What Does a Construction Laborer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a construction laborer do?

Construction laborers do the physical work that keeps building and infrastructure projects moving: preparing and cleaning sites, moving materials, digging trenches, pouring concrete, setting up scaffolds and assisting skilled trades. The median pay is $47,120 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Days to weeks (on the job), and employment is projected to grow +7.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$47,120
$22.66/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+7.3%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
120,000
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
Days to weeks (on the job)
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
1,489,300
Employment, 2025

What construction laborers do

Construction laborers are found on almost every job site: homes, highways, bridges, tunnels and commercial buildings. They load and unload materials, erect and dismantle scaffolding and barricades, operate small equipment such as jackhammers and compactors, mix and place concrete, direct traffic as flaggers and keep the site clean and safe.

Many laborers start with little or no experience and learn on the job, often after completing OSHA 10 safety training. Laborers who join an apprenticeship or specialize (in concrete, pipe laying, demolition or hazardous materials) can move up quickly into higher-paying roles.

Typical duties

Prepare and clean job sites, removing debris and hazards
Load, unload and move building materials
Dig, backfill and compact trenches and foundations
Mix, pour and spread concrete and asphalt
Erect and dismantle scaffolding, barricades and forms
Operate hand and power tools and small equipment
Direct traffic as a certified flagger and assist skilled tradespeople

Work environment and schedule

Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. The job involves heavy lifting, noise, dust and hazards such as falls, trench collapses, equipment and traffic.

Schedule: Full-time with early starts. Hours depend on weather and project schedules; overtime is common during busy seasons and night work is common on road projects.

A day in the life

6:00 AMMorning safety huddle on trench safety and the day’s concrete pour.
6:30 AMUnload rebar, stack it on dunnage and set up barricades around the excavation.
8:00 AMHelp place concrete for a foundation wall: guide the chute, vibrate and screed.
11:00 AMClean tools and washout area before concrete sets.

See a full day in the life of a construction laborer →

Construction Laborer salary

Half of construction laborers earned more than $47,120 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,090 for the lowest 10% to $78,090 for the top 10%.

$35,09010th$47,120Median$78,09090th

Full construction laborer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a construction laborer

Get basic safety training
Get work boots and PPE
Apply to contractors or a union
Learn on the job
Specialize or enter an apprenticeship

No formal education is required, though a high school diploma helps. Most laborers learn on the job; OSHA 10 training and flagger certification make you more hireable. Apprenticeships (such as through LIUNA) provide structured training and higher pay.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a construction laborer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Job-site safety and hazard recognition
Hand and power tool use
Concrete placement and finishing basics
Trenching and excavation support
Traffic control and flagging

People skills

Reliability and punctuality
Teamwork
Following directions
Stamina and work ethic

All construction laborer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Start quickly with little formal training
Many openings in every region
A gateway into apprenticeships and skilled trades
Active, outdoor work with visible progress

Cons

Physically demanding and tiring
Higher injury risk than many jobs
Weather and seasonal slowdowns
Pay is lower until you specialize or join an apprenticeship

Certifications and licenses

OSHA 10-Hour Construction: Introductory safety training many employers and job sites require.
Flagger certification: Many state DOTs require certified flaggers for work zone traffic control.
Scaffold user or erector training: Covers safe use and assembly of scaffolding.
Forklift or equipment certifications: Help laborers take on equipment operation.

Career path

Construction Laborer: Support crews and learn the job site.
Skilled Laborer or Specialist: Concrete, pipe laying, demolition or hazmat specialist.
Apprentice in a Skilled Trade: Enter carpentry, operating engineers, ironwork or another trade.
Foreman or Superintendent: Lead crews and manage job sites.

Learn the job before day one

Our Construction Laborer training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up an extension ladder safely and flag traffic in a work zone, safety and how to land your first job.

View Construction Laborer training Is this career right for me?

Carpenter

Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.

$60,580
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Operate excavators, dozers, loaders and graders to move earth and build infrastructure.

$59,850
Months to 4 years

Hazardous Materials Technician

Safely remove and clean up asbestos, lead, chemicals and other hazardous materials.

$49,450
1–4 weeks of required training

Warehouse Associate

Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.

$40,240
Days (on the job)

Compare: Construction Laborer vs. Carpenter · Construction Laborer vs. Heavy Equipment Operator · Construction Laborer vs. Hazmat Technician · Construction Laborer vs. Warehouse Associate

Construction Laborer FAQ

Do you need experience to be a construction laborer?

Usually not. Many employers hire entry-level laborers and train on the job, especially if you have OSHA 10 training and reliable transportation.

How can construction laborers earn more?

Specialize in concrete, pipe laying or hazardous materials, join a union apprenticeship, earn equipment certifications or move into a skilled trade.

Is construction labor dangerous?

It has more hazards than many jobs, but training, PPE and following procedures greatly reduce risk.

How much does a construction laborer make?

The median annual wage for construction laborers was $47,120 ($22.66 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $78,090.

How long does it take to become a construction laborer?

Most people need about Days to weeks (on the job) of training. No formal education is required, though a high school diploma helps. Most laborers learn on the job; OSHA 10 training and flagger certification make you more hireable. Apprenticeships (such as through LIUNA) provide structured training and higher pay.

Do you need a degree to be a construction laborer?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2061 (Construction laborers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Construction laborers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Construction Laborer