Career comparison
Construction Laborer vs. Rebar Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Rebar workers earn more at the median ($58,970 vs. $47,120), while construction laborers usually get to work faster (Days to weeks (on the job) of training). Construction laborers prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job. Rebar workers place and tie the steel bars that reinforce concrete.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Construction Laborer | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,120 ($22.66/hr) | $58,970 ($28.35/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,090 – $78,090 | $43,310 – $104,540 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.3% (much faster than average) | -5.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 120,000 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Days to weeks (on the job) | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | OSHA 10-Hour Construction | Ironworkers apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Laborers work outdoors in all kinds of weather on construction sites, roadways and demolition projects. | Rebar workers work outdoors on bridges, buildings and roads.. |
What each job does
Construction Laborer
- 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
Rebar Worker
- Read rebar drawings
- Place rebar
- Tie bars
- Set spacing
- Install chairs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose construction laborer if…
- I like physical work and staying active all day
- I don’t mind getting dirty or working in bad weather
- I want to start working right away
Choose rebar worker if…
- I like heavy physical work
- I like big projects
- I don’t mind weather
Still torn? Take the Construction Laborer fit quiz and the Rebar Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, construction laborer or rebar worker?
Rebar Workers earn more at the median: $58,970 versus $47,120 for construction laborers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Construction Laborers typically train faster (Days to weeks (on the job)) than rebar workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects construction laborers to grow +7.3% from 2025–35, compared with -5.3% for rebar workers.