How to become construction laborerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+7.3%

120K openings / yr

How to become construction laborers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Training before entry

6–12 months

17%

3–6 months

1–3 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

15%

6–12 months

10%

3–6 months

4–6 years

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as construction laborers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
2	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
3	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
4	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
5	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%
6	Painters, Construction and Maintenance Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.	$49,400	66/100	9%

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.