Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Hazardous Materials Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Hazardous materials technicians earn more at the median ($49,450 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Hazardous materials technicians safely remove and clean up asbestos, lead, chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Hazardous Materials Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $49,450 ($23.78/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $38,460 – $82,410 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +1.5% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 4,300 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 1–4 weeks of required training |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Hazmat technicians work at demolition and renovation sites, industrial facilities, contaminated land and emergency scenes. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
- Load, unload and move building materials
- Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
- Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
Hazardous Materials Technician
- Set up regulated areas, containment and decontamination zones
- Identify hazardous materials and review safety data and site plans
- Remove asbestos, lead paint, mold or contaminated materials using approved methods
- Wear and maintain respirators and chemical protective clothing
- Decontaminate workers, tools and equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and safety & environmental, but share transferable skills such as reliability and punctuality and discipline with procedures.
Which should you choose?
Choose construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose hazardous materials technician if…
- I follow safety procedures exactly, every time
- I can work in hot, heavy protective gear
- I want a fast path into a skilled field
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Hazardous Materials Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or hazardous materials technician?
Hazardous Materials Technicians earn more at the median: $49,450 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than hazardous materials technicians (1–4 weeks of required training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +1.5% for hazardous materials technicians.