Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Plumber Helper
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Construction laborers earn more at the median ($47,120 vs. $42,360), 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. Plumber helpers help plumbers install pipes, fixtures and water heaters.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Plumber Helper | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $42,360 ($20.36/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $33,590 – $57,780 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +2.4% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 4,400 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | Plumbing trainee registration |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Helpers work in homes, buildings and job sites.. |
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
Plumber Helper
- Carry materials
- Cut pipe
- Drill holes
- Dig trenches
- Hold pipe
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
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 plumber helper if…
- I want to be a plumber
- I don’t mind dirty work
- I like hands-on work
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Plumber Helper fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or plumber helper?
Construction Laborers earn more at the median: $47,120 versus $42,360 for plumber helpers, 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 plumber helpers (A few weeks on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +2.4% for plumber helpers.