Sheet Metal Workers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Sheet Metal Workers out-earn Construction Laborers by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sheet Metal Workers land at $61,800 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: sheet metal worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Sheet Metal Workers is Washington ($98,550); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Sheet Metal Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Sheet Metal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Sheet Metal Workers earn more nationally. The median is $61,800 for Sheet Metal Workers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sheet Metal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 2.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Sheet Metal Workers or Construction Laborers?
Sheet Metal Workers 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 Sheet Metal Workers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Sheet Metal Workers at $98,550/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Sheet Metal Workers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Sheet Metal Workers earn $98,550 vs. $57,720 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.