Roofers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Roofers out-earn Construction Laborers by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Roofers land at $55,440 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: roofer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Roofers is Illinois ($77,900); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Roofers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Roofers or Construction Laborers?
Roofers earn more nationally. The median is $55,440 for Roofers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $8K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Roofers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 5.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Roofers or Construction Laborers?
Roofers 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 Roofers get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Roofers at $77,900/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Roofers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Roofers earn $77,900 vs. $60,690 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.