Construction Laborers
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Also called: Air Breaker Operator, Air Drill Operator, Air Gun Operator, Air Hammer Operator, Air Tool Operator, Aluminum Pool Installer
Median pay
$47,120
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,090 – $78,090
People employed
1,096,780
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 8.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Construction Laborers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What construction laborers do
- 01Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
- 02Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
- 03Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- 04Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
- 05Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.
- 06Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from construction laborers
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining90% · +22%
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters86% · +1%
- Riggers76% · +33%
- Helpers--Carpenters75% · −7%
- Hoist and Winch Operators75% · +20%
Change into construction laborers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining85% · $57,430
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters83% · $47,550
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners81% · $49,880
- Rock Splitters, Quarry79% · $48,740
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas79% · $46,960