Tapers vs. Construction Laborers: Who Earns More?
Tapers out-earn Construction Laborers by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Tapers land at $68,270 and Construction Laborers at $47,120. The education gap is real: taper programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while construction laborer programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Tapers is Illinois ($113,180); for Construction Laborers it's Hawaii ($77,110).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Tapers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Tapers or Construction Laborers?
Tapers earn more nationally. The median is $68,270 for Tapers versus $47,120 for Construction Laborers, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Tapers or Construction Laborers?
Construction Laborers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.3% projected growth, compared to 0.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Tapers or Construction Laborers?
Tapers 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 Tapers get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Tapers at $113,180/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Tapers vs. Construction Laborers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Tapers earn $113,180 vs. $60,690 for Construction Laborers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.