Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass out-earn Construction Laborerss by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass land at $58,620 and Construction Laborerss 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 Gass is Louisiana ($86,980); for Construction Laborerss 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 Gass or Construction Laborerss?
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass earn more nationally. The median is $58,620 for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas 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, 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 Gass get paid the most?
Louisiana is the top-paying state for Derrick Operators, Oil and Gass 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 Gass earn $78,050 vs. $58,060 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.