Construction Laborers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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 Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $30K
Median Salary: $37K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $50K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $69K
Demand
Core Tasks
Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.
Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.
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.
Perform 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.
Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.
Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.
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.
Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.
Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.
Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.
Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.
Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.
Spray materials, such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco, through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.
Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.
Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.
Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces, such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.
Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.
Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.
Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.
Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.
Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.
Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.
Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Building and Construction
80%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security
64%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical
61%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
56%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
48%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management
46%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design
45%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
44%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
42%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
42%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Top 10 Skills
Speaking
65%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
63%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination
63%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
60%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving
55%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
55%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
55%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Equipment Selection
53%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Monitoring
53%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Top 10 Abilities
Manual Dexterity
78%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Static Strength
75%
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Multilimb Coordination
73%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
65%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision
65%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
65%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
65%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
65%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Trunk Strength
65%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Top 10 Work Activities
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
96%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
88%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
88%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
83%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
83%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Handling and Moving Objects
82%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
82%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
80%
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Detailed Work Activities
Operate pumps or compressors.
Clean equipment or facilities.
Maintain construction tools or equipment.
Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Measure work site dimensions.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Clean work sites.
Dig holes or trenches.
Compact materials to create level bases.
Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
Install green structural components, equipment or systems.
Position structural components.
Install plumbing or piping.
Direct vehicle traffic.
Test air quality at work sites.
Finish concrete surfaces.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.
Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
Apply paint to surfaces.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
Position construction forms or molds.
Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage.
Install masonry materials.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Pour materials into or on designated areas.
Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.
Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete.
Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
39%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
34%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Investigative
15%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
86%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
80%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
79%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
73%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
72%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Concern for Others
69%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility
68%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence
67%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Social Orientation
67%
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Persistence
65%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Work Values
Support
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Working Conditions
46%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
24%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
