Construction Laborers and Helpers

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Construction Laborers and Helpers perform essential hands-on work at construction sites. They assist tradespeople, prepare job sites, load/unload materials, and operate tools and machinery. Their work is foundational in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $46,050/year ($22.14/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +7% (Faster than average)

  • Typical Education: No formal credential; High school diploma preferred

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Construction Laborer, Helper, Site Assistant, General Laborer

  • Education: No formal credential; High school diploma preferred

  • Experience: None required; short-term on-the-job training

  • Certifications (Recommended):

    • OSHA 10/30 Certification (Occupational Safety and Health)

    • First Aid/CPR

  • Core Duties:

    • Clean and prep construction sites

    • Load/unload building materials

    • Dig trenches and compact earth

    • Assist skilled tradespeople

    • Operate basic tools (e.g., jackhammers, drills)

  • Salary Range: $33,000–$48,000

MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Skilled Construction Laborer, Lead Laborer, Helper Supervisor, Safety Technician

  • Education: High school diploma or GED

  • Experience: 3–5 years on the job or via apprenticeship

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • Rigging and Scaffolding

    • Traffic Control/Flagger Certification

  • Core Duties:

    • Supervise junior laborers/helpers

    • Interpret blueprints and assist with layout

    • Operate specialized equipment (e.g., tampers, pavement breakers)

    • Handle more complex support tasks for plumbers, electricians, masons

  • Salary Range: $48,000–$62,000

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Construction Foreman, Site Supervisor, Safety Manager, Self-Employed Contractor

  • Education: High school diploma; Construction Management coursework preferred

  • Experience: 6+ years, plus leadership or supervisory experience

  • Certifications (Preferred):

    • OSHA 30 or Safety Manager Certification

    • NCCER Core Curriculum

    • CDL License (for equipment transportation)

  • Core Duties:

    • Manage labor teams and site safety

    • Liaise with contractors and project managers

    • Oversee schedules, materials, and inspections

    • Train new laborers and helpers

  • Salary Range: $62,000–$90,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Education: High school diploma preferred; CTE courses in construction, welding, or mechanical skills helpful

  • Training: Short-term on-the-job training or union-sponsored apprenticeship programs

  • Licensure/Certifications:

    • OSHA Safety Training (required or preferred by many employers)

    • Optional: Scaffolding, Fall Protection, Hazardous Material Handling

  • Advancement Path:

    • Move from helper/laborer → skilled laborer → supervisor → independent contractor or tradesperson

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Physical stamina and strength

  • Teamwork and communication

  • Basic math and measurement

  • Mechanical aptitude

  • Problem-solving under pressure

Tools & Equipment:

  • Power tools (saws, jackhammers, drills)

  • Hand tools (hammers, shovels, brooms)

  • Surveying and leveling tools

  • PPE: Hard hats, steel-toed boots, goggles

  • Lifting and rigging equipment

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Industries: Building construction, heavy civil engineering, trade contractors

  • Settings: Outdoor job sites, occasionally at heights or in confined spaces

  • Schedules: Full-time; may include nights/weekends or seasonal breaks

  • Risks: High injury rate; strict adherence to safety guidelines and PPE use required

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Annual Openings: ~154,900 per year (2023–2033)

  • Growth Factors:

    • Infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, energy)

    • Residential and commercial construction boom

    • Replacement of retiring labor force

  • Career Paths:

    • Specialized trades (electrician, plumber, mason)

    • Crew leader or foreman

    • Construction project manager

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Carpenters | Salary: $59,310 | Education Level: High school diploma

  • Role: Electricians | Salary: $62,350 | Education Level: High school diploma

  • Role: Plumbers, Pipefitters | Salary: $62,970 | Education Level: High school diploma

  • Role: Painters | Salary: $48,660 | Education Level: No formal credential

  • Role: Brickmasons & Tile Setters | Salary: $56,600 | Education Level: Apprenticeship or HS

  • Role: Material Moving Operators | Salary: $46,620 | Education Level: Short-term training

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Courses

Books

  • Modern Construction Handbook by Andrew Watts

  • Construction Laborer’s Field Guide by NCCER

  • The Complete Book of Home Inspection by Norman Becker

Videos & Channels

  • YouTube: This Old House, Essential Craftsman, Skill Builder

  • OSHA Safety Training Videos

  • Construction Simulator Tutorials

Communities

  • r/Construction on Reddit

  • ContractorTalk Forum

  • Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

  • Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

  • Top-Paying Industries:

    • Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction: $47,190

    • Building Construction: $47,020

  • Hot Markets: Texas, California, Florida, New York, Illinois

  • Employment Trends:

    • Increasing demand for green construction

    • Prefabrication reduces some helper roles

  • Remote Work Trend: Not applicable

BLS Profile: Construction Laborers and Helpers
Projections Central: Employment Trends by State

Keandra Wilson
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