Sheet Metal Workers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Sheet Metal Workerss out-earn Construction Laborerss by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sheet Metal Workerss land at $61,800 and Construction Laborerss 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 Workerss is Washington ($98,550); for Construction Laborerss 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 Workerss or Construction Laborerss?
Sheet Metal Workerss earn more nationally. The median is $61,800 for Sheet Metal Workerss versus $47,120 for Construction Laborerss, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sheet Metal Workers 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, 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 Workerss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Sheet Metal Workerss 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 Workerss earn $98,550 vs. $57,720 for Construction Laborerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.