Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Construction Laborers out-earn Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons by $7K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons land at $40,470 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco mason programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons is Ohio ($53,340); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers earn more nationally. The median is $40,470 for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $7K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons or Construction Laborers?
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons 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--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons get paid the most?
Ohio is the top-paying state for Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons at $53,340/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Ohio, Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons earn $53,340 vs. $56,080 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.