Laborer in California: Jobs, Certifications & Pay
California Laborer salaries, license requirements and active job openings: everything you need to plan your career in the California trades.
California Laborer Market at a Glance
Laborer job market data for California: median pay, projected growth through 2032 and annual job openings, from CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor).
California Laborer Salary by Career Stage
See what Laborer workers in California earn at every stage of their career, from entry-level apprenticeships to top-earning contractors.
Apprentice Laborer
Median Annual Salary
$19 to $23
$40K to $48K
Journeyman Laborer
Median Annual Salary
$23 to $28
$48K to $60K
Master Laborer
Median Annual Salary
$28 to $37
$60K to $78K
Contractor
Median Annual Salary
$37 to $45+
$78K to $93K+
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor), May 2025 wages.
Top California Laborer Jobs
Live Laborer job openings across California. Browse current postings from top employers and contractors hiring now by pay rate, schedule, work environment plus more.
Per Diem Laborer Jobs in California
Travel for work, earn more. Per diem Laborer jobs in California include daily allowances for lodging and meals on top of hourly pay, generally untaxed when paid for temporary travel under an employer's accountable plan.
Per Diem Laborer Jobs Pay More
Per diem positions let skilled tradespeople travel while earning premium pay. These short-term assignments add daily allowances for lodging, meals and incidentals on top of hourly pay, generally untaxed under an employer's accountable plan.
Higher Earning Potential
Daily allowances for lodging and meals on top of Laborer hourly pay
See New Places
Travel for high-paying Laborer jobs
Flexible Assignments
Pick Laborer projects that fit your schedule
Top 10 Highest-Paying US States for Laborers
The 10 US states where Laborer workers earn the most at the top of their career, ranked by annual salary. Click any state to explore Laborer jobs and career data there.
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor), May 2025 wages.
| Rank | State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $95,200 | $45.79/hr |
| 2 | New Jersey | $94,500 | $45.44/hr |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $88,300 | $42.46/hr |
| 4 | Hawaii | $87,700 | $42.19/hr |
| 5 | Minnesota | $79,700 | $38.32/hr |
| 6 | New York | $79,400 | $38.18/hr |
| 7 | California | $78,500 | $37.75/hr |
| 8 | Missouri | $77,500 | $37.3/hr |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $77,400 | $37.25/hr |
| 10 | Ohio | $74,300 | $35.76/hr |
Most jobs right now
These are the states with the most open Laborer jobs right now. There is plenty of work out there, so find the job that fits you and start getting hired today.
California Laborer FAQ
Common questions about Laborer careers in California: licensing, salaries, per diem opportunities, and how to get started.
More for California Laborers
Laborer Licensing by State
See which states license laborers and what each one requires.
Ready to Build Your Laborer Career in California?
Laborer jobs in California aren't just paychecks. They're careers with real earning potential, job security, and a community of tradespeople who show up and get things built. California contractors are hiring Laborer workers right now. Find laborer jobs, build your trade file, and take the next step in your career.