Construction Laborers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $71,820 +53.7% vs national
Median hourly $34.53
10th percentile $47,890
90th percentile $99,740
Employed locally 4,100
National median $46,730

Compare Construction Laborers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how San Jose, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Construction Laborers
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    In San Jose, CA, construction laborers earn a median annual salary of $71,820 and an hourly wage of $34.53. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for construction laborers, which stands at $46,730 annually. The local median household income in San Jose is approximately $157,444, indicating that the typical earnings for construction laborers are nearly half of what a standard household earns in the area. With an estimated employment figure of 4,100 and a relatively low local unemployment rate of 4.20%, construction laborers in San Jose are positioned well within the broader economic landscape of the region.

    The salary range for construction laborers varies based on experience levels. Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn around $47,890 annually, while those in the 25th percentile make about $56,830 per year. More experienced and skilled laborers can expect significantly higher earnings; those at the 75th percentile earn approximately $83,200, and those near the top of their field at the 90th percentile take home around $99,740 annually. The considerable difference in pay across these levels is driven by factors such as experience, skillset, demand for specific construction expertise, and the ability to work on larger or more complex projects. As workers gain experience and develop specialized skills, they can command higher wages, reflecting their increased value within the industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,890
    25th
    $56,830
    50th (median)
    $71,820
    75th
    $83,200
    90th
    $99,740

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Construction Laborers salary vs area income 46% Median Construction Laborers salary is 54% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Construction Laborers make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Construction Laborers in San Jose, CA is $34.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.37 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Construction Laborers salaries?

    The median Construction Laborers salary in San Jose, CA is 53.7% 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 San Jose?

    Entry-level Construction Laborers (10th percentile) earn around $47,890 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $56,830.