Across U.S. metros, roofers typically earn $3,290 more a year than construction laborers (7%). In the 265 metros where BLS publishes both, construction laborers earn more in 40 and roofers in 225.
| Construction Laborer | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $46,850 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $23,510 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $83,680 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +7.3% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 120,000 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 27% | 20% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 218 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 391 | 265 |
On safety, construction laborers report more injuries that cause missed work (218 vs. 162 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 roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers out-earn construction laborers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
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.
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Compare one trade across two cities →