In the construction industry, a General Laborer involves a team of individuals responsible for performing various tasks to assist in the daily operation of a facility or site. Their responsibility is to move tools, raw materials, build and assemble projects involved in the construction process. If you are looking to grow a career as a laborer in this sector, you will find popular positions detailing education, experience, skills, salary expectations, and requirements below.
Equipment Operator
An Equipment Operator operates heavy machinery and aid in the completion of building projects. Preparing locations, installing and maintaining equipment, coordinating with other workers, carrying goods, driving vehicles, and assuring safety are all tasks performed by an Equipment Operator.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Experience: Equipment Operator positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Attentional to Detail, Communication Skills, Math Skills, Mechanical Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): An Equipment Operator makes an average base pay of $39K per year or $19 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $55,000 | $4,583 | $1,057 | $26 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,500 | $3,708 | $855 | $21 |
| Average | $39,332 | $3,277 | $756 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,500 | $2,541 | $586 | $15 |
Laborer
A Laborer, also known as a General Laborer, is responsible for completing various activities on a construction site to assist with everyday operations. They are in charge of loading/unloading tools or materials, assembling structures or other equipment, and digging/filling in pits throughout the construction process.
Education/Degree Level: Formal education isn’t a requirement; however, a high school diploma or GED is preferred.
Experience: Laborer positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Math Skills, Mechanical Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): A Laborer makes an average base pay of $28K per year or $14 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18 |
| 75th Percentile | $32,500 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $28,940 | $2,412 | $557 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,500 | $2,042 | $471 | $12 |
Yard Worker
A Yard Worker is in charge of maintaining and improving businesses, public spaces, and private residences. They are employed to perform general landscaping services such as applying pesticides, cutting the lawn, planting more trees, trimming bushes, and operating irrigation systems.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Experience: Yard Worker positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Creative, Mechanical Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): A Yard Worker makes an average base pay of $28K per year or $14 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $35,500 | $2,958 | $682 | $17 |
| 75th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
| Average | $28,642 | $2,386 | $550 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $480 | $12 |
Stockroom Worker
A Stockroom Worker receives materials, distributes them to the production floor, compiles inventory reports, and performs inventory transactions on stock materials. They ensure that the inventory database quantities are accurate and complete customer orders from the stockroom, including package handling and preparing materials for shipments.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Experience: Stockroom Worker positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Math Skills, Organizational Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): A Stockroom Worker makes an average base pay of $28K per year or $14 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $35,500 | $2,958 | $682 | $17 |
| 75th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 | $605 | $15 |
| Average | $28,838 | $2,403 | $554 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $480 | $12 |
Sorter
A Sorter is in charge of categorizing objects during and after the production process. Their responsibilities include sorting products using factory equipment, monitoring defective items, maintaining a clean and organized production area, assisting in loading and unloading items, examining inventories, and adhering to safety protocols and regulatory procedures.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Experience: Sorter positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Organizational Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): A Sorter makes an average base pay of $23K per year or $11 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $29,500 | $2,458 | $567 | $14 |
| 75th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $500 | $12 |
| Average | $23,695 | $1,975 | $456 | $11 |
| 25th Percentile | $20,500 | $1,708 | $394 | $10 |
Construction Worker
A Construction Worker is responsible for a variety of tasks on the job site.
All construction workers work exclusively under the supervision of a foreman and must adhere to building plans. Some workers specialize as assistants. They assist skilled workers in specific construction phases such as carpentry, bricklaying, roofing, pipefitting, and interior and exterior painting.
Education/Degree Level: Formal education isn’t a requirement; however, a high school diploma or GED is preferred.
Experience: Construction Worker positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Math Skills, Mechanical Skills, and Physical Fitness
Salary (Nationwide): A Construction Worker makes an average base pay of $33K per year or $16 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $42,000 | $3,500 | $807 | $20 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,500 | $3,125 | $721 | $18 |
| Average | $33,012 | $2,751 | $634 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,500 | $2,291 | $528 | $13 |
Painter
A construction Painter works on a wide range of structures. They are in charge of organizing the surfaces of buildings and other structures for painting using various techniques such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting, and steam-cleaning, as well as applying paints and other finishes to the interior/exterior of building walls and ceilings.
Education/Degree Level: Formal education isn’t a requirement; however, a high school diploma or GED is preferred.
Experience: Painter positions typically offer on-the-job training and do not require any experience, but the experience and knowledge of painting material is preferred.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Manual Dexterity, Physical Fitness, and Time Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Painter makes an average base pay of $33K per year or $16 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $44,500 | $3,708 | $855 | $21 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,166 | $730 | $18 |
| Average | $34,220 | $2,851 | $658 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $538 | $13 |
Carpenter
A Carpenter is in charge of working with wood to build and repair structures and selecting and sourcing appropriate materials based on project specifications. They can operate in multiple job sites, with a large percentage of their responsibilities allocated towards calculating quotations, taking measurements, consulting with clients, drawing up plans, and creating design plans for renovation projects.
Education/Degree Level: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; additional certification/permit may be required.
Experience: Carpenter positions typically require 4+ years of commercial or residential experience.
Skills: Communication Skills, Creativity, Customer Service, Design Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Manual Dexterity, Math Skills, Physical Fitness, and Time Management
Salary (Nationwide): A Carpenter makes an average base pay of $43K per year or $21 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $57,500 | $4,791 | $1,105 | $28 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,000 | $4,083 | $942 | $24 |
| Average | $43,023 | $3,585 | $827 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,500 | $2,875 | $663 | $17 |
Welder
A Welder is in charge of machines that help in repairing metal structures, tools, and equipment. They are employed in a variety of industries, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing/production. Some of their responsibilities include planning layouts and measurements, as well as testing welded surfaces.
Education/Degree Level: Formal education isn’t a requirement; however, a high school diploma/GED or valid certificate from an accredited apprenticeship program is preferred.
Experience: Welder positions typically require a minimum of 2+ years of experience.
Skills: Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Math Skills, and Welding Techniques
Salary (Nationwide): A Welder makes an average base pay of $36K per year or $18 per hour.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $47,500 | $3,958 | $913 | $23 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,416 | $788 | $20 |
| Average | $36,884 | $3,073 | $709 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 | $605 | $15 |
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