<p>It’s a fair bet. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data on the compensation of workers in many job categories. Those connected with construction can be found by scrolling down at the site: [List</a> of SOC Occupations](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm#47-0000]List”>http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm#47-0000)
and then following the links to specific trades.</p>
<p>For each trade, the percentiles 10, 25, 50, 75, and 90 of compensation are listed. The number of people employed is also listed.</p>
<p>There’s an interesting aspect: The data are provided for May 2010. So when the data come out for May 2011, we can take a look at it.</p>
<p>Aside from hourly rates, there is a separate question of how many hours per week the construction worker is employed (and how many weeks per year). That could contribute to a decrease in income while the hourly rate remains the same or goes up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the percentiles both for hourly rate and for total compensation, so both aspects can be considered.</p>