Construction Worker

Are you a jack of all trades and always the first person to bust out your toolbox? When other people see a pile of two-by-fours, do you see a stack of pure potential? Sound like you? Then grab a hard hat and consider a job as a construction worker.

Construction jobs offer a huge variety of opportunities. Whether you like building things or taking a sledgehammer to them, you can probably find the perfect construction job for you. Highway construction, tunnel excavation, residential construction, commercial projects and demolition are just a small sample of the many positions available.

Each job comes with unique working conditions. You may do simple loading and unloading, be required to work at challenging heights (not the job for you if you’re scared of them!), or be exposed to hazardous materials. A construction worker should be prepared for pretty much anything! While projects will take a break when the weather’s super bad, you should be willing to work in heat, cold, rain and just about any other situation Mother Nature throws at you. In return, you’ll get a rewarding career that offers incredible variety and provides plenty of opportunities to pursue the specialties that interest you.

We’re looking for a hard-working, reliable construction laborer to join our growing team. You’ll contribute to a variety of construction projects and follow blueprints, plans and instructions from a site supervisor or foreman. Although experience isn’t required, you have to be physically fit and a fast learner.

To be successful in this role, you’ll work well as part of a team, enjoy working outdoors and perform strenuous physical work.

Typical duties include:

• Prepare construction sites, materials and tools such as jackhammers

• Load and unload materials, tools and equipment

• Remove debris and dangerous materials from sites

• Assemble and break down temporary structures and scaffolding

• Assist contractors (electricians, plumbers, painters etc.)

• Assist with transport and operation of heavy equipment

• Follow all OSHA regulations

Requirements:

• High school education or equivalent preferred

• 2+ years of experience preferred

• Licensed to work with hazardous materials

• Willingness to complete on-the-job training

• Be even-tempered and a team player

• Have good physical strength

How much does a construction worker make?

The average construction worker makes about $16.75 an hour. Apprentices will start at a lower rate of pay and construction workers who specialize in certain skills can definitely earn more.  

What are the education requirements?

Entry-level construction workers don’t usually have specific educational requirements. Apprentice laborers are often expected to have a high school diploma or GED. If you plan to get a job in construction, classes in math, physics, shop and welding can come in handy. Most high schools and community colleges offer these courses.

Career paths for construction workers

Once they gain experience, general construction workers can advance into positions that involve more complex tasks on the job site. For example, they can earn certifications in welding, erecting scaffolding or concrete finishing, and then spend more time focused on those activities.

The future of construction workers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of construction workers is projected to grow 11% from 2018-28, much faster than the average for all occupations.