Dredge Operators vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Who Earns More?
Dredge Operators out-earn Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dredge Operators land at $49,640 and Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand at $40,240. The education gap is real: dredge operator programs typically require no formal educational credential, while laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Dredge Operators is Texas ($65,580); for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand it's Minnesota ($46,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dredge Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dredge Operators or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Dredge Operators earn more nationally. The median is $49,640 for Dredge Operators versus $40,240 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dredge Operators or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand has the better 10-year outlook at 1.5% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dredge Operators or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Dredge Operators typically requires no formal educational credential. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Dredge Operators get paid the most?
Texas is the top-paying state for Dredge Operators at $65,580/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dredge Operators vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Texas, Dredge Operators earn $65,580 vs. $37,540 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.