Construction Laborer

Your Fit

Income

$47K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Construction Laborer?

A Construction Laborer is a skilled worker who performs various tasks at construction sites. These tasks range from simple site preparation to assisting with complex machinery and material handling.

Sample job titles:

Construction Laborer, Construction Worker, Equipment Operator (EO), Post Framer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Construction Laborer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Construction Laborer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$38K per year	$47K per year	$59K per year	$78K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.77K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Construction Laborer do?

Work environment

Construction Laborers work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction sites. The work is physically demanding and often takes place outdoors in various weather conditions. Laborers must adhere to safety protocols to minimize the risk of injuries.

Quick task list

Assists with loading and unloading building materials.
Operates or tends equipment and machines, like concrete mixers.
Helps skilled tradespeople with their tasks.
Cleans and prepares construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards.
Digs trenches, backfills holes, or compacts earth to prepare for construction.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

General Construction: Providing support in various aspects of construction projects.
Demolition and Wrecking: Specializing in tearing down buildings and clearing site debris.
Road and Highway Construction: Working on road construction and maintenance projects.
Environmental Remediation: Assisting in projects that improve environmental quality.
Pipeline Construction: Focusing on the construction and maintenance of pipelines.

Description

Construction Laborers are the backbone of any construction project, providing essential support that ensures the smooth operation of the site. Their role requires versatility as they may be called upon to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple manual labor to operating sophisticated machinery. A good understanding of construction methods and materials is beneficial, as well as the ability to quickly learn and adapt to different tasks.

Safety is a critical aspect of the job. Laborers must be knowledgeable about safety practices and use protective gear appropriately. The work can be physically demanding, requiring good physical health and stamina. Laborers often work in teams, so communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively are important.

Despite the physical demands, many find this career rewarding due to the variety of work and the opportunity to see tangible results from their efforts. Construction projects are dynamic, meaning each day can bring new tasks and challenges. For those who enjoy physical work and being part of creating tangible structures, this occupation can be very fulfilling.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the creation of physical structures, from homes to highways.
The variety in daily tasks and the opportunity to develop a broad skill set.
Working as part of a team to achieve a common goal.

You might make a good Construction Laborer if you are...

Physically fit and able to perform demanding tasks.
Adaptable and willing to learn a variety of construction skills.
A team player who communicates well with others.
Safety-conscious and aware of the importance of following protocols.
Enjoy working outdoors in a hands-on, active role.

Pros:

Opportunity to work on a variety of projects.
Potential for career advancement into skilled trades or construction management.
No need for advanced education or training to get started.

Cons:

Physically strenuous and potentially hazardous work.
Exposure to outdoor elements and challenging working conditions.
Often involves long hours or weekend work.

How to become a Construction Laborer

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient. Skills are mainly learned through on-the-job training. Some laborers may choose to attend vocational schools or participate in apprenticeship programs.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational classes for basic construction skills.
Physical education to build stamina and strength.
Mathematics for basic measurement and calculation skills.

**Extra-Curricular Activities: - Participating in team sports to develop physical fitness and teamwork skills. - Joining a robotics or engineering club to gain exposure to technical skills. - Volunteering for community service projects, especially those involving construction or outdoor work.

Preparation after high school

Attending a trade school or vocational college for more specialized training.
Seeking apprenticeships in specific construction trades for hands-on experience.
Obtaining certifications in areas like OSHA safety, first aid, or specific machinery operation.

More resources

National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) - Provides training and certification for construction professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers resources and training for construction workplace safety.
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Provides educational resources and advocacy for the construction industry.
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) - A union offering training and support for laborers in the construction industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.