CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Construction Laborers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Construction Laborers
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Median pay

$46,730
Median annual pay for Construction Laborers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

7.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

129,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,457,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Construction Laborers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+106,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Speaking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Static Strength
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Perseverance
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Attention to Detail
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Controlling Machines and Processes
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
  • Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
  • Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
  • Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.
  • Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.

Software and tools

Autodesk Revit · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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