Despite economic uncertainty gripping the construction industry in 2025, Wisconsin has emerged as one of the top-paying states for construction workers when adjusting for cost of living. According to a new report from Construction Coverage, Wisconsin ranks 9th nationally, with an adjusted median annual wage of $66,780, well above the national median of $58,360.

The analysis, which draws on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis, sheds light on where construction professionals can earn the most in today’s challenging economic landscape. It comes amid a backdrop of high interest rates, supply chain volatility, and changing immigration enforcement—all of which have combined to strain labor availability and delay projects.

"We are seeing delays and redesigns due to the rising cost of materials like imported steel and aluminum," the report notes, referencing the impact of new tariffs on essential construction inputs. "For many workers, these economic headwinds are compounded by chronic inflationary pressures that continue to erode the purchasing power of their wages."

Wisconsin’s relatively affordable cost of living—6.9% below the national average—boosts the value of its wages. Construction workers in the state earn a nominal median of $62,170, while the state’s overall median wage for all workers stands at $48,930. With 112,180 construction workers employed statewide, the industry remains a significant economic force.

The broader U.S. construction sector, which serves as a leading economic indicator, has seen employment plateau at around 8.3 million in mid-2025. While job growth has slowed from its post-pandemic highs, wages have continued to climb. In the last two years, median construction wages have grown by 15.4%, compared to just 6.9% for the workforce at large.

“Construction workers are relatively well compensated, earning a median annual wage of $58,360—about 18% higher than the $49,500 median for all U.S. workers,” the report said.

Geographically, the Midwest dominates the top of the rankings. Illinois leads with an adjusted median wage of $79,328, followed by Minnesota ($70,923) and North Dakota ($68,859). These states combine robust wage levels with modest living costs, enhancing worker take-home pay.

Conversely, the Southern U.S. lags behind. States like Florida ($46,843), Texas ($49,817), and Georgia ($50,683) offer significantly lower adjusted wages, a gap that can exceed 40% compared to the top-ranked Midwest states.

At the metropolitan level, patterns are more varied. While many high-cost cities in the South fare poorly, several large coastal metros like San Jose, Boston, and Seattle manage to offer strong real wages due to high nominal pay despite expensive housing and services.

The findings underscore a growing need to address both workforce development and housing affordability as dual levers for supporting the construction workforce. For states like Wisconsin, the balance of solid wages and lower costs has created a rare bright spot amid industry-wide uncertainty.

To explore the full dataset and methodology, see the full report on The Best-Paying Cities for Construction Workers by Construction Coverage.

Originally reported by Gazette Xtra.