Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Construction Laborers out-earn Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters land at $42,360 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitter programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is Washington ($56,140); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers earn more nationally. The median is $42,360 for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters or Construction Laborers?
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 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--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters at $56,140/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn $56,140 vs. $57,720 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.