Construction Laborers and Helpers

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.

Duties

Construction laborers and helpers typically do the following:

• Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards
• Load or unload building materials to be used in construction
• Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures
• Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction
• Operate power tools and handtools, such as jackhammers, saws, and drills
• Assist tradesworkers, such as electricians and plumbers, with their duties

Construction laborers and helpers work on almost all construction sites, performing a range of tasks that may vary in complexity.

Construction laborers, also referred to as construction craft laborers, are involved in a variety of activities during all phases of construction. Some laborers spend their time preparing and cleaning up construction sites, using tools such as shovels and brooms. Other laborers, such as those on road crews, may specialize and learn to control traffic patterns or to operate pavement breakers, jackhammers, earth tampers, or surveying equipment.

With special training, laborers may help transport and use explosives or run hydraulic boring machines to dig tunnels. They may learn to use lasers to place pipes and learn to use computers to control robotic pipe cutters.

Helpers assist construction tradesworkers with a variety of tasks. They may carry tools and materials or help set up equipment. For example, some helpers work with cement masons to move and set the forms that determine the shape of poured concrete. Others assist with tool maintenance, cleaning up sites, and disposing of waste, as well as helping tradesworkers with other tasks.

Many construction occupations have helpers who assist tradesworkers, including:

• Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons
• Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
• Roofers

Apprentices to electricians, plumbers, and other tradesworkers may have tasks that are similar to those of helpers. Information about apprentices is included in the profile for their respective tradesworker.

Construction laborers and helpers held about 1.6 million jobs in 2024. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up construction laborers and helpers was distributed as follows:

The largest employers of construction laborers and helpers were as follows:

Construction laborers and helpers often work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some work at great heights; others work in confined spaces. Travel to jobsites may be required.

Injuries and Illnesses

Construction laborers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may result from incidents such as slips, falls, and contact with objects or equipment. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as wearing a hardhat, steel-toed shoes, or other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Schedules

Most construction laborers and helpers work full time, and work schedules may vary. Laborers and helpers on highway and bridge projects may need to work overnight to avoid causing traffic disruptions. In some parts of the country, construction laborers and helpers may work only during certain seasons. For example, in northern climates, cold weather frequently limits construction activity in the winter.

Some construction laborers are self-employed. In contrast, few helpers are self-employed.

Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Although formal education is not typically required, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,050 in May 2024.

Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 149,400 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.