Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas out-earn Construction Laborers by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas land at $58,620 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: derrick operators, oil and ga programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas is Louisiana ($86,980); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas or Construction Laborers?
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas earn more nationally. The median is $58,620 for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 0.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas or Construction Laborers?
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas 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 Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas get paid the most?
Louisiana is the top-paying state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas at $86,980/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas earn $78,050 vs. $58,060 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.