Construction Laborer Salary in California
Construction Laborers in California earn an average of $53,727 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$53,727
per year
Hourly Rate
$25.83
per hour
vs National
+16.8%
$45,990 national
Salary Range
$34,873
to $79,217
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$53,727
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$37,836
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Construction Laborer's salary of $53,727 has the purchasing power of $37,836 in an average-cost area.
Construction Laborer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $63,726 | $30.64/hr | $40,026 | $94,450 | 1,637 |
| San Francisco, CA | $62,651 | $30.12/hr | $40,171 | $94,423 | 1,624 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $51,908 | $24.96/hr | $34,296 | $73,794 | 2,039 |
| San Diego, CA | $50,944 | $24.49/hr | $34,128 | $76,348 | 1,303 |
| Sacramento, CA | $46,921 | $22.56/hr | $30,081 | $69,930 | 1,201 |
| Riverside, CA | $46,213 | $22.22/hr | $30,535 | $66,355 | 1,277 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Construction Laborer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 9,081 Construction Laborers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Construction Laborer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$34,873
Starting salary for new Construction Laborers
Median (50th Percentile)
$53,727
Mid-career Construction Laborer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$79,217
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Construction Laborer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Construction Laborer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Construction Laborer salary in California?
The average Construction Laborer salary in California is $53,727 per year ($25.83/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.8% above the national average of $45,990.
What is the highest paying city for Construction Laborers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Construction Laborers in California, with a median salary of $63,726 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $46,213.
What is the salary range for Construction Laborers in California?
Construction Laborer salaries in California range from $34,873 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $79,217 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $53,727 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.