Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Helpers, construction trades, all other support a wide range of construction activities and can be an entry point into the broader construction field. With national employment of 26,000 and a projected growth rate of 4.4%, this role offers ongoing demand across the country. Annual openings of 3,000 suggest a steady flow of opportunities for new and experienced workers. The role is accessible, with no formal educational credential typically required, which can appeal to individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly. At the same time, the work draws on a mix of physical, technical, and interpersonal strengths, from physical strength and stamina to mechanical and fine motor skills, as well as customer service and detail orientation. For people who want hands-on work and the potential to build experience that can transfer to related roles such as roofers, equipment operators, or plumbing and piping helpers, this occupation can provide a practical starting point with room to explore other construction trades over time.
Nationally, helpers, construction trades, all other earn a median annual salary of $40,760. Earnings vary meaningfully by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $44,720 in Massachusetts to $61,750 in Washington. New York stands out at $54,480, and California and Colorado fall in the mid-to-high $40,000s. At the metro level, pay tends to be higher than the national median in several leading areas. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a median salary of $57,680, and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro is similar at $58,580. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA also offers $53,840. These figures highlight that where you work can significantly influence earning potential, with certain metros and states offering substantially higher median pay than the national figure. Workers who are geographically flexible may be able to target regions that align with their income goals.
Helpers, construction trades, all other have national employment of 26,000, with projected employment growth of 4.4%. This growth projection, paired with approximately 3,000 annual openings, indicates ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and those with experience. The combination of existing employment and future growth suggests that this is not a niche occupation limited to a few locations, but a role with presence across multiple states and metro areas. The 3,000 annual openings can reflect both new positions and the need to fill existing roles over time, offering regular points of entry into the field. For job seekers, the data signals a career path with continued demand rather than one that is shrinking or static. Individuals considering related roles such as helpers for roofers or plumbing and piping trades, or work as paving and surfacing equipment operators, may view this occupation as one of several viable options within construction.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for helpers, construction trades, all other. Among states, California has the highest opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $48,430 and employment of 2,990. New York shows a strong combination of a $54,480 median salary and an opportunity score of 65.78. Washington stands out for pay, with a median salary of $61,750, though employment is reported at 60. Massachusetts and Colorado also appear as strong options with opportunity scores above 56. At the metro level, opportunities become even more concentrated. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ show the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, with median salaries of $57,680 and $58,580, respectively. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also combine solid salaries and notable opportunity scores, giving mobile workers multiple high-opportunity regions to consider.
Helpers, construction trades, all other typically do not need a formal educational credential, making this role accessible to individuals who want to enter the workforce without pursuing extended schooling. Despite the lack of formal education requirements, the occupation still draws heavily on a broad skill set. Physical strength and stamina, mechanical ability, and fine motor skills are central to success, supporting the hands-on nature of the work. Skills in science and mathematics can help workers understand and support more technical aspects of construction environments, while project management capabilities can contribute to staying organized and aligned with schedules. Creativity and innovation, leadership, and customer service skills allow workers to function effectively within teams and with clients or other stakeholders. Being detail oriented is also important, supporting accuracy and reliability on the job. Together, these skills provide a foundation for growth within this occupation and can be transferable to similar construction-related roles.
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