What does a construction laborer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Construction laborers and helpers use, supply or hold materials and tools on construction sites. Formal education is not typically required, and training is short-term and on the job. BLS reports a median pay of $46,680 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 47-2061 |
| O*NET code | 47-2061.00, 47-3019.00 |
| Typical entry education | No formal education typically required |
| Median annual wage | $46,680 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 1,674,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a construction laborer do?
BLS says construction laborers and helpers clean and prepare sites by removing debris and hazards, load or unload building materials, build or take apart bracing, scaffolding and temporary structures, dig trenches, backfill holes or compact earth, operate power tools and handtools such as jackhammers, saws and drills, and assist tradesworkers such as electricians and plumbers.
Work environment
They often work outdoors in all weather and may work at heights or in confined spaces. BLS says construction laborers have one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations. Specialty trade contractors employ 32 percent, self-employed workers account for 24 percent and building construction employs 17 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says formal education is usually not required, though employers may prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is short-term and on the job. Employers often require OSHA-compliant safety certification, and a valid driver's license may be required.
Skills that matter
BLS lists interpersonal skills, math skills, mechanical skills, physical stamina and physical strength as important qualities for this work.
How much does a construction laborer make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $46,680 for construction laborers and helpers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of construction laborers and helpers to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 137,000 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Get a safety certification such as OSHA training if employers in your area ask for it, and say which tools you have used.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Construction managers.
Frequently asked questions
Do construction laborers need training? BLS lists short-term on-the-job training. Employers often require OSHA-compliant safety certification.
Is construction labor dangerous? BLS says construction laborers have one of the highest injury and illness rates of all occupations, so safety training matters.
How much do construction laborers and helpers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $46,680 for construction laborers and helpers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is construction laborer a good career? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 137,000 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Carpenter Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does an Electrician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Plumber Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Welder Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction laborers and helpers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 47-2061.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2061.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 47-3019.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-3019.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.