Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace construction laborers?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$47,120
25th–75th pct. $38,620–$59,740
Top pay (est.)
$101,500
Top 10% $78,090
Pay in 5 years
$55,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$66,300est.
$57,100–$77,000
Outlook score
67/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.3%
120K openings / yr

Will AI replace Construction Laborers? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Construction Laborers

Key skills

Coordination
3.2
Operation and Control
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
2.9
Operations Monitoring
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.6
Complex Problem Solving
2.6
Reading Comprehension
2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
4.7
Mechanical
3.5
Public Safety and Security
3.4
Customer and Personal Service
2.6
Education and Training
2.3
Mathematics
2.2
English Language
2.0
Design
2.0

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Static StrengthTrunk StrengthManual DexterityControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionMultilimb Coordination

Education of workers

High school diploma
35%
Less than high school
33%
Associate's degree
5%

Training before entry

6–12 months
17%
3–6 months
6%
1–3 months
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
15%
6–12 months
10%
3–6 months
3%
4–6 years
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.