Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Roofer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Roofers earn more at the median ($55,440 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. Roofers install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $55,440 ($26.65/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $37,460 – $81,720 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | +5.3% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 12,000 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 3–12 months on the job |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | OSHA 10-Hour Construction |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. |
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
Roofer
- Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck
- Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment
- Install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys
- Lay shingles, metal panels, tile or membrane roofing
- Seal seams and penetrations to prevent leaks
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, 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 roofer if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Roofer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or roofer?
Roofers earn more at the median: $55,440 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 roofers (3–12 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with +5.3% for roofers.