Salary distribution
Where San Jose construction laborers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,830 and $83,200, with a median of $71,820.
Typical entry
Education
No formal credential
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.0 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Manual Dexterity
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Static Strength
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Multilimb Coordination
Ability
- 3.5 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.3 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.3 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.3 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.
- 02
Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.
- 03
Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
- 04
Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
- 05
Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- 06
Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
- 07
Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.
- 08
Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for construction laborers.
- San Francisco$76,150
- Sacramento$60,430
- Los Angeles$59,540
- San Diego$58,600
- Riverside$58,230
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Construction Laborers in San Jose, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Construction Laborers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $71,820.
- Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Construction Laborers?
- The San Jose metro median is +18.6% versus the California state median of $60,540.
- How does San Jose compare to the national median for Construction Laborers?
- The San Jose metro median is +49.9% versus the BLS national figure of $47,915.
- What is the salary range for Construction Laborers in San Jose?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,890 and the 90th-percentile at $99,740 for the San Jose metro area.
- What education is required for Construction Laborers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.