Carpenters vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Carpenterss out-earn Construction Laborerss by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Carpenterss land at $60,580 and Construction Laborerss 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 Carpenterss is Hawaii ($85,280); for Construction Laborerss 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, Carpenterss or Construction Laborerss?
Carpenterss earn more nationally. The median is $60,580 for Carpenterss versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Carpenters or Construction Laborers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Carpenterss get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Carpenterss 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, Carpenterss earn $85,280 vs. $77,110 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.