Solar Photovoltaic Installers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers out-earn Construction Laborers by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Solar Photovoltaic Installers land at $53,140 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: solar photovoltaic installer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Solar Photovoltaic Installers is New Jersey ($78,950); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Solar Photovoltaic Installers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Solar Photovoltaic Installers or Construction Laborers?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn more nationally. The median is $53,140 for Solar Photovoltaic Installers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Solar Photovoltaic Installers or Construction Laborers?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers has the better 10-year outlook at 42.1% projected growth, compared to 7.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Solar Photovoltaic Installers or Construction Laborers?
Solar Photovoltaic Installers 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 Solar Photovoltaic Installers get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Solar Photovoltaic Installers at $78,950/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Solar Photovoltaic Installers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Solar Photovoltaic Installers earn $78,950 vs. $64,060 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.