Carpenters vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Carpenters out-earn Construction Laborers by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Carpenters land at $60,580 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: carpenter programs typically require no formal educational credential, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Carpenters is Hawaii ($85,280); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Carpenters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Carpenters or Construction Laborers?
Carpenters earn more nationally. The median is $60,580 for Carpenters versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Carpenters or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 4.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Carpenters or Construction Laborers?
Carpenters typically requires no formal educational credential. Construction Laborers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Carpenters get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Carpenters at $85,280/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Carpenters vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Hawaii, Carpenters earn $85,280 vs. $77,110 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.