How much does a Laborer make?

The average salary for a Laborer is $38,681 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 17083 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Laborer employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Laborer in United States is $45,338 per year.

The lowest salary for a Laborer in United States is $33,097 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Laborer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Laborer.

Laborer jobs provide accessible work to candidates without training, education, language, or interpersonal requirements. Pay for laborer roles is relatively low, comparable to that of dishwashers or barbacks, but ample overtime opportunities usually exist. Laborer can increase their salaries by returning to vocational school and completing apprenticeships, then moving into skilled roles such as electrician or plumber.

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Around 65% of anonymous Glassdoor users are happy with their income as laborers. Higher-paid roles may offer $1,497.82 in bonuses and profit sharing. Laborers with over eight years of experience tend to earn more than average, especially those in lead or chief laborer positions.

You don't need an associate's or bachelor's degree to enjoy a successful career as a laborer. However, completing an associate's degree in construction management or a related subject could help you progress to senior roles more quickly.

Completing a professional certification can also help you access more lucrative laborer positions. One of the most prestigious is the Certified Professional Constructor program from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). This certification allows you to demonstrate expert knowledge of resource management, on-site safety, and startup and closeout procedures. Alternatively, you could consider becoming a Certified Safety Manager through the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP).

If you're searching for your ideal laborer job, knowing what questions to expect in your interview can help you present yourself positively and put yourself in a solid position to negotiate your salary. One of the most effective ways to negotiate a better starting salary (or a raise in an existing role) is to highlight how your skills can benefit your employer.

Unsure what skills to focus on? Employers often look for laborers with strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills, but the job description can help you pinpoint your employer's must-haves. Be ready to provide examples of how you were an asset in previous roles, backed up with measurable impacts.