Construction Laborer salary
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What a construction laborer does
Construction labourers do the physical groundwork on building sites — site prep, material handling and supporting the skilled trades. It is the most common entry point into construction.
Day-to-day duties
- Prepare and clear sites
- Move materials and operate small equipment
- Assist skilled tradespeople
- Erect and dismantle scaffolding
- Maintain site safety and tidiness
Skills employers look for
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Following directions precisely
- Safety awareness
- Reliability and punctuality
Requirements Entry level
- No formal education required
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification often required
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather
- Heavy lifting
How to get started
- 1 Apply directly — commonly hired with no experience
- 2 Obtain OSHA safety certification
- 3 Learn from the trades you support
- 4 Enter an apprenticeship in a trade that interests you
Job outlook: Follows construction activity and is the standard route into the skilled trades for people without qualifications.
Common questions about construction laborers
What does a construction laborer do?
Construction labourers do the physical groundwork on building sites — site prep, material handling and supporting the skilled trades. It is the most common entry point into construction. Day to day, that means prepare and clear sites, move materials and operate small equipment, assist skilled tradespeople and erect and dismantle scaffolding.
How do you become a construction laborer?
The usual route is: (1) apply directly — commonly hired with no experience, (2) obtain OSHA safety certification, (3) learn from the trades you support, (4) enter an apprenticeship in a trade that interests you. Employers typically look for no formal education required, OSHA 10 or 30 certification often required and ability to work outdoors in all weather.
Do you need a certification to work as a construction laborer?
Usually not. Most employers hire construction laborers without a specific licence, though OSHA 10 or 30 certification often required will widen your options and often your pay.
Are construction laborers in demand?
Follows construction activity and is the standard route into the skilled trades for people without qualifications.
Where are construction laborers most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
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Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.