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Summary Report for: 47-2061.00 - Construction Laborers 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. Sample of reported job titles: Laborer, Construction Laborer, Cement Finisher, Construction Worker, Helper, Post Framer, Curb and Gutter Laborer, Drain Layer, Drop Crew Laborer, Punch Out Crew Member View report: Summary
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Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.
Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.
Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
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Tools & Technology Tools used in this occupation: Blow torches — Liquid propane torches; Oxygen/acetylene torches; Torches Forklifts — Masonry forklifts; Rough terrain forklifts Levels — Carpenters' levels; Laser levels; Spirit levels; Water levels Manlift or personnel lift — Bosun chairs; Manlifts; Swing chairs; Swing stages Power drills — Electric drills; Hammer drills Power grinders — Bench grinders; Disc grinders; Pedestal grinders Power saws — Circular saws; Hydraulic track-guided wall saws; Reciprocating saws; Walk-behind saws Pressure or steam cleaners — Pressure washers; Steam cleaning equipment; Steam jennies Vacuum cleaners — Ride-on vacuum cleaners; Sidewalk sweepers; Suction sweepers Water trucks — Jet trucks for cleaning sewer lines; Water spraying equipment; Water tank trucks back to top
Knowledge Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures,
and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. back to top
Skills Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. back to top
Abilities Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It
does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance. Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath. Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing. back to top
Work Activities Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. back to top
Work Context Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing? Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions? back to top
Job Zone Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Related Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually Experience needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Job Zone These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to Examples help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers. SVP Range (4.0 to < 6.0) There are 5 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation: Construction Craft Laborer; Construction Craft Laborer; Tuckpointer, Cleaner, Caulker; Pointer Cleaner, Caulker; Maintenance Technician Municipal (Roadway Technician) To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website. For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website. back to top
Education Percentage of Respondents Education Level Required 70
High school diploma or equivalent
23
Less than high school diploma
6
Some college, no degree
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Interests Interest code: RC Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. back to top
Work Styles Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. back to top
Work Values Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. back to top
Related Occupations 47-2022.00 Stonemasons
Bright Outlook
47-3011.00 Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters 47-4051.00 Highway Maintenance Workers 47-5071.00 Roustabouts, Oil and Gas 49-9045.00 Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons 51-2041.00 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Green
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Wages & Employment Trends National Median wages (2011) $14.30 hourly, $29,730 annual Employment (2010) 999,000 employees Projected growth (20102020)
Faster than average (20% to 28%)
Projected job openings 292,400 (2010-2020) Top industries (2010) Construction Self-Employed State & National Select a State
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011 wage data and 2010-2020 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement. back to top
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Construction Laborers and Helpers . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) , 905 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20006. Phone: (202) 737-8320.
LIUNA Training and Education Fund , 37 Deerfield Rd., P.O. Box 37, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) , 3600 NW 43rd St., Bldg. G, Gainesville, FL 32606. Phone: (888) 622-3720. Fax: (352) 3340932.
