Construction Laborers
Also called: Laborer, Construction Laborer, Cement Finisher, Construction Worker
What they 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.
On the job, you would:
- Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
- Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
- Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- building and construction
- mechanical
Business
- management
- customer service
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- reading work related information
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Endurance
- exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Self Control
- Stress Tolerance
Technology
Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.
Education
high school diploma or
some high school
usually needed
some high school
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Construction Craft Laborer
- Maintenance Technician Municipal (Roadway Technician)
- Pointer Cleaner, Caulker
- Tuckpointer, Cleaner, Caulker
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$29,730
per year, on average
This work is part of the green economy.
Explore More
- Highway Maintenance Workers
- Refractory Materials Repairers
- Roustabouts, Oil & Gas
- Stonemasons
- Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters
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