What does a Construction Worker Do?
Construction Workers complete various construction and building projects as employees of construction companies. They work as part of a larger team of other Construction Workers and specialty subcontractors, such as Electricians and Plumbers. Sometimes, they also collaborate with Architects, Engineers and General Contractors.
Construction Workers follow building plans and instructions to build structures. They might dig holes and trenches to prepare a building’s foundation, plant explosives to break apart concrete structures, clear away debris and other hazards and set up barriers around the construction site. The job might also involve climbing ladders or scaffolding, using heavy equipment and using tools to perform assigned work tasks.
Construction Worker skills and qualifications
Candidates who already have certain skills and qualifications can move into the Construction Worker role with ease. The following are important skills for a Construction Worker to have:
- Basic math skills to perform calculations while measuring on job sites and to help the surveying crew
- Mechanical skills to use any necessary heavy machinery and equipment
- Ability to perform heavy labor, such as moving materials
- Physical stamina to handle the long hours of performing strenuous work during the day in hot or cold weather
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to read or understand instructions and blueprints
- Effective time management skills
- Understanding of building codes, safety protocols and OSHA standards
Construction Worker experience requirements
Construction Workers usually gain experience directly by working with more experienced professionals as assistants before working on their own. Many companies hire candidates with no previous construction experience, but you might prefer job seekers who have a certain number of years in the industry. You might also prefer someone with experience in specific types of construction work, such as concrete or framing. If you’re hiring a Construction Worker to serve as a supervisor, you might require a minimum number of years in construction or previous supervisory or management experience.
Construction Worker education and training requirements
There is no particular formal education for Construction Workers. Typically, Construction Workers learn on the job from more experienced Laborers. Some Construction workers earn technical diplomas and/or certifications from schools that teach welding, blueprint reading and other vocations. Apprenticeship programs are also available, lasting anywhere from two to four years, that combine classroom and real-world construction experience. General construction work usually doesn’t require a license or certification to perform the job. However, workers who handle hazardous materials have to meet federal and state requirements, which can be gained through certifications.
Construction Worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Construction Worker is $39,183 per year. How much you offer a successful candidate may vary depending on their experience and skills, as well as your geographical area and the scope of the job.
Construction Worker salary expectations
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Common salary:
20.61 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -41.95 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If you’re looking for candidates for similar roles to a Construction Worker, see our job description templates for related positions:
Construction Worker job description FAQs
What qualities should a good Construction Worker have?
A good Construction Worker should be able to perform physical labor for long shifts in uncomfortable conditions. To be successful, Construction Workers should be active listeners who can meticulously follow a plan to its completion and excellent communicators who enjoy working as part of a team. Good Construction Workers have a strong work ethic, attention to detail and awareness of their surroundings that they use to finish projects according to health and safety standards while limiting risk.
What are the daily duties of a Construction Worker?
On a typical day, a Construction Worker goes to the job site and reviews blueprints or other plans with their supervisor. Throughout the day, they might load and unload supplies from delivery trucks, stake boundaries to contain the worksite and work with the team to put together structures. Construction Workers operate different types of large machinery, such as cement mixers, bulldozers, excavators, pavers, jackhammers and cranes, while carrying out a project. At the end of the day, Construction Workers dispose of unsafe materials and organize and secure the in-progress portions of a project to easily resume work the following day.
What is the difference between a Construction Worker and a General Contractor?
Construction Workers and General Contractors both work on construction jobs, but their roles are different. Construction Workers are the laborers who carry out the work on the job site. General Contractors take on more of a supervisory role. Their job is to oversee all aspects of the construction project to ensure it stays on track, follows the plans and is completed safely. If they discover a problem, they work out a solution, and the Construction Workers are the ones who carry out the work to remedy the problem.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
