Boilermakers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Boilermakers out-earn Construction Laborers by $29K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Boilermakers land at $76,410 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: boilermaker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Boilermakers is California ($118,150); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Boilermakers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Boilermakers or Construction Laborers?
Boilermakers earn more nationally. The median is $76,410 for Boilermakers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $29K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Boilermakers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to -2.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Boilermakers or Construction Laborers?
Boilermakers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Construction Laborers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Boilermakers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Boilermakers at $118,150/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Boilermakers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Boilermakers earn $118,150 vs. $60,270 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.