Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Although formal education is not typically required, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent. PayThe median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,680 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 137,000 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,680 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 137,000 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 137,000 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
Work Environment
Most construction laborers and helpers work full time, and schedules may vary. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may require being outdoors in all weather conditions.
How to Become a Construction Laborer or Helper
Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Although formal education is not typically required, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,680 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 137,000 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most construction laborers and helpers work full time, and schedules may vary. Their jobs are often physically demanding and may require being outdoors in all weather conditions.
How to Become a Construction Laborer or Helper
Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Although formal education is not typically required, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,680 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 137,000 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction laborers and helpers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction laborers and helpers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about construction laborers and helpers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.