Construction and Extraction Occupation Profiles

The Construction and Extraction occupation profiles compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in May 2016 and modified in March 2017) include specific information about 59 distinct occupational job types.

Explore the qualifications and nature of each job type through links on this page and throughout the site.

Fast Facts: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) estimates that 5,585,420 are employed in this occupational group earning the “mean annual wage” (as defined below) of $48,900.

If you are interested in assessing long-term trends and comparing the Bureau’s annual surveys beginning in 1988 see here. 

In general, the “mean” is the sum of the total values (e.g., wages) in the data set or survey divided by number of values (while the “median” is the middle value in same the sequence. The term “mean annual wage” (or “MAW”) is calculated by multiplying the mean hourly wage as determined by the BLS by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours. So, for example, the Construction and Extraction group’s mean hourly wage of $23.509, multiplied by 2,080, results in the mean annual wage of $48,900.

Did you know? Texas metropolitan areas lead highest job concentration in this occupation with three of the top six spots: Odessa, TX (121.67/1^st); Longview, TX  (106.03/3^rd) and Midland, TX (101.63 per 1,000/6^th). Top paying cities are another story with financial stalwarts San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA ($71,960) and Metropolitan Division Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division ($69,610) at the top, but more low profile Anchorage, AK ($66,580) and Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,330) Fairbanks, AK ($65,870) coming in at 6, 7 and 9, respectively.

For the entire list of mean annual wages for this occupation (from highest to lowest), see here.  

Sources: In addition to specific citations noted, supplementary source materials include the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Occupations

• Rough Carpenters
• Carpet Installers
• Fence Erectors
• Tile and Marble Setters
• Roof Bolters, Mining
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
• Floor Layers
• Managers of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
• Tapers
• Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
• Segmental Pavers
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
• Carpenters Helpers
• Brickmasons and Blockmasons
• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Construction and Related Workers
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
• Extraction Workers
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Elevator Installers and Repairers
• Rock Splitters, Quarry
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
• Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
• Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons Helpers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators

• Construction Trades Helper
• Mining Machine Operators
• Roofers
• Stonemasons
• Construction Carpenters
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Helpers
• Continuous Mining Machine Operators
• Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
• Pile-Driver Operators
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Helpers--Roofers
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Earth Drillers
• Extraction Workers Helpers
• Electricians Helpers
• Floor Sanders and Finishers
• Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, Blasters
• Insulation Workers, Mechanical
• Glaziers
• Pipelayers
• Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining
• Paperhangers
• Carpenters
• Construction Laborers
• Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Boilermakers
• Maintenance and Construction Painters
• Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters Helpers