Helper salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A helper earns a median of $42,670 a year ($20.51 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $45,140. About 24,770 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $42,670
- Gross pay
- $1,641.15
- Federal income tax
- −$113.09
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$101.75
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$23.80
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $1,402.51
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $42,670
- Federal
- $2,940
- FICA
- $3,264
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $36,465
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Helpers--Electrician: $42,670
- Helpers--Pipelayer: $42,360
- Helpers--Carpenter: $43,780
- Helpers--Roofer: $44,160
- Helpers--Painter: $40,470
- Roustabout: $46,960
- Construction Laborer: $47,120
- Helpers--Brickmason: $47,550
BLS occupation: Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 47-3019). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a helper make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $20.51; the average is $21.70.
What is the salary range for a helper?
The bottom 10% earn under $32,900 and the top 10% earn over $60,080 a year.
How much is $42,670 after taxes?
About $36,465 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $35,221 in California for a single filer in 2026.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.