Highest-paying and most in-demand trades in District of Columbia
19 trades ranked by median hourly wage, with the range, the rank among states, the union scale and the state's own projection of which trades are growing.
Every trade in District of Columbia, ranked by median pay
| # | Trade | Median $/hr | Median $/yr | 90th pct $/hr | Jobs | State rank | 10-yr real change | vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Construction manager | $60.78 | $126,430 | $100.81 | 1,250 | 12th of 51 | -5.3% | 10% above |
| 2 | Elevator mechanic | $58.93 | $122,570 | $71.39 | — | 13th of 37 | — | 12% above |
| 3 | Lineman | $48.67 | $101,240 | $63.89 | 150 | 24th of 51 | +5.7% | 6% above |
| 4 | Plumber | $48.57 | $101,020 | $56.34 | 1,010 | 1st of 51 | +14.5% | 58% above |
| 5 | Construction supervisor | $41.60 | $86,520 | $61.50 | 1,420 | 14th of 51 | -15.7% | 8% above |
| 6 | HVAC technician | $40.57 | $84,390 | $52.04 | 400 | 1st of 51 | -6.0% | 38% above |
| 7 | Electrician | $37.97 | $78,970 | $60.48 | 2,440 | 7th of 51 | -7.2% | 25% above |
| 8 | Glazier | $37.69 | $78,390 | $39.75 | 200 | 3rd of 50 | +10.0% | 37% above |
| 9 | Heavy equipment operator | $35.87 | $74,610 | $47.25 | 620 | 13th of 51 | -2.5% | 25% above |
| 10 | Machinist | $35.05 | $72,900 | $47.52 | 160 | 3rd of 51 | -8.8% | 24% above |
| 11 | Diesel mechanic | $31.34 | $65,200 | $44.73 | 110 | 16th of 51 | -9.4% | 6% above |
| 12 | Brickmason | $30.98 | $64,450 | $48.63 | 200 | 22nd of 50 | -18.0% | 4% above |
| 13 | Roofer | $29.69 | $61,750 | $48.83 | 100 | 9th of 51 | +20.7% | 11% above |
| 14 | Carpenter | $29.67 | $61,710 | $38.81 | 1,540 | 18th of 51 | -5.5% | 2% above |
| 15 | Cement mason | $29.65 | $61,680 | $41.88 | 320 | 13th of 51 | -2.8% | 8% above |
| 16 | Ironworker | $29.44 | $61,240 | $44.74 | 210 | 30th of 50 | -23.3% | 2% below |
| 17 | Welder | $28.93 | $60,180 | $36.34 | 280 | 15th of 51 | -23.0% | 12% above |
| 18 | Painter | $28.61 | $59,520 | $39.13 | 500 | 6th of 51 | -10.4% | 20% above |
| 19 | Construction laborer | $24.05 | $50,020 | $34.77 | 2,090 | 17th of 51 | -3.9% | 6% above |
Most in-demand trades in District of Columbia
By the District of Columbia labor market agency's 2024–2034 projections, the fastest-growing trades are electricians (+12.5%), construction managers (+12.1%), construction laborers (+10.9%). The most openings a year, counting replacements as well as growth, come from construction laborers (250 a year), electricians (220 a year), carpenters (120 a year). The largest specialty-contractor group in the state is building equipment contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), with 4,267 jobs (2025 annual average, QCEW).
| Trade | Projected change 2024–2034 | Openings a year | Jobs in 2024 | Median $/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | +12.5% | 220 | 2,130 | $37.97 |
| Construction manager | +12.1% | 110 | 1,270 | $60.78 |
| Construction laborer | +10.9% | 250 | 2,630 | $24.05 |
| Roofer | +9.1% | 10 | 180 | $29.69 |
| Ironworker | +8.6% | 10 | 120 | $29.44 |
| Construction supervisor | +8.2% | 100 | 1,170 | $41.60 |
| HVAC technician | +6.8% | 40 | 380 | $40.57 |
| Lineman | +6.7% | 20 | 220 | $48.67 |
| Carpenter | +6.6% | 120 | 1,440 | $29.67 |
| Painter | +6.1% | 40 | 480 | $28.61 |
| Welder | +5.3% | 20 | 230 | $28.93 |
| Heavy equipment operator | +5.2% | 50 | 520 | $35.87 |
| Plumber | +4.6% | 60 | 620 | $48.57 |
| Brickmason | +2.1% | 30 | 380 | $30.98 |
| Cement mason | +0.9% | 10 | 210 | $29.65 |
| Machinist | -6.4% | 0 | 50 | $35.05 |
Source: District of Columbia long-term occupational projections via Projections Central; state counts include the self-employed. Projections, not guarantees; see each trade page for the national BLS outlook.
Construction jobs in District of Columbia
Prevailing wage in District of Columbia
Davis-Bacon determinations set the minimum wage package on federally funded construction. In District of Columbia, 1 of 1 counties with a Building rate for electricians use a union contract rate (typical package $82.56/hr including fringe). Look up any county and trade.
Metros in District of Columbia
Questions this page answers
What is the highest-paying trade in District of Columbia?
Construction managers had the highest median wage among the trades tracked here at $60.78 an hour in May 2025, followed by elevator mechanics ($58.93) and linemen ($48.67).
Which trades are in highest demand in District of Columbia?
By projected growth between 2024 and 2034, electricians (+12.5%), construction managers (+12.1%), construction laborers (+10.9%). By openings a year, construction laborers (250 a year), electricians (220 a year), carpenters (120 a year). The figures come from District of Columbia's labor market agency via Projections Central and count replacement openings as well as new jobs.
How does District of Columbia compare with the rest of the country?
Across the 19 trades listed, 18 pay above the national median in District of Columbia and 1 pay below it. The state's cost of living is 109.9% of the US average (BEA).
Sources and notes
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, District of Columbia.
- BLS Current Employment Statistics through 2026-09.
- BEA Regional Price Parities.
- SAM.gov Davis-Bacon wage determinations (not the official determination).