Data
Traveling Trades Pay & Per-Diem Index
State-level wage medians for 28 traveling trades from BLS OEWS data, plus current GSA per-diem rates – the federal lodging and M&IE ceilings travelers and recruiters plan against. Refreshed monthly.
GSA per-diem rates - FY2026
Standard CONUS rate (applies to most U.S. counties): $110/night lodging + $68/day M&IE = $178/day federal ceiling.
| Trade hub | County | Lodging / night | M&IE / day | Total / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Montgomery / Fort Bend / Harris | $128 | $80 | $208 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | - | $110 | $68 | $178 |
| Midland, TX | Midland / Andrews / Ector / Martin | $132 | $74 | $206 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | - | $110 | $68 | $178 |
| Lake Charles, LA | Allen / Jefferson Davis / Natchitoches / Rapides / Vernon Parishes | $112 | $68 | $180 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Allegheny | $138 | $80 | $218 |
| Columbus, OH | Franklin | $131 | $80 | $211 |
| Savannah, GA | Chatham | $176 | $80 | $256 |
| Charlotte, NC | Mecklenburg | $131 | $80 | $211 |
| Greenville, SC | - | $110 | $68 | $178 |
| Knoxville, TN | Knox | $119 | $74 | $193 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Maricopa | $229 | $86 | $315 |
Lodging shows the seasonal maximum. NSA = non-standard area (rates above the CONUS standard). Under the federal rules, M&IE on the first and last travel day is 75% of the full rate.
Trade wages - statewide medians
Hourly medians for all workers in each occupation, statewide (BLS OEWS 2025). Traveling and shutdown contracts frequently pay above the all-workers median, plus per diem.
Boilermakers (SOC 47-2011)
National median: $36.74/hr (about $76,410/yr) · middle half earns $31.13–$45.88/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| California | $56.80 |
| Mississippi | $50.92 |
| New Mexico | $48.66 |
| Illinois | $47.95 |
| Michigan | $47.22 |
All 37 states
California$56.80Mississippi$50.92New Mexico$48.66Illinois$47.95Michigan$47.22Wisconsin$46.92Minnesota$46.25Washington$45.77Indiana$43.95Colorado$42.96Idaho$42.50Pennsylvania$41.75Ohio$41.13New Hampshire$41.09New York$40.76Iowa$39.65New Jersey$39.62Connecticut$38.64Missouri$37.76Arizona$37.47Wyoming$37.45Oklahoma$37.38Arkansas$36.93Texas$36.42South Carolina$35.98Kentucky$35.97Louisiana$35.57Kansas$34.70Florida$33.55Virginia$32.47Georgia$30.86West Virginia$30.70Alabama$30.56Nevada$29.53Tennessee$24.91North Carolina$23.90Maryland$20.31
Carpenters (SOC 47-2031)
National median: $29.12/hr (about $60,580/yr) · middle half earns $23.32–$36.94/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $41.00 |
| Illinois | $37.98 |
| California | $36.50 |
| Massachusetts | $36.16 |
| Washington | $35.67 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$41.00Illinois$37.98California$36.50Massachusetts$36.16Washington$35.67Alaska$35.51New York$34.77Minnesota$31.22Connecticut$30.80New Jersey$30.77Maryland$30.27Indiana$30.23Oregon$30.23Colorado$30.21Vermont$30.00Nevada$29.99Maine$29.88District of Columbia$29.67Michigan$29.66Wisconsin$29.65New Hampshire$29.42Missouri$29.25Rhode Island$29.25Ohio$29.24New Mexico$28.71Pennsylvania$28.54Delaware$28.46Montana$28.28Arizona$28.17North Dakota$27.83Iowa$27.75Kansas$27.39Wyoming$27.33Virginia$26.77Kentucky$25.33Utah$25.17Idaho$25.00Tennessee$24.44South Carolina$24.36Nebraska$24.19Louisiana$24.00Florida$23.98Georgia$23.72North Carolina$23.61Texas$23.51West Virginia$23.42Mississippi$23.39Alabama$23.18South Dakota$23.14Arkansas$22.96Oklahoma$22.55
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers (SOC 47-2051)
National median: $27.41/hr (about $57,020/yr) · middle half earns $22.60–$32.15/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $46.10 |
| Alaska | $44.69 |
| Illinois | $37.58 |
| Washington | $37.27 |
| Oregon | $32.95 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$46.10Alaska$44.69Illinois$37.58Washington$37.27Oregon$32.95Minnesota$32.13Wisconsin$30.89New York$30.79Massachusetts$30.69Ohio$30.28Rhode Island$30.26California$30.15District of Columbia$29.65Montana$29.63Pennsylvania$29.62New Jersey$29.52Missouri$29.51Indiana$29.46Nevada$29.44Vermont$29.40Colorado$29.18Michigan$28.78Arizona$28.32Connecticut$28.19Wyoming$28.10Iowa$27.99North Dakota$27.74Delaware$27.42Utah$27.13Idaho$27.12Maine$26.77New Hampshire$26.06Kansas$25.06Maryland$24.98West Virginia$24.98Virginia$24.49Kentucky$24.14Nebraska$23.80South Carolina$23.73New Mexico$23.67Louisiana$23.64Florida$23.40Tennessee$23.04Texas$22.84South Dakota$22.67North Carolina$22.49Arkansas$22.23Georgia$22.23Oklahoma$22.00Alabama$21.50Mississippi$21.14
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
National median: $28.19/hr (about $58,640/yr) · middle half earns $23.06–$33.23/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $33.70 |
| Washington | $31.13 |
| District of Columbia | $30.85 |
| New Jersey | $30.56 |
| Massachusetts | $30.30 |
All 51 states
Alaska$33.70Washington$31.13District of Columbia$30.85New Jersey$30.56Massachusetts$30.30Nevada$29.95New York$29.83Minnesota$29.80Oregon$29.80Colorado$29.57North Dakota$29.29Vermont$29.25Utah$29.15Connecticut$29.08Illinois$29.00Indiana$28.99Wyoming$28.99New Hampshire$28.98California$28.96Rhode Island$28.94Hawaii$28.76Ohio$28.75Maryland$28.54Kansas$28.33Montana$28.30Idaho$28.26South Dakota$28.21Tennessee$28.18Wisconsin$28.18Pennsylvania$28.16Nebraska$28.07Arizona$27.92Iowa$27.92Delaware$27.69Michigan$27.49Georgia$27.43Maine$27.43Virginia$27.34Kentucky$27.09Texas$27.06Missouri$26.23Oklahoma$26.16Alabama$25.06Mississippi$24.92Arkansas$24.79North Carolina$24.77South Carolina$24.58Florida$24.34New Mexico$24.28West Virginia$23.79Louisiana$23.71
Electricians (SOC 47-2111)
National median: $30.38/hr (about $63,190/yr) · middle half earns $23.76–$40.36/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $48.71 |
| Illinois | $47.87 |
| Hawaii | $46.38 |
| Washington | $45.78 |
| Alaska | $43.00 |
All 51 states
Oregon$48.71Illinois$47.87Hawaii$46.38Washington$45.78Alaska$43.00Massachusetts$38.18District of Columbia$37.97New York$37.86Minnesota$37.58Connecticut$37.28New Jersey$37.14Montana$36.90Wisconsin$36.80Michigan$36.67California$36.62Wyoming$36.59Maine$36.24Rhode Island$35.62Nevada$35.37Maryland$35.33Indiana$32.93Pennsylvania$32.50Kansas$31.66North Dakota$31.59Missouri$31.45West Virginia$31.16Ohio$31.11Delaware$30.63Vermont$30.49Idaho$30.29Virginia$30.24New Hampshire$30.21Colorado$29.92Utah$29.81Louisiana$29.59South Dakota$29.51Tennessee$29.37Arizona$29.36Oklahoma$29.33Iowa$29.26Mississippi$29.26Nebraska$29.24Kentucky$28.71South Carolina$28.24Texas$28.16New Mexico$28.07Georgia$28.04Florida$27.52North Carolina$27.31Alabama$26.78Arkansas$23.59
Construction Equipment Operators (SOC 47-2073)
National median: $28.78/hr (about $59,850/yr) · middle half earns $23.40–$37.10/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $55.70 |
| Illinois | $46.99 |
| New Jersey | $43.11 |
| California | $41.90 |
| Washington | $39.28 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$55.70Illinois$46.99New Jersey$43.11California$41.90Washington$39.28New York$38.94Indiana$38.26Minnesota$38.04Connecticut$37.86Alaska$37.41Massachusetts$36.93Wisconsin$36.19District of Columbia$35.87Oregon$35.30Nevada$34.33Ohio$31.22Rhode Island$30.58Wyoming$30.27Michigan$30.14Colorado$30.11New Hampshire$29.91North Dakota$29.88Idaho$29.66Montana$29.61Maryland$29.53Utah$29.20Arizona$29.14Missouri$29.10Pennsylvania$29.10Iowa$29.01South Dakota$28.61Vermont$28.30Nebraska$28.06Delaware$27.89Kentucky$27.78Virginia$27.48Maine$26.99New Mexico$25.00Tennessee$25.00Louisiana$24.86Kansas$24.82West Virginia$24.66Texas$24.26Florida$23.75North Carolina$23.71South Carolina$23.53Oklahoma$23.06Georgia$23.02Alabama$22.84Mississippi$22.79Arkansas$21.41
HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanics (SOC 49-9021)
National median: $29.33/hr (about $61,010/yr) · middle half earns $23.25–$37.05/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $40.57 |
| Alaska | $37.23 |
| Illinois | $37.21 |
| Massachusetts | $37.16 |
| Connecticut | $36.83 |
All 51 states
District of Columbia$40.57Alaska$37.23Illinois$37.21Massachusetts$37.16Connecticut$36.83Minnesota$36.71Washington$36.38North Dakota$35.81New Jersey$35.79New York$35.78New Hampshire$35.51California$34.88Maryland$33.67Rhode Island$32.39Hawaii$31.47Colorado$31.35Maine$30.37Oregon$30.26Ohio$30.06Pennsylvania$30.00Delaware$29.96Vermont$29.88Wisconsin$29.67South Dakota$29.51Michigan$29.26Montana$29.26Iowa$29.17Nevada$29.09Kansas$29.07Indiana$29.05Missouri$28.82Nebraska$28.77Virginia$28.72Arizona$28.56Utah$28.24Louisiana$28.20Kentucky$28.18Texas$27.77Oklahoma$27.67North Carolina$27.53Florida$27.24South Carolina$27.22Georgia$27.11Idaho$27.04Tennessee$26.68Wyoming$26.30New Mexico$24.17West Virginia$23.49Mississippi$23.41Alabama$23.26Arkansas$23.13
Industrial Machinery Mechanics (SOC 49-9041)
National median: $31.02/hr (about $64,520/yr) · middle half earns $26.45–$37.88/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $42.15 |
| Wyoming | $37.66 |
| Nevada | $37.38 |
| Alaska | $37.21 |
| Hawaii | $37.18 |
All 51 states
District of Columbia$42.15Wyoming$37.66Nevada$37.38Alaska$37.21Hawaii$37.18Washington$37.12Illinois$36.63Oregon$36.38Colorado$36.35Arizona$35.96New Jersey$35.94California$35.77Massachusetts$35.02Maine$34.77Minnesota$34.60Maryland$34.55Utah$34.00Connecticut$33.63New York$33.53Missouri$32.40Delaware$32.37Montana$32.33Wisconsin$32.03North Dakota$31.72Kansas$31.65Ohio$31.31Tennessee$31.26Rhode Island$31.14Kentucky$31.04Iowa$30.96Michigan$30.89New Hampshire$30.84Nebraska$30.82Virginia$30.78Indiana$30.74Pennsylvania$30.69Vermont$30.37Idaho$30.22North Carolina$30.02South Carolina$29.96Texas$29.78Alabama$29.77West Virginia$29.67South Dakota$29.60Oklahoma$29.59Georgia$29.39New Mexico$29.17Florida$29.16Louisiana$28.97Arkansas$28.73Mississippi$27.77
Instrument & Control Technicians (SOC 49-2094)
National median: $35.62/hr (about $74,090/yr) · middle half earns $28.86–$42.65/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Washington | $47.69 |
| North Dakota | $47.45 |
| Alaska | $46.34 |
| Oregon | $44.19 |
| California | $41.86 |
All 50 states
Washington$47.69North Dakota$47.45Alaska$46.34Oregon$44.19California$41.86Wyoming$41.77Delaware$41.48Hawaii$41.07Nevada$39.75Maine$39.03New Mexico$38.74Minnesota$38.57Maryland$38.29Colorado$38.27New York$37.56New Hampshire$37.43Massachusetts$37.29Kansas$37.19Connecticut$37.16Arizona$37.07Rhode Island$36.95North Carolina$36.89Montana$36.38Utah$36.30Oklahoma$36.29South Carolina$36.29New Jersey$36.05Wisconsin$36.05West Virginia$36.02Texas$35.81Vermont$35.58Iowa$34.74Mississippi$34.47Virginia$34.29Georgia$32.92Arkansas$32.20Indiana$32.03Michigan$31.80Pennsylvania$31.71Alabama$31.54South Dakota$31.20Louisiana$31.01Idaho$30.96Nebraska$30.83Kentucky$30.28Ohio$29.96Tennessee$29.60Florida$29.58Missouri$29.30Illinois$28.82
Insulation Workers (Mechanical) (SOC 47-2132)
National median: $28.05/hr (about $58,340/yr) · middle half earns $23.13–$37.19/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| California | $57.55 |
| Oregon | $57.44 |
| Nevada | $54.87 |
| New Jersey | $51.74 |
| Minnesota | $50.80 |
All 44 states
California$57.55Oregon$57.44Nevada$54.87New Jersey$51.74Minnesota$50.80Illinois$48.27Washington$44.29Hawaii$42.10Wisconsin$40.92Alaska$40.58Pennsylvania$38.83Arizona$38.66Missouri$37.82Rhode Island$37.09Nebraska$36.51West Virginia$35.68Indiana$34.72Maryland$33.67Ohio$32.50Massachusetts$31.11Maine$30.57Oklahoma$29.73New York$28.42Michigan$28.30North Dakota$27.95Virginia$27.41Utah$26.92Iowa$26.17New Mexico$25.54Georgia$25.29Arkansas$24.71South Carolina$24.25Mississippi$24.13Florida$23.88Colorado$23.58Kansas$23.58Alabama$23.52Texas$23.52North Carolina$23.28Louisiana$23.21Wyoming$23.17Tennessee$22.30Kentucky$22.19Delaware$21.56
Structural Iron & Steel Workers (SOC 47-2221)
National median: $30.18/hr (about $62,780/yr) · middle half earns $23.98–$39.74/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $58.10 |
| New Jersey | $54.43 |
| Washington | $51.76 |
| Illinois | $48.97 |
| Hawaii | $48.01 |
All 50 states
Massachusetts$58.10New Jersey$54.43Washington$51.76Illinois$48.97Hawaii$48.01Rhode Island$47.27Oregon$46.18Minnesota$45.83Wisconsin$44.63New York$44.52Pennsylvania$39.89North Dakota$39.48Missouri$37.22Iowa$37.21Alaska$37.01California$36.72Ohio$35.92Idaho$34.98West Virginia$34.54Maryland$34.49Indiana$33.72Louisiana$33.09Montana$32.40Nebraska$31.48Kentucky$30.80Michigan$30.21Nevada$30.05Connecticut$30.00Maine$29.69District of Columbia$29.44Virginia$28.97New Hampshire$28.81Delaware$28.76Arizona$28.55Colorado$28.28Kansas$28.15Utah$28.01South Dakota$27.43Tennessee$27.29Alabama$27.23Florida$26.78Vermont$26.75Texas$25.12South Carolina$24.40Mississippi$24.37North Carolina$23.43Georgia$23.12Oklahoma$22.92Wyoming$22.83Arkansas$21.88
Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers (SOC 49-9051)
National median: $45.83/hr (about $95,320/yr) · middle half earns $32.34–$52.76/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $64.59 |
| Washington | $63.97 |
| Oregon | $63.02 |
| California | $62.04 |
| Connecticut | $60.99 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$64.59Washington$63.97Oregon$63.02California$62.04Connecticut$60.99Idaho$60.29New Jersey$58.45New York$58.31Montana$53.04Massachusetts$52.99Vermont$52.17Illinois$51.98Michigan$51.39Pennsylvania$51.07Maryland$51.01North Dakota$50.90Wisconsin$50.88Rhode Island$50.30Minnesota$50.09Colorado$49.99New Hampshire$49.12Indiana$49.06Kansas$48.86District of Columbia$48.67Utah$48.66Iowa$48.17South Dakota$46.79Delaware$46.72Nevada$46.42Missouri$46.33Wyoming$45.12Ohio$44.78Alaska$44.46Nebraska$44.30Alabama$44.24Florida$41.76West Virginia$40.29Tennessee$40.22Maine$39.95Arkansas$39.16Georgia$38.50Texas$37.95North Carolina$37.15Kentucky$37.03South Carolina$36.96Virginia$36.82New Mexico$36.76Louisiana$36.74Oklahoma$36.54Mississippi$36.49Arizona$36.26
Machinists (SOC 51-4041)
National median: $28.24/hr (about $58,750/yr) · middle half earns $22.87–$32.55/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $40.58 |
| Alaska | $37.34 |
| District of Columbia | $35.05 |
| Massachusetts | $32.34 |
| Washington | $31.81 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$40.58Alaska$37.34District of Columbia$35.05Massachusetts$32.34Washington$31.81Oregon$30.68New Jersey$30.38Wyoming$30.32Vermont$30.14Delaware$30.12Connecticut$29.87North Dakota$29.72New Hampshire$29.57Virginia$29.47Utah$29.46Minnesota$29.39Louisiana$29.38Arizona$29.37Montana$29.29New York$29.29Colorado$28.94Maryland$28.76New Mexico$28.58Texas$28.45Maine$28.44Wisconsin$28.42Idaho$28.28Missouri$28.23Kentucky$28.20Illinois$28.13South Carolina$27.87Ohio$27.86Indiana$27.79Pennsylvania$27.79Rhode Island$27.77Iowa$27.66California$27.49Florida$27.47Nebraska$26.86Alabama$26.71Mississippi$26.71North Carolina$26.56Nevada$25.51Georgia$25.29Michigan$25.17Kansas$24.63Arkansas$24.59Oklahoma$24.58South Dakota$24.47Tennessee$23.85West Virginia$22.77
Brickmasons & Blockmasons (SOC 47-2021)
National median: $29.87/hr (about $62,120/yr) · middle half earns $24.57–$38.15/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $45.78 |
| Massachusetts | $45.65 |
| Illinois | $43.26 |
| New York | $40.58 |
| Washington | $40.00 |
All 50 states
Minnesota$45.78Massachusetts$45.65Illinois$43.26New York$40.58Washington$40.00Wisconsin$38.52North Dakota$38.43Oregon$38.20Rhode Island$38.12Hawaii$38.10New Jersey$37.03Indiana$35.15Missouri$34.80Ohio$34.11Pennsylvania$33.44Iowa$33.38California$33.20Connecticut$32.67New Hampshire$32.16Delaware$32.00Colorado$31.37District of Columbia$30.98Tennessee$30.70Michigan$30.53Idaho$30.06Nebraska$29.42Nevada$29.17Utah$29.06South Dakota$29.03Wyoming$28.87Kentucky$28.76Vermont$28.65Arizona$28.49Kansas$28.47Maryland$28.38Louisiana$27.62Texas$27.12Montana$26.94Arkansas$26.49Virginia$26.29Florida$25.37Georgia$24.35Oklahoma$24.34North Carolina$24.01Alabama$23.90South Carolina$23.56Mississippi$23.47West Virginia$22.40New Mexico$21.63Maine$20.54
Millwrights (SOC 49-9044)
National median: $31.59/hr (about $65,700/yr) · middle half earns $27.11–$39.18/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $51.70 |
| New Mexico | $43.38 |
| Michigan | $42.88 |
| Wisconsin | $39.73 |
| Colorado | $39.15 |
All 48 states
New Jersey$51.70New Mexico$43.38Michigan$42.88Wisconsin$39.73Colorado$39.15Kansas$38.31New York$38.25Minnesota$37.77California$37.48Indiana$37.09Alaska$36.99Connecticut$36.93Washington$36.77New Hampshire$36.63Ohio$35.20Oregon$33.99Kentucky$33.95Maine$32.80West Virginia$32.34Illinois$32.04Missouri$31.96Louisiana$31.77Massachusetts$31.36Idaho$31.11Pennsylvania$30.96Vermont$30.86Nevada$30.31Utah$30.31North Carolina$30.29Wyoming$30.18Georgia$30.17Texas$30.11Iowa$29.91Florida$29.81South Dakota$29.72Tennessee$29.72South Carolina$29.66Alabama$29.52North Dakota$29.21Nebraska$29.00Montana$28.87Maryland$28.47Delaware$28.25Mississippi$28.02Arizona$27.59Arkansas$27.07Virginia$24.73Oklahoma$24.50
Painters (Construction & Maintenance) (SOC 47-2141)
National median: $23.75/hr (about $49,400/yr) · middle half earns $21.46–$29.65/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $32.80 |
| Illinois | $29.45 |
| Alaska | $29.32 |
| Washington | $28.68 |
| New York | $28.64 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$32.80Illinois$29.45Alaska$29.32Washington$28.68New York$28.64District of Columbia$28.61Maine$28.50New Jersey$28.49California$28.38Delaware$28.14Connecticut$28.12Montana$28.03Massachusetts$27.65Missouri$27.65Minnesota$27.54Nevada$27.11North Dakota$26.38Vermont$25.54Colorado$25.47Pennsylvania$25.06Michigan$24.35Indiana$24.16Wisconsin$24.08Iowa$23.90New Hampshire$23.88Ohio$23.77Maryland$23.62Oregon$23.51Georgia$23.24Arizona$23.20South Dakota$23.15Kentucky$23.13Florida$22.85Virginia$22.82Nebraska$22.73Wyoming$22.70Louisiana$22.31New Mexico$22.23Utah$22.14Kansas$21.88Texas$21.86Oklahoma$21.59Idaho$21.58Mississippi$21.54West Virginia$21.26North Carolina$21.21Alabama$21.12Tennessee$20.78Rhode Island$20.00South Carolina$19.64Arkansas$19.28
Pipefitters & Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
National median: $30.67/hr (about $63,800/yr) · middle half earns $24.13–$40.92/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $48.57 |
| Illinois | $48.05 |
| Oregon | $46.66 |
| Minnesota | $45.39 |
| Alaska | $45.15 |
All 51 states
District of Columbia$48.57Illinois$48.05Oregon$46.66Minnesota$45.39Alaska$45.15Massachusetts$45.14Wisconsin$39.04Washington$38.96Michigan$38.56Montana$38.44New Jersey$37.61Hawaii$37.53New York$37.26Connecticut$37.16Rhode Island$36.77Indiana$36.69California$35.01Pennsylvania$32.73New Hampshire$32.12Missouri$32.11Maryland$31.44Kansas$31.36Delaware$31.11Kentucky$30.84Maine$30.77Iowa$30.72Louisiana$30.62North Dakota$30.56Ohio$30.45Colorado$30.40Wyoming$30.01Vermont$29.89Arizona$29.84Utah$29.76Nevada$29.62New Mexico$29.54Nebraska$29.31Virginia$29.07Texas$28.77Alabama$28.21Tennessee$28.17Oklahoma$27.87Georgia$27.50North Carolina$27.44West Virginia$27.39Mississippi$26.67South Carolina$25.93Florida$25.44Idaho$25.18South Dakota$24.82Arkansas$23.39
Chemical Plant & System Operators (SOC 51-8091)
National median: $37.56/hr (about $78,120/yr) · middle half earns $29.01–$47.44/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Florida | $61.94 |
| Wyoming | $51.83 |
| Texas | $49.40 |
| Louisiana | $48.10 |
| Kentucky | $46.90 |
All 35 states
Florida$61.94Wyoming$51.83Texas$49.40Louisiana$48.10Kentucky$46.90Maryland$45.75Alabama$44.04Arkansas$44.04California$42.09Oregon$41.88New Jersey$41.74Massachusetts$40.25Idaho$39.90West Virginia$39.28New Mexico$34.91Michigan$34.82Mississippi$34.17Pennsylvania$33.71South Carolina$32.94Ohio$32.49Minnesota$31.97Illinois$31.59Utah$30.51Virginia$30.29New York$30.28North Carolina$30.25Colorado$30.23Wisconsin$30.15Iowa$29.06Washington$28.90South Dakota$28.83Missouri$26.67Georgia$23.67Indiana$23.61Tennessee$22.03
Plumbers (SOC 47-2152)
National median: $30.67/hr (about $63,800/yr) · middle half earns $24.13–$40.92/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $48.57 |
| Illinois | $48.05 |
| Oregon | $46.66 |
| Minnesota | $45.39 |
| Alaska | $45.15 |
All 51 states
District of Columbia$48.57Illinois$48.05Oregon$46.66Minnesota$45.39Alaska$45.15Massachusetts$45.14Wisconsin$39.04Washington$38.96Michigan$38.56Montana$38.44New Jersey$37.61Hawaii$37.53New York$37.26Connecticut$37.16Rhode Island$36.77Indiana$36.69California$35.01Pennsylvania$32.73New Hampshire$32.12Missouri$32.11Maryland$31.44Kansas$31.36Delaware$31.11Kentucky$30.84Maine$30.77Iowa$30.72Louisiana$30.62North Dakota$30.56Ohio$30.45Colorado$30.40Wyoming$30.01Vermont$29.89Arizona$29.84Utah$29.76Nevada$29.62New Mexico$29.54Nebraska$29.31Virginia$29.07Texas$28.77Alabama$28.21Tennessee$28.17Oklahoma$27.87Georgia$27.50North Carolina$27.44West Virginia$27.39Mississippi$26.67South Carolina$25.93Florida$25.44Idaho$25.18South Dakota$24.82Arkansas$23.39
Construction & Building Inspectors (SOC 47-4011)
National median: $35.91/hr (about $74,690/yr) · middle half earns $28.30–$45.54/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $49.24 |
| California | $48.70 |
| Connecticut | $47.44 |
| Washington | $46.22 |
| Minnesota | $42.63 |
All 51 states
Alaska$49.24California$48.70Connecticut$47.44Washington$46.22Minnesota$42.63District of Columbia$41.44Oregon$40.63Massachusetts$40.00New Jersey$39.31Colorado$38.44New York$38.20Hawaii$38.14North Dakota$37.78Illinois$37.66Rhode Island$37.22Maryland$36.85Montana$36.39Virginia$36.38Wisconsin$36.35Nevada$36.20Maine$35.90Ohio$35.81Utah$35.64Arizona$35.31Delaware$34.95Iowa$34.44Michigan$34.15Louisiana$32.82Florida$32.77Vermont$32.01North Carolina$31.77Georgia$31.72Pennsylvania$31.67New Hampshire$31.56New Mexico$31.45Nebraska$31.25South Dakota$31.22Texas$31.16West Virginia$30.77Idaho$30.56Kansas$30.36Missouri$30.27Indiana$30.21Wyoming$29.75Alabama$29.47Kentucky$28.94Tennessee$28.79Oklahoma$28.50South Carolina$28.29Arkansas$25.34Mississippi$24.16
Riggers (SOC 49-9096)
National median: $30.12/hr (about $62,640/yr) · middle half earns $23.18–$38.55/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| New York | $50.77 |
| Oregon | $45.42 |
| Utah | $45.02 |
| Maryland | $43.95 |
| Minnesota | $41.88 |
All 43 states
New York$50.77Oregon$45.42Utah$45.02Maryland$43.95Minnesota$41.88California$41.22Hawaii$40.58New Jersey$39.49Illinois$39.36Nevada$39.29North Dakota$37.45Washington$37.07Colorado$35.44Idaho$35.03Connecticut$32.48Georgia$32.31Maine$31.21Rhode Island$30.89Virginia$30.59Mississippi$30.48Iowa$30.00Nebraska$29.36Pennsylvania$28.92Arkansas$28.69Michigan$28.12Ohio$28.07Alaska$27.89Alabama$27.87North Carolina$27.23Missouri$26.05Massachusetts$25.72Florida$25.19Arizona$25.18Texas$24.99South Carolina$24.53Kentucky$24.17Wisconsin$23.86Oklahoma$23.31Tennessee$22.68Indiana$22.16Louisiana$20.99Kansas$19.74New Mexico$18.00
Roofers (SOC 47-2181)
National median: $26.65/hr (about $55,440/yr) · middle half earns $22.24–$31.44/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $37.45 |
| New Jersey | $36.83 |
| Minnesota | $35.81 |
| Massachusetts | $34.98 |
| Alaska | $32.09 |
All 51 states
Illinois$37.45New Jersey$36.83Minnesota$35.81Massachusetts$34.98Alaska$32.09New York$31.74California$30.58Connecticut$29.84District of Columbia$29.69Rhode Island$29.63Washington$29.16Maryland$28.89New Hampshire$28.76North Dakota$28.72Hawaii$28.64Michigan$28.62Delaware$28.58Wisconsin$28.54Vermont$28.39Montana$28.38Oregon$28.35Indiana$27.88Idaho$27.78Pennsylvania$26.79Colorado$24.88West Virginia$24.60Nevada$24.56Maine$24.10Ohio$23.74North Carolina$23.56Louisiana$23.44Utah$23.40Iowa$23.39Missouri$23.35Virginia$23.28South Dakota$22.94Florida$22.88Arkansas$22.82Arizona$22.76Kansas$22.69Georgia$22.57Kentucky$22.57Nebraska$22.34Texas$22.13South Carolina$22.00Tennessee$21.97Alabama$21.96Wyoming$21.95New Mexico$21.78Mississippi$21.61Oklahoma$21.00
Scaffold Builders (SOC 47-2061)
National median: $22.66/hr (about $47,120/yr) · middle half earns $18.57–$28.72/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $37.07 |
| New Jersey | $30.80 |
| Massachusetts | $30.48 |
| Illinois | $29.18 |
| California | $28.98 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$37.07New Jersey$30.80Massachusetts$30.48Illinois$29.18California$28.98Minnesota$28.97Connecticut$28.03Alaska$27.91Washington$27.75Rhode Island$27.52Missouri$27.28Wisconsin$26.97Ohio$26.96New York$26.89Oregon$24.45Indiana$24.07District of Columbia$24.05New Hampshire$24.03Montana$23.96Michigan$23.84Pennsylvania$23.75North Dakota$23.59Nevada$23.55Vermont$23.36Iowa$23.31Colorado$23.03Nebraska$22.72Maryland$22.58Idaho$22.57Arizona$22.40Utah$22.38Maine$22.32Wyoming$22.13Kentucky$21.98South Dakota$21.98Delaware$21.90Tennessee$21.64Kansas$21.56North Carolina$21.50Florida$21.17Virginia$20.94South Carolina$20.65West Virginia$20.51Texas$19.53Oklahoma$18.92Georgia$18.74New Mexico$18.46Louisiana$18.38Mississippi$18.13Arkansas$18.09Alabama$17.74
Sheet Metal Workers (SOC 47-2211)
National median: $29.71/hr (about $61,800/yr) · middle half earns $22.99–$39.24/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Washington | $47.38 |
| Hawaii | $46.32 |
| Alaska | $45.48 |
| New Jersey | $44.64 |
| Illinois | $41.65 |
All 50 states
Washington$47.38Hawaii$46.32Alaska$45.48New Jersey$44.64Illinois$41.65Massachusetts$39.47Connecticut$37.86Wisconsin$37.38California$36.82Ohio$35.96New York$35.46Oregon$35.46Minnesota$35.08West Virginia$34.81Iowa$31.95Oklahoma$31.56North Dakota$31.34Rhode Island$31.30Michigan$31.01Nebraska$30.98Indiana$30.79Missouri$30.56Utah$30.36Kansas$30.13Maryland$30.08Maine$29.87Delaware$29.55Montana$29.53Pennsylvania$29.52Kentucky$29.17New Hampshire$28.75Tennessee$28.45Wyoming$28.24Vermont$28.00Colorado$27.83Georgia$27.31New Mexico$27.27Texas$26.08Virginia$25.10North Carolina$24.39Louisiana$24.19Arizona$24.16South Carolina$24.00Florida$23.87Mississippi$23.80South Dakota$22.98Alabama$22.85Nevada$22.47Idaho$22.29Arkansas$22.03
Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters (SOC 51-2041)
National median: $24.68/hr (about $51,330/yr) · middle half earns $21.93–$29.45/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Maine | $31.13 |
| Alaska | $30.49 |
| Oregon | $29.92 |
| Massachusetts | $29.83 |
| Washington | $29.74 |
All 47 states
Maine$31.13Alaska$30.49Oregon$29.92Massachusetts$29.83Washington$29.74Indiana$28.93Connecticut$28.25Idaho$27.95California$27.69Wisconsin$27.07Minnesota$27.03New Jersey$26.76Illinois$26.63Kentucky$26.56New York$26.48North Dakota$26.17Virginia$25.93New Hampshire$25.92Missouri$25.77Ohio$25.14Alabama$25.11Wyoming$24.88Pennsylvania$24.83Iowa$24.69Colorado$24.58South Dakota$24.42Tennessee$24.26Oklahoma$24.22Maryland$24.09Georgia$24.05Louisiana$23.62North Carolina$23.55Nebraska$23.47New Mexico$23.41Texas$23.31Arizona$23.15Utah$23.14Michigan$23.05Kansas$23.00Delaware$22.57South Carolina$22.56Florida$22.54West Virginia$22.54Hawaii$21.03Mississippi$20.46Arkansas$19.84Nevada$19.03
Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061)
National median: $22.66/hr (about $47,120/yr) · middle half earns $18.57–$28.72/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $37.07 |
| New Jersey | $30.80 |
| Massachusetts | $30.48 |
| Illinois | $29.18 |
| California | $28.98 |
All 51 states
Hawaii$37.07New Jersey$30.80Massachusetts$30.48Illinois$29.18California$28.98Minnesota$28.97Connecticut$28.03Alaska$27.91Washington$27.75Rhode Island$27.52Missouri$27.28Wisconsin$26.97Ohio$26.96New York$26.89Oregon$24.45Indiana$24.07District of Columbia$24.05New Hampshire$24.03Montana$23.96Michigan$23.84Pennsylvania$23.75North Dakota$23.59Nevada$23.55Vermont$23.36Iowa$23.31Colorado$23.03Nebraska$22.72Maryland$22.58Idaho$22.57Arizona$22.40Utah$22.38Maine$22.32Wyoming$22.13Kentucky$21.98South Dakota$21.98Delaware$21.90Tennessee$21.64Kansas$21.56North Carolina$21.50Florida$21.17Virginia$20.94South Carolina$20.65West Virginia$20.51Texas$19.53Oklahoma$18.92Georgia$18.74New Mexico$18.46Louisiana$18.38Mississippi$18.13Arkansas$18.09Alabama$17.74
Solar Photovoltaic Installers (SOC 47-2231)
National median: $25.55/hr (about $53,140/yr) · middle half earns $22.45–$30.23/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $37.96 |
| Hawaii | $33.83 |
| Nevada | $32.60 |
| Oregon | $31.88 |
| Ohio | $30.00 |
All 32 states
New Jersey$37.96Hawaii$33.83Nevada$32.60Oregon$31.88Ohio$30.00Washington$29.63Maine$29.43California$29.14Illinois$28.67Massachusetts$28.45Iowa$27.28New York$27.00Connecticut$26.73Arizona$24.60Florida$24.30South Carolina$24.27Kansas$24.04Utah$24.03Wisconsin$23.93Colorado$23.91Vermont$23.79Virginia$23.65New Mexico$23.31Texas$23.19Georgia$22.98Pennsylvania$22.96Michigan$22.63Indiana$22.18Maryland$21.84Arkansas$21.55North Carolina$21.09South Dakota$20.37
Welders, Cutters & Solderers (SOC 51-4121)
National median: $25.84/hr (about $53,750/yr) · middle half earns $22.50–$30.29/hr
| Best-paying states | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $38.87 |
| Hawaii | $37.98 |
| Connecticut | $31.19 |
| Wyoming | $30.69 |
| Washington | $30.30 |
All 51 states
Alaska$38.87Hawaii$37.98Connecticut$31.19Wyoming$30.69Washington$30.30Massachusetts$30.08New Hampshire$29.98Louisiana$29.93Maine$29.92North Dakota$29.81Nevada$29.58Vermont$29.27Maryland$29.00Minnesota$28.98District of Columbia$28.93New Mexico$28.77New Jersey$28.58Oregon$28.58Virginia$28.45New York$28.43Colorado$28.17Wisconsin$28.08Utah$28.07California$27.91Delaware$27.54Arizona$26.73Montana$26.73Iowa$26.49Texas$25.64Pennsylvania$25.43Nebraska$25.10Missouri$24.98Kentucky$24.74Illinois$24.67Mississippi$24.57Florida$24.35North Carolina$24.32Rhode Island$24.32Idaho$24.30Ohio$24.20Michigan$24.03South Carolina$24.03Indiana$23.91Oklahoma$23.90South Dakota$23.77Kansas$23.75West Virginia$23.46Alabama$23.31Georgia$23.28Tennessee$23.10Arkansas$23.06
Common questions
What is per diem for traveling trades?
Per diem is the daily allowance for lodging and meals & incidentals (M&IE) paid when a tradesperson works away from their tax home. The federal (GSA) standard rate for FY2026 is $110/night lodging plus $68/day M&IE; designated high-cost areas run higher. Employers set their own per diem, commonly at or under the federal ceiling.
How much do traveling electricians make?
The national median for electricians is $30.38/hour (about $63,190/year) per BLS OEWS 2025. Among tracked states, Oregon has the highest statewide median at $48.71/hour. Traveling and shutdown contracts frequently pay above the all-workers median, plus per diem on top.
How much do traveling welders make?
The national median for welders, cutters & solderers is $25.84/hour (about $53,750/year) per BLS OEWS 2025. Among tracked states, Alaska has the highest statewide median at $38.87/hour. Traveling and shutdown contracts frequently pay above the all-workers median, plus per diem on top.
Do traveling trades jobs pay per diem on top of hourly wages?
Typically yes. Traveling postings quote an hourly rate plus a per-diem amount per day worked or per week; the RoadTrades job board shows both on every posting so the full package is comparable.
What is a blended rate?
A blended rate combines the hourly wage and the per diem into one effective hourly figure so offers with different wage/per-diem splits are comparable. The RoadTrades blended rate calculator computes it, including take-home and household mode.
New to per diem? Start with what per diem is and how it works, or check whether you have a tax home — the rule that decides whether your travel costs are deductible at all.
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