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.
245 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Construction Laborers: $46,730 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Clean work sites. | General |
| Direct vehicle traffic. | General |
| Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning. | General |
| Dig holes or trenches. | General |
| Position structural components. | General |
| Install plumbing or piping. | General |
| Measure work site dimensions. | General |
| Mark reference points on construction materials. | General |
| Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction. | General |
| Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed. | General |
| Assemble temporary equipment or structures. | General |
| Dismantle equipment or temporary structures. | General |
| Position construction forms or molds. | General |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | General |
| Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete. | General |
| Finish concrete surfaces. | General |
| Test air quality at work sites. | General |
| Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel. | General |
| Operate pumps or compressors. | General |
| Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities. | General |
| Apply paint to surfaces. | General |
| Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage. | General |
| Install masonry materials. | General |
| Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. | General |
| Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures. | General |
| Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools. | General |
| Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas. | General |
| Apply sealants or other protective coatings. | General |
| Install green structural components, equipment or systems. | General |
| Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements. | Maintenance |
| Maintain construction tools or equipment. | Maintenance |
| Compact materials to create level bases. | Development |
| Pour materials into or on designated areas. | Development |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Autodesk Revit | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management | Project management software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Constructor | American Institute of Constructors | Not Available |
| Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level II | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level III | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Asphalt Level IV | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Certification in Construction Materials Testing - Concrete Level I | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies | Not Available |
| Certified Concrete Surface Repair Technician | International Concrete Repair Institute | Not Available |
| Certified Construction Specifier | Construction Specifications Institute | Not Available |
| Certified Graduate Associate | National Association of Home Builders | Not Available |
| Coastal and Flood Plains Construction Inspector | International Code Council | Not Available |
| Concrete Construction Special Inspector | American Concrete Institute International | Not Available |
| Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I | American Concrete Institute International | Not Available |
| Concrete Slab Moisture Testing Technician | International Concrete Repair Institute | Not Available |
| Construction Documents Technologist | Construction Specifications Institute | Not Available |
| Construction Health and Safety Technician | Board of Certified Safety Professionals | Not Available |
| Construction Site Safety Technician | National Center for Construction Education and Research | Not Available |
| Construction Technology | National Center for Construction Education and Research | Not Available |
| Craft Instructor | National Center for Construction Education and Research | Not Available |
| GA - Certified Associate | Green Advantage | Not Available |
| GA Certified Practitioner | Green Advantage | Not Available |
| Graduate Master Remodeler | National Association of Home Builders | Not Available |
| Grout Certification | International Masonry Institute | Not Available |
| Heavy Highway Construction | National Center for Construction Education and Research | Not Available |
| LEED Green Associate | Green Business Certification Inc. | Not Available |
| Master Certified Green Professional | National Association of Home Builders | Not Available |
| Master Rigger | Crane Institute of America | Not Available |
| Master Trainer | National Center for Construction Education and Research | Not Available |
| Rigger & Signalperson | Crane Institute of America | Not Available |
| Rigger Level I | National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators | Not Available |
| Signalperson | National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators | Not Available |
| Supported Scaffold Competent Person Training | Scaffold & Access Industry Association | Not Available |
| Suspended Scaffold Competent Person Training | Scaffold & Access Industry Association | Not Available |