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Average Construction Laborers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Construction Laborers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $51,770. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $51,280, indicating a localized demand that slightly outpaces national trends. Factors such as regional construction activity and the specific needs of the local economy contribute to this competitive compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,390.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,310 Construction Laborers, Des Moines-West Des Moines demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.19 suggests that this occupation is more concentrated here than the national average, implying a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled workers within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,770

The average Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+1.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.9

Weekly

$996

Monthly

$4,314

Construction Laborers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Salary progression for Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$37,840$18.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,828$18.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,470$23.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$64,713$31.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$63,390$30.5

Detailed Construction Laborers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,770 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Construction Laborer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

3,310

Total Jobs

8.168

Per 1K Jobs

1.19

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.19, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Construction Laborers roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.19 for Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, if not exceeding, the national average, potentially offering good opportunities for employment and career growth.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Construction Laborers

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Construction Laborerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Construction Laborers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $51,770. This typically ranges from $37,840 for entry-level positions to $63,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 1.0% higher than the national median of $51,280.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Construction Laborers?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn slightly above the national average salary, with a cost of living that matches the national average, making it a financially stable location.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Construction Laborers?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($48,870) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Construction Laborers in Des Moines?

A local workforce of 3,310 indicates a significant pool of Construction Laborers, suggesting a well-established industry and consistent demand for these roles within the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.19 mean for Construction Laborers in Des Moines?

A Location Quotient of 1.19 signifies that Construction Laborers are more prevalent in Des Moines-West Des Moines than the national average, pointing to a strong regional presence and potentially higher demand relative to other occupations.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the real value of a Construction Laborer's salary in Des Moines?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $51,770 salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating a balanced economic environment.

Are there many job opportunities for Construction Laborers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?

The combination of a substantial local workforce and a Location Quotient above 1.0 suggests a healthy and active job market for Construction Laborers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,310 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 8.168 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.