Helpers--Extraction Workers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Helpers--Extraction Workers out-earn Construction Laborers by $610 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Helpers--Extraction Workers land at $47,730 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: helpers--extraction worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Helpers--Extraction Workers is West Virginia ($77,180); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Helpers--Extraction Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Helpers--Extraction Workers or Construction Laborers?
Helpers--Extraction Workers earn more nationally. The median is $47,730 for Helpers--Extraction Workers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $610. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Helpers--Extraction Workers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to -1.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Helpers--Extraction Workers or Construction Laborers?
Helpers--Extraction 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 Helpers--Extraction Workers get paid the most?
West Virginia is the top-paying state for Helpers--Extraction Workers at $77,180/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Helpers--Extraction Workers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Utah, Helpers--Extraction Workers earn $55,490 vs. $46,550 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.