Construction Laborer salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Construction Laborers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $44,810 a year ($21.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,940 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,750 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $47,120. Pay here is about the same as the Tennessee statewide median of $45,000. There are 6.4 construction laborers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $47,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for construction laborers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,970 | $16.81 |
| 25th percentile | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Median | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| 75th percentile | $50,760 | $24.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Average (mean) | $47,210 | $22.70 |
Half of construction laborers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,734.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,867.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,723.46 |
| Weekly | $861.73 |
| Hourly | $21.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Construction Laborer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $46,190 | 9,170 |
| Knoxville, TN | $46,130 | 3,640 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $45,370 | 1,430 |
| Jackson, TN | $44,610 | 580 |
| Cleveland, TN | $44,190 | 310 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $43,260 | 1,800 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $41,950 | 620 |
| Johnson City, TN | $41,150 | 580 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $39,370 | 2,190 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $38,880 | 1,090 |
| Morristown, TN | $38,400 | 520 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $37,970 | 390 |
| Jackson, MS | $37,850 | 2,020 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $37,190 | 2,790 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $36,950 | 670 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $36,360 | 450 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $35,700 | 420 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $34,840 | 330 |
Highest-paying states for construction laborers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $77,110 |
| New Jersey | $64,060 |
| Massachusetts | $63,390 |
| Illinois | $60,690 |
| California | $60,270 |
| Minnesota | $60,260 |
| Connecticut | $58,290 |
| Alaska | $58,060 |
| Washington | $57,720 |
| Rhode Island | $57,240 |
See Construction Laborer pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,890 | $29.27 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $58,690 | $28.22 |
| Carpenter | $50,620 | $24.34 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $53,870 | $25.90 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $44,620 | $21.45 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $50,030 | $24.05 |
| Roofer | $46,480 | $22.34 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $60,780 | $29.22 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $50,390 | $24.23 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $39,120 | $18.81 |
| Glazier | $48,100 | $23.13 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $47,100 | $22.65 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $47,270 | $22.73 |
| Insulation Workers, Mechanical | $45,900 | $22.07 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 47-2061. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a construction laborer make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for construction laborers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $44,810 a year, or $21.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid construction laborers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of construction laborers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $64,750 a year. The top 25% earn $50,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for construction laborers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,970 a year, and a quarter of construction laborers earn $38,090 or less.
How many construction laborers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 3,940 construction laborers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.