Construction Laborer Salary in Memphis, TN: $41,592 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $20.00/hour | $27,868 - $60,740 range
Median Annual Salary
$41,592
Hourly Rate
$20.00
/hour
Jobs in Area
1,110
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Memphis, TN
$41,592
San Jose, CA
$63,726
in San Jose, CA
Construction Laborer Salary Range in Memphis, TN
Annual Salary Range
$28k
10th percentile
$35k
25th
$49k
75th
$61k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $27,868 | $13.40 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,665 | $16.67 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $41,592 | $20.00 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,851 | $23.49 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Average (Mean) | $45,455 | $21.85 |
Construction Laborer Market Insights for Memphis, TN
Compensation Overview
Construction Laborer compensation in Memphis, TN aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $27,868 to $60,740 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Memphis, TN offers a lower cost of living compared to major coastal metros, meaning your salary stretches further here. Many professionals find that moderate salaries in Tennessee provide comparable or better quality of life than higher-paying positions in expensive cities.
Cost of Living Impact
After adjusting for local cost of living, your effective purchasing power is approximately 14% higher than the nominal salary suggests. This means Memphis, TN offers strong real earning potential for this role.
Career Outlook
The Construction Laborer profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 118% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 46% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-10%
vs National Avg
-16%
vs State Avg
118%
Salary Range
1,110
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Construction Laborer salary growth in Memphis, TN based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$27,868
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$34,665
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$41,592
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$48,851
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$60,740
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Construction Laborer:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Construction Laborer Job Market in Memphis, TN
Where Construction Laborers Work
Construction Laborers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
The Memphis, TN area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Memphis, TN
- •Research major employers in the Memphis area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Tennessee
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Memphis, TN market rate of $41,592
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $27,868 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median construction laborer salary in Memphis, TN is $41,592 per year ($20.00/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $27,868 for entry-level positions to $60,740 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level construction laborers in Memphis, TN typically start at around $27,868 per year ($13.40/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $41,592 within 3-5 years.
Construction Laborers in Memphis, TN earn a median hourly wage of $20.00 per hour. Hourly rates range from $13.40/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $29.20/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $27,868 and $60,740.
The median construction laborer salary of $41,592 in Memphis, TN is slightly below the national median of $45,990 (9.6% lower). Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of construction laborers in the area earn more and half earn less.
Construction Laborers in Memphis, TN earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $41,592 is 9.6% lower than the national median of $45,990. Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $47,371.
The top 10% of construction laborers in Memphis, TN earn $60,740 or more per year ($29.20/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $48,851, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost construction laborer salary in Memphis, TN include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $41,592, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($48,851) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Memphis, TN has a moderate job market for construction laborers, with approximately 1,110 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $41,592 is slightly below the national average. Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your construction laborer salary to these Memphis, TN benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $27,868, 25th percentile: $34,665, 50th percentile (median): $41,592, 75th percentile: $48,851, 90th percentile (top earners): $60,740. If you earn more than $41,592, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $41,592 median base salary, construction laborers in Memphis, TN typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced construction laborers with 5-10 years in Memphis, TN typically earn $48,851 (75th percentile) to $60,740 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $60,740. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $41,592.
Construction Laborers in Memphis, TN can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($27,868) to median ($41,592) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($60,740) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $32,872 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Memphis
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
47-2061
SOC Classification
Sample Size
1,110
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Construction Laborer in Memphis, TN
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Median: $41,592/yr
How Memphis, TN Compares
vs National Average
$45,990
vs Tennessee Average
$49,489
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$47,371
Cost of living in Memphis, TN is 12.2% below the national average.
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