Residential Building Worker Wages on the Rise
Average hourly earnings for residential building workers continue to rise as the construction labor market remains tight. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average hourly earnings for residential building workers was $28.66 in February 2022, increasing 6% from $27.01 a year ago.
Earnings for residential building workers have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic recession. Between December 2019 and December 2021, average hourly earnings increased about 12%.
Jing Fu, NAHB director of forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jan 13, 2026
Release of 2026 Committee and Council AppointmentsLetters for 2026 Committee and Council appointments are tentatively scheduled to be released on Friday, Feb. 6. A list of appointees will be posted on nahb.org on Monday, Feb. 9.
Jan 12, 2026
State Supreme Court to Review NAHB-Supported Case on Subcontractor LiabilityThe South Carolina Supreme Court granted a petition for certiorari review in a case with serious consequences for general contractor liability for subcontractor negligence.
Latest Economic News
Jan 13, 2026
New Home Sales Rise Year-Over-Year as Prices StabilizeThe new home sector has played an increasingly important role in meeting housing demand as resale inventory remains constrained in many regions. The latest data released today (and delayed because of the government shutdown in fall of 2025) indicate that new single-family home sales continue to reflect a stabilizing market after a period of heightened volatility.
Jan 13, 2026
Inflation Steady in DecemberInflation held steady in December, matching November’s reading, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest report. This December report was the first report to include a month-to-month figure since the government shutdown.
Jan 12, 2026
Household Real Estate Asset Values Fall in the Third QuarterThe market value of household real estate assets fell to $48.0 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. The third quarter value is 0.7% lower than the second quarter but is 1.5% higher than a year ago.