Occupation Details
Construction Laborers
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.
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Interests
Realistic
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
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.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
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.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$36,700.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$58,160.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$75,450.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
80,320
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
99,040
+1,872 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
10,579
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
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 Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
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, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
School Programs information is not available for this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
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
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Building and Construction
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
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
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
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.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
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.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Air drills
- Air monitoring equipment
- Asphalt kettles
- Asphalt mops
- Asphalt saws
- Axes
- Bale hooks
- Bandsaws
- Belt conveyors
- Bench grinders
- Bosun chairs
- Brick carrier forks
- Brick hammers
- Brick tongs
- Cable pullers
- Calipers
- Carpenters' levels
- Carpenters' squares
- Caulking guns
- Chain saws
- Chip spreaders
- Chipping guns
- Circular saws
- Cold chisels
- Concrete mixers
- Concrete pumpers
- Concrete saws
Technology
- Autodesk Revit
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- measure and mark lay out for construction projects
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- work as a team member
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
- apply cleaning solvents
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- paint walls or other structural surfaces
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- erect scaffold
- install prefabricated building components
- install siding or sheeting
- move or fit heavy objects
- clean rooms or work areas
- prepare site or surfaces for concrete or masonry work
- prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
- apply plaster, stucco or related material
- anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
- repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
- install insulating materials
- dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
- load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
- mix mortar, grout, slurry, concrete, or related masonry material
- move materials or goods between work areas
- signal directions or warnings to coworkers
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use hazardous materials information
- use hazardous disposal techniques
- maintain or repair construction machinery or equipment
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- clean equipment or machinery
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- finish concrete surfaces
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- assist mechanic, or extractive or construction trades craft worker
- grade or redistribute earth for roads or other construction
- understand construction specifications
- control operation of compressors
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- operate power construction equipment
- operate power driven pumps
- use spray paint equipment
- use hand or power tools
- operate land or site surveying instruments
- use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
- use surfacing machine to polish terrazzo or concrete
- operate floor sanding machine
- operate pneumatic tamper to patch pavement or tamp earth
- operate jackhammer
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- read tape measure
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
- Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
- 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.
- Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
- Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.
- Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.
- Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.
- Spray materials, such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco, through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.
- Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.
- 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.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Construction laborers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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