Occupation Summary

Construction Laborers

O*NET 47-2061.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$37,598.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 22.58%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
  2. Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
  3. Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
  4. Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
  5. Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.
  6. Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
  7. Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
  8. Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
  9. Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
  10. Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.
  11. Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
  12. Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.
  13. Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.
  14. Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.
  15. Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.
  16. Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.
  17. Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
  18. Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.
  19. Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.
  20. Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials.
  21. Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.
  22. Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.
  23. Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces, such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.
  24. Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.
  25. Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.
  26. Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.
  27. Spray materials, such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco, through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.
  28. Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.
  29. Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.
  30. Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.
  31. Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.
  32. 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.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Construction Laborers employed Annual Growth Rate
Other specialty trade contractors 11.9 0.89
Residential building construction 10.1 1.64
Nonresidential building construction 8.9 1.10
Utility system construction 8.7 0.50
Building foundation and exterior contractors 8.7 0.91
Highway, street, and bridge construction 6.4 0.52
Building equipment contractors 3.2 0.26
Building finishing contractors 3.2 1.16
Employment services 3.2 1.28
Other heavy and civil engineering construction 2.2 0.41


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $18.08
2022 National average hourly wage $22.29
2020 National employment 1,285,200
2020 Texas employment 132,679
Texas projected employment by 2030 162,638
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 17,332




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
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.
79.60%
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.
63.40%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
60.60%
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.
55.80%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
47.20%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
45.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
44.60%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
44.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
41.80%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
41.60%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.00%
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.
62.40%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
62.40%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
62.40%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
60.00%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
55.00%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
55.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
55.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
52.40%
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
52.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
77.60%
Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
75.00%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
72.40%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
70.00%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
65.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.00%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
65.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
65.00%
Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
65.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.00%


  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
    -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Other Activities


  • 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.



Tools

Adjustable forks: Forks; Brick carrier forks;

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Adjustable widemouth pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches;

Air compressors: Air compressors;

Air samplers or collectors: Air monitoring equipment;

Asphalt finishers: Asphalt mops;

Axes: Axes;

Bandsaw wheel: Bandsaws;

Belt conveyors: Belt conveyors;

Bituminous material distributors: Oil distributors;

Blades or tooth or other cutting edges: Stump cutters;

Blow torch: Oxygen/acetylene torches; Liquid propane torches; Torches;

Boring or sinking machinery: Hydraulic boring machines; Electric boring machines;

Burners: Smudge pots; Kerosene burners;

Calipers: Calipers;

Caulking guns: Caulking guns;

Cement pumping units: Concrete pumpers;

Chip Spreaders: Chip spreaders;

Cold chisels: Cold chisels;

Combination pliers: Fencing pliers;

Compactors: Walk-behind compacting equipment;

Concrete mixers or plants: Concrete mixers;

Concrete spreaders: Laser screeds; Screeds;

Coring equipment: Coring machines;

Demolition equipment kits: Demolition saws;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: Remote pipe cameras;

Drain or pipe cleaning equipment: Sewer rodding machines; Robotic pipe cleaners;

Drilling machines: Drill presses;

Dump trucks: Dump trucks;

Explosive initiators: Dynamite blasters;

Floats: Floats;

Forklifts: Forklifts; Masonry forklifts; Rough terrain forklifts;

Gas detectors: Gas leak detection devices;

Gas generators: Generators;

Gin pole and accessories: Gin poles;

Graders: Motor graders;

Grinders: Hand grinders;

Hammer drills: Rotary hammers;

Hammers: Hammers;

Hand sprayers: Stucco spray guns;

Hand trucks or accessories: Hand trucks;

Hazardous material protective apparel: Protective suits;

Hoes: Mortar hoes;

Hoists: Hoists;

Hole saws: Hole cutters;

Hydraulic rock drills: Hydraulic rock drills; Wagon drills;

Hydraulic truck cranes: Hydraulic booms;

Impact hammers: Impact hammers;

Impact wrenches: Impact wrenches;

Instrument tripods: Tripods;

Kettle exchangers: Asphalt kettles;

Ladders: Ladders;

Laser measuring systems: Laser measuring devices; Laser guidance equipment for pipe placement;

Leak testing equipment: Smoke testers;

Level sensors or transmitters: Transit levels;

Levels: Water levels; Carpenters' levels; Spirit levels; Levels; Laser levels;

Lifting hooks: Bale hooks;

Light trucks or sport utility vehicles: Pickup trucks;

Manlift or personnel lift: Manlifts; Bosun chairs; Swing chairs; Swing stages;

Measuring rods: Surveying rods;

Measuring wheels for distance: Measuring wheels;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Mowers: Mowing equipment;

Mud pumps: Mud jacks;

Paint sprayers: Paint sprayers;

Paving breakers: Pavement breakers;

Picks: Picks; Mattocks;

Pipe or tube cutter: Robotic pipe cutters;

Plasma arc welding machine: Plasma cutters;

Plaster or mortar mixers: Mortar mixers; Plaster mixers;

Plumb bobs: Plumb bobs;

Pneumatic drill: Air drills; Pneumatic drills;

Pneumatic hammer: Jackhammers;

Pneumatic sanding machines: Sandblasters;

Post hole digger: Post hole augers;

Power buggies: Power buggies;

Power chippers: Chipping guns;

Power drills: Hammer drills; Electric drills; Power drills;

Power grinders: Pedestal grinders; Disc grinders; Bench grinders;

Power nail guns: Nail guns;

Power sanders: Floor sanders; Power sanders;

Power saws: Reciprocating saws; Saber saws; Floor saws; Hydraulic track-guided wall saws; Jig saws; Hydraulic chainsaws; Asphalt saws; Concrete saws; Cutoff saws; Cutout saws; Chain saws; Circular saws; Walk-behind saws;

Power screwguns: Power screwdrivers;

Pressure or steam cleaners: Steam cleaning equipment; Steam jennies; Pressure washers;

Pry bars: Crowbars;

Pullers: Wire stretchers;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Punches;

Rakes: Rakes;

Remote reading thermometers: Temperature probes;

Respirators: Respirators;

Rollers: Road rollers;

Rotary tiller mixers: Paddle mixers;

Safety harnesses or belts: Fall arrest systems;

Saws: Saws;

Scaffolding: Scaffolding;

Scarifiers: Scarifiers;

Scissor lift or lift table: Scissor lifts;

Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers;

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine: Shielded arc welding tools;

Shoring equipment: Hydraulic speed shoring equipment;

Shotcrete spraying equipment: Guniting machines;

Shovels: Shovels;

Skid steer loaders: Skid steer loaders;

Slings: Slings;

Sludge or sewage handling trucks: Sewer cleaner vactors;

Snowplow attachments: Snowplows;

Space heaters: Salamanders;

Spades: Spades;

Sprayers: Weed sprayers;

Squares: Carpenters' squares;

Staple guns: Pneumatic staplers;

Stonemason hammer: Brick hammers;

Tampers: Earth tampers; Tampers;

Tape measures: Tape measures;

Theodolites: Theodolites;

Threading taps: Tappers;

Tongs: Brick tongs;

Track loaders: Crawler shovels;

Trenching machines: Trenchers;

Trowels: Trowels; Tuck pointers;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Vacuum cleaners: Ride-on vacuum cleaners; Sidewalk sweepers; Suction sweepers;

Vibratory plates: Vibratory plate compactors;

Water samplers: Water samplers;

Water trucks: Jet trucks for cleaning sewer lines; Water spraying equipment; Water tank trucks;

Welding masks: Welding hoods;

Wheel loaders: Loaders;

Winches: Winches;

Wire and cable pulling device: Cable pullers;


Technology

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk Revit;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Project management software: Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Construction Laborers include:
  • 47-2021.00 Brickmasons and Blockmasons
  • 47-2031.00 Carpenters
  • 47-2051.00 Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
  • 47-5022.00 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  • 51-9022.00 Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  • 49-9043.00 Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  • 47-2071.00 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
  • 47-2151.00 Pipelayers
  • 47-2221.00 Structural Iron and Steel Workers
  • 51-7042.00 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing


Sources of Additional Information
  • For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities for construction laborers and helpers, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local construction contractors or firms that employ laborers, or local union-management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627.
  • For more information about education programs for laborers, visit: Laborers’ International Union of North America
  • NCCER
  • CareerOneStop

  • For career videos on construction laborers and helpers, visit: Construction laborers
  • Helpers – brickmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
  • Construction Laborers
  • Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other
  • Helpers-Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
  • Helpers-Carpenters
  • Helpers-Electricians
  • Helpers-Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
  • Helpers-Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • Helpers-Roofers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.