Construction Laborer
A Construction Laborer is an entry-level worker in the construction industry who assists skilled tradespeople and supervisors on various projects. Their responsibilities are diverse and can change daily, encompassing tasks such as site preparation, material handling, demolition, and maintaining worksite cleanliness. Typically employed outdoors or in partially constructed environments, construction laborers may face varying weather conditions and must often use safety gear to protect against potential hazards.
This occupation appeals to a wide range of individuals, including students seeking temporary work and those aiming to gain experience in different trades as a stepping stone to more specialized roles. While no formal education is required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge in subjects like mathematics and industrial arts can be helpful. Construction laborers often start with short-term on-the-job training, and their experiences can lead to further opportunities in skilled trades such as plumbing or carpentry. The role fosters teamwork and strong work ethics, as laborers frequently interact with other construction professionals, adapting to various challenges that arise throughout the workday.
Construction Laborer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction
Interests: Working with your hands, working alone or with a team, working outdoors
Earnings (Yearly Median): $44,310 per year $21.30 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Construction laborers assist skilled workers and project supervisors on construction sites. Unlike workers who are trained in a specific facet of construction, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electricity, laborers are traditionally workers who have yet to attain a particular skill and are thus responsible for a diverse array of tasks.
The responsibilities of a laborer evolve on a daily basis, and they can range from menial tasks to more difficult contributions. Laborers work in all facets of the construction industry, from early site development to demolition and materials removal.
Work Environment. Construction laborers work almost exclusively outdoors or in partially constructed structures. The nature of the work environment varies by project type, what phase of the process the project is in, and where it is geographically located. Laborers may assist with the removal of tiles from a roof one day and prepare a foundation for concrete the next. Laborers may also work in shop environments, preparing materials for transportation or later use.
Occupation Interest. The field of construction labor attracts a diverse array of candidates. Some laborers are students who hold positions during breaks from study. Others are workers who are eager to gain experience across a variety of different trades as preparation for careers in the construction industry.
Since construction labor positions are primarily entry-level, they attract workers from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse skill sets. Many possess entry-level experience in other trades, such as woodworking, metalworking, farming, landscaping, or product manufacturing.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The day-to-day responsibilities of a construction laborer vary significantly based on the nature of the project and the particular trade of employment. Demolition laborers spend a large majority of their time removing secondary building features, such as lighting fixtures, windows, walls, old plumbing, electrical systems, and floor work. Such workers are responsible for the proper removal and disposal of debris into on-site waste containers.
Laborers employed by companies specializing in new construction may begin their day offloading materials and distributing them throughout the construction site for skilled workers such as carpenters or plumbers to use. Laborers are often also called upon to complete basic but time-consuming tasks such as digging holes and trenches, applying paint primer, or removing a site’s antiquated infrastructure. They also maintain the cleanliness of work sites by removing debris and packaging.
Some laborers work as apprentices to licensed electricians or plumbers and may be responsible for gathering and transporting the necessary tools and materials, running lengths of pipe or wiring, and testing systems to make sure they are functional. Many licensed professionals in trades, such as plumbing, began their careers as construction laborers.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Laborers work inside and outside, in varying weather conditions, at demolition or construction sites. Some tasks require working at significant heights, while other projects may necessitate working underground. Hardhats, safety-toe boots, and other protective gear are necessary for safety, as is adhering to workplace safety standards.
Human Environment. Construction laborers interact with numerous professionals on a daily basis. These include fellow site workers, material deliverers, and waste disposal professionals. A strong work ethic and willingness to work collaboratively with several different people each day is necessary.
Technological Environment. Construction laborers may be called upon to use several different forms of technology, from simple tools such as sledgehammers and shovels to more complex tools such as mechanical drills, electrical testing equipment, and skid-steer loaders.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Basic coursework in mathematics, English, and industrial arts can best prepare high school students to enter the field of construction labor. Ancillary chemistry and physics coursework can also be beneficial.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not a traditional requirement for construction laborer positions. However, additional education may be required to move into supervisory or skilled positions.
Related Occupations
− Freight, Stock & Material Mover
− Roofer
Bibliography
"Construction Laborers and Helpers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
“Construction Laborers 47-2061.00.” O*NET OnLine, 9 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2061.00. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 47-2061 Construction Laborers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472061.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.