In general, union construction workers make more because unions have better contracts, benefits, and overtime policies. A union worker's salary can range from $50,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the trade and location. When looking at industry wages, many people wonder how much construction workers earn if they're union members. In addition to wages, union workers may get health insurance, retirement, training and leave benefits. In cities where there is an active construction market, there are highly skilled union workers who can make a lot of money per hour. Union jobs are particularly lucrative in fields like ironwork, electrical work and crane operation. Union availability and wage structure, however, is different in each state of the United States.