Alternate Title(s) | Construction Laborer |
Minimum Education Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Color vision. Construction laborers and helpers may need to be able to distinguish colors to do their job. For example, an electrician’s helper must be able to distinguish different colors of wire to help the lead electrician. - Math skills. Construction laborers and some helpers need to perform basic math calculations while measuring on jobsites or assisting a surveying crew. - Mechanical skills. Construction laborers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers. - Physical stamina. Construction laborers and helpers must have the endurance to perform strenuous tasks throughout the day. Highway laborers, for example, spend hours on their feet—often in hot temperatures—with few breaks. - Physical strength. Construction laborers and helpers must often lift heavy materials or equipment. For example, cement mason helpers must move cinder blocks, which typically weigh more than 40 pounds each. |
Job Duties | Construction laborers and helpers typically do the following: - Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards - Load or unload building materials to be used in construction - Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures - Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction - Operate or tend equipment and machines used in construction - Follow construction plans and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers - Assist craft workers with their duties |
Job Profile | Construction laborers and helpers work on almost all construction sites, performing a wide range of tasks varying in complexity from very easy to extremely difficult and hazardous. Although many of the tasks they perform require some training and experience, most tasks can be learned quickly. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.