Survey: Construction Craft Professions Continue to Offer Strong Salaries
Careers in the skilled crafts continue to offer high earning potential, according to a new survey by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
NCCER released its 2026 Construction Craft Salary Survey, which highlights average annual salaries for nearly 40 individual crafts. More than 75% of the trades included in the survey results offer base salaries over $65,000.
Data is based on responses from 153 construction organizations representing 225,000 employees nationwide. The results do not include potential overtime, per diem or other incentives.
More students and young adults today are exploring career options that don’t require a four-year degree. Careers like electrician, welder, HVAC technician and crane operator are in high demand and are a viable option for people looking for a high-earning profession.
NCCER’s Construction Craft Salary Survey is released every two years to document average wages for craft professions and reveal larger salary trends that impact the industry. To see survey results from previous years, click here.
2026 Construction Craft Salary Survey
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About NCCER: The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit education foundation and the leading provider of construction education for industry and career and technical education programs. With flexible workforce development and learning solutions, NCCER’s programs provide consistency and quality to ensure craft professionals and learners receive industry-recognized credentials and certifications. To learn more, visit www.nccer.org.