Hazardous Materials Removal Workers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers out-earn Construction Laborers by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers land at $49,450 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: hazardous materials removal worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers is New York ($73,090); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Hazardous Materials Removal Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers earn more nationally. The median is $49,450 for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 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 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Hazardous Materials Removal Workers at $73,090/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Hazardous Materials Removal Workers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers earn $73,090 vs. $55,930 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.