What is the salary of a Construction Laborer?

The typical salary range is $32,710 - $65,421 per year.

ConstructionGrowingBright Outlook

Construction Laborer

Operational-level

Also known as: Air Breaker Operator, Air Drill Operator, Air Gun Operator, Air Hammer Operator

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job 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.

ConstructionSkilled TradesSite PreparationHeavy Equipment OperationIndustrial TechnologyVocational TrainingOccupational SafetyBuildingSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk Revit Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade · has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

+7.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

120,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

1,489,300

in 2025 → 1,598,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This field is experiencing expansion with increasing job opportunities and career advancement potential. Market demand is rising, with new positions being created.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Aide-manœuvre
Manutentionnaire
Ouvrier non qualifié

Construction Laborer

Where it can lead

Opérateur d'équipement lourd
Contremaître de chantier
Charpentier

Impact of AI on this Job

In the next 5-10 years, AI and robotics will likely automate highly repetitive or dangerous tasks, such as material handling, demolition, or precise bricklaying, typically performed by construction laborers. This shift will require laborers to adapt by learning to operate and supervise AI-powered machinery, focusing more on complex problem-solving, quality control, and collaboration with technology. While some roles may evolve, demand for skilled human oversight and non-routine tasks will remain crucial.

Salary

$47,120

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position