Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Construction Laborers

Median Salary
45,300
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

71%

Self-employed

23%

State and local government

3%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 154,900 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$21,580

10%

$45,300

Median

$62,170

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    34%

  • Less than high school

    32%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    27%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction Trades, General

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.