightly above the national median for this occupation at $46,730. This local median translates to an hourly wage of approximately $23.79. When compared to the area's median household income of $84,209, it becomes evident that a typical worker in this field earns less than what the average household in Des Moines makes annually. Given these figures, construction laborers' earnings constitute about 58.7% of the local median household income, reflecting their position within the broader economic landscape of the region.

    For entry-level construction laborers in Des Moines, IA, salaries start at around $37,840, which is below the median annual salary for all workers in this field. In contrast, those at the 25th percentile earn about $46,530 annually, and experienced workers near the 75th percentile can earn approximately $58,880 per year. The top earners, or those at the 90th percentile, make around $63,390 annually. This substantial wage range is driven by factors such as experience level, skill specialization, project complexity, and working conditions. More seasoned laborers with specialized skills typically command higher wages due to their increased proficiency and ability to handle more demanding tasks efficiently.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,840
    25th
    $46,530
    50th (median)
    $49,470
    75th
    $58,880
    90th
    $63,390

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Construction Laborers salary vs area income 59% Median Construction Laborers salary is 41% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Construction Laborers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Construction Laborers in Des Moines, IA is $23.79, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.79 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Construction Laborers salaries?

    The median Construction Laborers salary in Des Moines, IA is 5.9% above 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Construction Laborers (10th percentile) earn around $37,840 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,530.