Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Construction Laborerss out-earn Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss land at $42,360 and Construction Laborerss 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 Steamfitterss is Washington ($56,140); for Construction Laborerss 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 Steamfitterss or Construction Laborerss?
Construction Laborerss earn more nationally. The median is $42,360 for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters or Construction Laborers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Steamfitterss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss 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 Steamfitterss earn $56,140 vs. $57,720 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.