Illinois Leads Nation in Construction Worker Pay, Study Finds

Construction workers in Illinois are among the best-paid in the country when cost of living is factored in, according to a new national study by Construction Coverage.

The report, which analyzed wage and cost-of-living data nationwide, found that Illinois ranks No. 1 for cost-of-living-adjusted median salaries for construction workers. Peoria leads all midsize metro areas nationwide, with a cost-adjusted median annual wage of $86,056 for construction jobs. The city’s unadjusted median wage is $76,260.

“Midwestern states offer some of the best cost-adjusted wages,” the 2025 report said, ranking Illinois’ adjusted median wage for construction at $79,328 — about 40% higher than wages in Southern states like Florida, Texas and Georgia.

Among large metros, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area also performed well, with an adjusted yearly wage of $80,248. Decatur took the No. 2 spot among small metro areas, with an adjusted median salary of $85,666. Champaign-Urbana ranked No. 3 for small metros, with an adjusted median of $83,776.

The study explains that cost-adjusted pay helps workers maintain the value of their earnings despite inflation, offsetting regional variations in living expenses.

“These rankings show how Illinois construction workers continue to benefit from higher wages that help them keep pace with rising costs,” the report said.

Top Midsize Metro Areas for Construction Pay

• Peoria, IL: $86,056
• Urban Honolulu, HI: $73,581
• Trenton-Princeton, NJ: $73,459
• Springfield, MA: $72,281

Highest-Paying States for Construction Workers (Cost-Adjusted)

• Illinois: $79,328
• Hawaii: $73,060
• Alaska: $72,841
• Minnesota: $70,923
• Massachusetts: $70,382

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Construction industry groups say Illinois’ strong showing is partly due to a steady pipeline of public and private projects, strong union representation, and state wage laws that protect worker pay. Peoria, which topped the midsize metro list, has also been recognized as one of the country’s most affordable housing markets — another advantage that stretches construction wages further.

Experts say the rankings highlight how regional wage differences and living costs shape where construction jobs deliver the best value to workers and families.

Stay ahead with Lumber's July 2025 update on minimum wages—your go-to source for the latest construction compliance by state and industry. Check it now!

Originally reported by Christina Avery in PJ Star.