Across U.S. metros, hazmat removal workers typically earn $1,365 more a year than construction laborers (3%). In the 134 metros where BLS publishes both, construction laborers earn more in 61 and hazmat removal workers in 73.
| Construction Laborer | Hazmat Removal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $46,850 | $48,215 |
| Lowest metro median | $23,510 | $26,520 |
| Highest metro median | $83,680 | $104,530 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +7.3% | +1.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 120,000 | 4,300 |
| Self-employed | 27% | 1% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 218 | 71 |
| Metros with pay data | 391 | 134 |
On safety, construction laborers report more injuries that cause missed work (218 vs. 71 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where construction laborers out-earn hazmat removal workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where hazmat removal workers out-earn construction laborers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, construction laborers earn more in 20 states and hazmat removal workers in 31. The gap favors construction laborers most in Hawaii ($18,670) and hazmat removal workers most in New York ($17,160).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: occasionally for construction laborers, sometimes for hazmat removal workers. Hazardous conditions: occasionally for construction laborers, often for hazmat removal workers.
| Construction Laborer | Hazmat Removal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Often |
| Working at heights | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Rarely | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Construction Laborer
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Hazmat Removal Worker
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
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