Construction Laborer
Also called: Construction Worker, Equipment Operator (EO), Post Framer, Bituminous Asphalt Technician
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments.
What does a Construction Laborer do?
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
- Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
- Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
- Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
How to become a Construction Laborer
Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Skills you'll use
Is it a fit for you?
- Dependability
- Perseverance
Tools and technology
Questions people ask
How much does a Construction Laborer make?
About $47,120 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $35,090 and $78,090. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.
How long does it take to become a Construction Laborer?
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Do you need a college degree to be a Construction Laborer?
No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.
Is Construction Laborer a good career to get into?
O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.
Related careers
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Build my free kit →National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.