Roofers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Rooferss out-earn Construction Laborerss by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Rooferss land at $55,440 and Construction Laborerss 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 Rooferss is Illinois ($77,900); for Construction Laborerss 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, Rooferss or Construction Laborerss?
Rooferss earn more nationally. The median is $55,440 for Rooferss versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $8K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Roofers 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, 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 Rooferss get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Rooferss 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, Rooferss earn $77,900 vs. $60,690 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.