Construction laborers
SOC Code: 47-2061Also known as:
Air Breaker Operator, Air Drill Operator, Air Gun Operator, Air Hammer Operator, Air Tool Operator
Median Annual Salary
$46,730
+7.3% growth (2024-2034)
129K
Openings/Year
1.5M
Current Jobs
What Construction laborers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$46,730
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
129K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,457,000
Projected Employment (2034)
1,563,400
Related Careers
Cement masons and concrete finishers
$54,660 •
+1.8% growth
Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
$51,650 •
+3.2% growth
Pipelayers
$48,710 •
-4.1% growth
Structural iron and steel workers
$62,700 •
+4.4% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Coordination
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
- Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
- Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
- Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
- Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
- Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.
- Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction laborers make?
The median annual salary for construction laborers is $46,730.
What education do construction laborers need?
Most construction laborers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming construction laborers a good career choice?
Construction laborers is projected to see +7.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 129,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for construction laborers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to construction laborers?
Construction laborers may also be known as: Air Breaker Operator, Air Drill Operator, Air Gun Operator, Air Hammer Operator, Air Tool Operator, Aluminum Pool Installer, Asbestos Removal Worker, Asphalt Distributor Tender, Asphalt Heater Tender, Asphalt Layer, Asphalt Patcher, Asphalt Paver, Asphalt Raker, Asphalt Smoother, Asphalt Spreader, Asphalt Tamper, Asphalt Worker, Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Awning Hanger, Awning Installer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.