Across U.S. metros, sheet metal workers typically earn $14,610 more a year than construction laborers (31%). In the 272 metros where BLS publishes both, construction laborers earn more in 8 and sheet metal workers in 264.
| Construction Laborer | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $46,850 | $61,460 |
| Lowest metro median | $23,510 | $28,340 |
| Highest metro median | $83,680 | $109,830 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +7.3% | +2.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 120,000 | 9,800 |
| Self-employed | 27% | 8% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 218 | 163 |
| Metros with pay data | 391 | 273 |
On safety, construction laborers report more injuries that cause missed work (218 vs. 163 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 sheet metal workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where sheet metal 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 2 states and sheet metal workers in 48. The gap favors construction laborers most in Nevada ($2,260) and sheet metal workers most in Washington ($40,830).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: very often for construction laborers, occasionally for sheet metal workers. Very hot or cold conditions: very often for construction laborers, sometimes for sheet metal workers.
| Construction Laborer | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Occasionally |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
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.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
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