Construction Laborer salary in Tennessee
Construction Laborers in Tennessee earn a median of $45,000 a year ($21.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 26,250 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,990 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $47,120. Tennessee ranks 37th of 51 states for construction laborers pay. There are 8.0 construction laborers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $45,970, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for construction laborers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,910 | $16.79 |
| 25th percentile | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| Median | $45,000 | $21.64 |
| 75th percentile | $49,450 | $23.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Average (mean) | $45,970 | $22.10 |
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 | $3,750 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,875 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,730.77 |
| Weekly | $865.38 |
| Hourly | $21.64 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Construction Laborer salary in cities in Tennessee
| 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 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $44,810 | 3,940 |
| 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 |
| Morristown, TN | $38,400 | 520 |
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 |
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $61,090 | $29.37 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Carpenter | $50,830 | $24.44 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $47,910 | $23.04 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $43,230 | $20.78 |
| Roofer | $45,690 | $21.97 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $59,170 | $28.45 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $42,510 | $20.44 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $56,750 | $27.29 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $48,410 | $23.28 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $47,510 | $22.84 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $63,850 | $30.70 |
| Glazier | $48,610 | $23.37 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for construction laborers in Tennessee is $45,000 a year, or $21.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid construction laborers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of construction laborers in Tennessee earn at least $59,990 a year. The top 25% earn $49,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for construction laborers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,910 a year, and a quarter of construction laborers earn $37,670 or less.
How many construction laborers work in Tennessee?
About 26,250 construction laborers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.