What does a Construction Worker do?
A construction worker may work on various types of projects, such as constructing buildings, erecting temporary structures or installing and maintaining roads. A competent worker in this field will be able to use various types of tools and equipment safely and effectively. He or she must also have physical strength as you may lift objects up to 100 lbs. The job often involves working outside in extreme temperatures or other unfavorable weather conditions.
For an entry-level construction job, employers generally do not require any special level of education. However, laborers in this field who advance to higher positions often have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Being able to collaborate with others and follow instructions are essential to succeed in this role. As a construction may work on high beams or with fast-moving equipment, a construction worker should have good balance, depth-perception, and hand-eye coordination.
- Ready the construction site each day for the current project by preparing materials, tools, and equipment
- Apply new project instructions for each job and make adjustments as direction by the construction manager or supervisor
- Wear clean safety equipment, such as ear plugs, safety glasses, gloves, helmets, and boots that are in good repair
- Comply with health and safety regulations when operating equipment or walking on the job site even when not on active duty
- Maintain a brisk and productive pace of activities to complete all assigned tasks within time constraints
- Leave construction equipment and tools clean, organized, and stored in an orderly fashion after each use
- Dispose of debris and hazardous materials according to local environmental standards and regulations
- Provide assistance to other team members on various tasks if your duties are completed ahead of schedule
- Familiarity with hand tools such as power drills, hammers, and saws
- Ability to perform repetitive actions using your hands, arms, wrists, fingers, legs, or other body parts
- Commitment to wearing protective safety gear for heat, noise, and prevention of injury on the job site
- Desire to work long shifts, usually up to 8 hours, during the day or at night
- Good English oral comprehension skills to follow verbal instructions and respond to questions about job tasks
- Steady hands and ability to balance well even on high beams or scaffolding
- General knowledge of construction operations and procedures
- Ability to work well with a team of subcontractors and a supervisor
- High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) preferred, but not required
How much does a Construction Worker make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$41,724
/ yrConstruction Worker Career Path
Learn how to become a Construction Worker, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Construction Worker Insights
McGriff Tire“1:30 is my kind of work and most Saturdays are volunteer pay is good for what you do”
Cryptio“They really do have a flexible working work and allow you to choose how you want to achieve your end goals”
Sainsbury’s“Working at Sainsbury’s was good and it was my first proper job where I was earning money..”
Build-A-Bear“It was fun and you got discounts on bears and got to make people smile.”
Middleton Meyers“Personally witnessing some of the things we have done brings me great joy and pride in where I work.”
ARCO Excavation & Paving“the pay isn't the best I have been there 2 1/2 years and just 2 small raises.”
General Monitors Inc“absolutely no training provided whatsoever just expected to know what to do from watching other people”
JJID“Depending on the job the pay is great however when it rains you are sometimes out of work.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of construction workers
Construction workers prepare and work on construction sites. Their most common daily tasks include checking all tools and machinery, loading and unloading materials, and operating construction equipment such as excavators or bulldozers. They also remove debris and hazardous material from the job site.
Construction is a consistently growing industry. The high pay and low barrier to entry make this a good career choice for many individuals as it's relatively easy to become a construction worker. Many workers in the construction field find employment that offers excellent benefits, job security, and career growth opportunities.
Construction workers are well paid, with an average base pay for a construction worker in the U.S. of $41,724 per year. Salaries depend upon the area of employment and can increase with experience. Overtime may be available for construction workers to earn additional income.
Like most positions, the day to day work of a construction worker can be difficult at times. It can be physically challenging, with days consisting of hard labor and a lot of lifting. They may have to work outside in extreme temperatures, and some days may require working for 10 or more hours.