Construction Laborers
Construction laborers perform physical work on building sites, operating hand and power tools like cement mixers, air hammers, and surveying equipment. They prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces, and handle a variety of manual tasks that support construction projects. Work takes place outdoors and on active job sites across different weather conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against construction laborers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves arriving at job sites to set up work areas, operating power tools and equipment, and performing manual labor like digging, lifting, and carrying materials. Tasks vary by project phase—early weeks may focus on site preparation and trenching, while later phases involve concrete work or equipment operation. Workers follow safety protocols, coordinate with other crew members, and may spend time cleaning and maintaining tools and work areas.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd likely succeed in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks and structured environments with clear procedures. People who do well here are physically capable, detail-oriented about safety and measurements, and comfortable following established methods rather than creating new approaches.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Laborer (Construction Crew) · Veterans Health Administration · Salisbury, North Carolina · $19.89–$23.21
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $52,270 | $77,110 | $87,750 | 4,580 |
| New Jersey | $46,710 | $64,060 | $94,510 | 23,590 |
| Massachusetts | $52,330 | $63,390 | $88,330 | 16,210 |
| Illinois | $46,040 | $60,690 | $95,240 | 35,940 |
| California | $48,140 | $60,270 | $78,520 | 88,240 |
| Minnesota | $48,420 | $60,260 | $79,710 | 28,530 |
| Connecticut | $47,670 | $58,290 | $72,750 | 7,360 |
| Alaska | $46,390 | $58,060 | $69,950 | 3,690 |
| Washington | $46,930 | $57,720 | $72,160 | 25,060 |
| Rhode Island | $46,810 | $57,240 | $77,480 | 2,110 |
| Missouri | $45,610 | $56,730 | $77,580 | 17,050 |
| Wisconsin | $46,060 | $56,100 | $72,130 | 20,330 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Concrete Level I — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Concrete Construction Special Inspector — American Concrete Institute International
- Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level II — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level III — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level IV — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 4 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against construction laborers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.