Construction Laborer: Job Description, Skills, Salary & Career Guide

If you're considering a hands-on, high-demand career in the construction industry, becoming a construction laborer might be the perfect path. This role offers a solid foundation for growth, requires no college degree, and provides the chance to work on exciting building projects. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about construction laborers, including their job duties, skills, salary, and how to get started.

What Is a Construction Laborer?

A construction laborer is a worker who performs a variety of physical tasks on construction sites. These tasks can range from preparing job sites to assisting skilled tradespeople, operating machinery, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the work environment.

Construction laborers are essential to the success of nearly every construction project, making this role both valuable and in high demand across the United States.

Construction Laborer Job Description

The construction laborer job description can vary depending on the type of project and the employer, but typically includes:

1. Preparing construction sites by cleaning and removing debris

2. Loading and unloading building materials

3. Assembling and disassembling temporary structures like scaffolding

4. Operating hand and power tools

5. Assisting skilled workers such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers

6. Following safety protocols and using personal protective equipment (PPE)

Laborers work under the direction of site supervisors and often rotate between different tasks throughout the day.

List of Construction Laborer Duties

Here’s a comprehensive list of construction laborer responsibilities you’ll find on most job sites:

1. Clearing rubble, trash, and other hazards

2. Digging trenches, holes, and foundations

3. Mixing, pouring, and spreading concrete

4. Transporting materials with wheelbarrows or forklifts

5. Setting up and tearing down ladders, barriers, and temporary structures

6. Using tools like jackhammers, drills, and saws

7. Measuring and marking surfaces for cutting and placement

8. Supporting tradespeople with installations or repairs

These duties require a high level of physical stamina and the ability to adapt quickly to different types of work environments.

Essential Construction Laborer Skills

To succeed as a construction laborer, you’ll need more than just strength. Here are the most important construction laborer skills employers look for:

1. Physical Strength & Stamina

Construction work is physically demanding. Laborers often carry heavy materials, work in all weather conditions, and remain on their feet for long hours.

2. Attention to Detail

Accuracy in measurements, alignment, and cutting is vital to maintaining quality and safety on the job.

3. Teamwork & Communication

Laborers are part of a team. Strong communication skills help ensure tasks are done efficiently and safely.

4. Knowledge of Tools & Equipment

Being familiar with both manual and power tools makes laborers more productive and versatile.

5. Safety Awareness

Laborers must follow OSHA regulations and wear the correct PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety boots.

Construction Laborer Salary in 2025

According to current industry data, the average construction laborer salary in the U.S. in 2025 ranges from $36,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and union affiliation.

1. Entry-level laborers: $17–$20/hour

2. Experienced laborers: $22–$30/hour

3. Union laborers or those in high-demand cities: Up to $60,000+ annually

This competitive pay, combined with a relatively low barrier to entry, makes this an attractive option for those starting out in the trades.

How to Become a Construction Laborer

Becoming a construction laborer is straightforward and doesn’t require formal education. Here are the common steps:

1. High School Diploma or GED (optional but recommended)

2. Apply for Entry-Level Jobs or apprenticeships

3. Complete On-the-Job Training

4. Earn Certifications, such as:

   1. OSHA 10/30-hour construction safety card

   2. Flagging certification

   3. Forklift or heavy equipment operator license

Online job boards and local contractors are great starting points for finding opportunities.

Career Growth for Construction Laborers

Many construction laborers use their position as a stepping stone to higher-paying and more specialized roles, including:

1. Carpenter

2. Electrician

3. Mason

4. Heavy equipment operator

5. Site supervisor or foreman

With experience and additional training, laborers can advance quickly in the construction field.

Final Thoughts

The construction industry is booming, and construction laborers are at the core of every job site. With solid pay, a growing job market, and room for advancement, now is a great time to consider this career path. If you have the physical ability, work ethic, and willingness to learn, a job as a construction laborer could be your first step toward a long and rewarding career in construction.