As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underground Laborer in the United States is $88,644 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, an Underground Laborer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Underground Laborer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Underground Laborers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 4.01% |
| Housekeeping | 4.01% |
| Foodservice | 2.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Directs Work
|
$100,167 |
13%
|
|
Innovation
|
$93,962 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$93,962 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$93,076 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$93,076 |
5%
|
|
Quality Control
|
$91,303 |
3%
|
For Underground Laborer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Underground Laborer positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Underground Laborer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $115,237 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $106,373 | $51.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underground Laborers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Underground Laborer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $91,592 and $95,035).
Underground Laborer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 66.7% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Underground Laborer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Underground Laborer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,624 in 2023 to around $70,953 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Underground Laborer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $71,624 |
| 2024 | $71,532 |
| 2025 | $70,953 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Underground Laborer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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