Pipelayers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Pipelayerss out-earn Construction Laborerss by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pipelayerss land at $49,000 and Construction Laborerss at $47,120. The education gap is real: pipelayer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Pipelayerss is Wisconsin ($86,870); for Construction Laborerss it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pipelayers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pipelayerss or Construction Laborerss?
Pipelayerss earn more nationally. The median is $49,000 for Pipelayerss versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pipelayers 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, Pipelayers or Construction Laborers?
Pipelayers 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 Pipelayerss get paid the most?
Wisconsin is the top-paying state for Pipelayerss at $86,870/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pipelayers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Wisconsin, Pipelayerss earn $86,870 vs. $56,100 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.