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Construction Helpers


At a Glance

  • Assist bricklayers, carpenters, painters and plasterers, and plumbers
  • Are entry-level workers
  • Have low level of social interaction
  • May work indoors or outdoors (or both)
  • May only work during warmer months
  • Train on the job

Career summary

Construction helpers assist experienced trades workers with less skilled tasks.

#No info moved over from wois 4286 Construction Laborers. Number of alt titles in NWOIS Narrative.

#review 3/20/19 lh

Construction helpers are entry-level workers. They assist bricklayers, carpenters, painters and plasterers, and plumbers with a variety of basic tasks. They follow instructions and make few major decisions. They must be familiar with the duties of those they help. They must also be able to use the materials and tools of the trade.

Construction helpers transport the tools and materials needed for a job. At the end of the workday, they collect and store them. Helpers select and hold tools for experienced workers. They may also select materials to be installed, according to instructions or drawings. Helpers often erect scaffolding and other structures to reach high or hard-to-reach places.

Construction helpers also prepare surfaces or materials for installation. For example, helpers mix grout for tile setters and fill cracks in surfaces to be tiled. They cut lumber or hold it in place for carpenters to install. Painters' helpers sand and prepare surfaces to be painted. Plumbers' helpers cut or drill holes in walls where pipes will be installed. They also take apart and remove damaged pipes.

Construction helpers clean work areas when jobs are finished. They clean tools or equipment so they are ready for the next day.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to construction helpers.

Common work activities

Construction helpers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, construction helpers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Construction helpers frequently:

It is important for construction helpers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for construction helpers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Construction helpers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Training

To work as a construction helper, you typically need to:

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Construction helpers usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

Training generally lasts up to four weeks. It's important to remember that helpers continually learn new skills depending on the job and type of structure they are helping to build.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Most require helpers to be at least 18 years old. Employers may require that applicants pass a physical exam. Some also require drug testing or background checks. Employers look for people who are reliable, hard working, and in good physical condition.

Costs to workers

Helpers may need to purchase work clothing and footwear. Union workers pay an initiation fee and regular membership dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters (SOC 47-3011)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $15.13 $16.81 $21.50 $28.32 $36.73
Monthly $2,622 $2,913 $3,726 $4,908 $6,365
Yearly $31,460 $34,960 $44,720 $58,900 $76,400
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $12.46 $15.04 $16.74 $18.53 $28.10
Monthly $2,159 $2,606 $2,901 $3,211 $4,870
Yearly $25,932 $31,274 $34,807 $38,540 $58,453
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $16.02 $17.39 $21.39 $27.43 $39.26
Monthly $2,776 $3,014 $3,707 $4,754 $6,804
Yearly $33,331 $36,166 $44,484 $57,053 $81,665
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $17.36 $22.35 $26.42 $28.94 $30.46
Monthly $3,008 $3,873 $4,579 $5,015 $5,279
Yearly $36,097 $46,502 $54,956 $60,210 $63,362
    Vancouver Hourly $14.93 $16.94 $19.61 $25.55 $30.50
Monthly $2,587 $2,936 $3,398 $4,428 $5,286
Yearly $31,037 $35,235 $40,786 $53,146 $63,434
United States Hourly $11.25 $13.32 $16.05 $19.27 $26.69
Monthly $1,950 $2,308 $2,781 $3,339 $4,625
Yearly $23,400 $27,700 $33,380 $40,070 $55,520

Helpers--carpenters (SOC 47-3012)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $11.60 $11.81 $14.30 $18.76 $28.74
Monthly $2,010 $2,047 $2,478 $3,251 $4,981
Yearly $24,120 $24,560 $29,740 $39,010 $59,780
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $11.81 $12.48 $16.59 $24.10 $31.86
Monthly $2,047 $2,163 $2,875 $4,177 $5,521
Yearly $24,563 $25,966 $34,512 $50,142 $66,278
    Vancouver Hourly $11.58 $13.42 $16.24 $18.61 $20.04
Monthly $2,007 $2,326 $2,814 $3,225 $3,473
Yearly $24,079 $27,921 $33,771 $38,709 $41,696
United States Hourly $10.10 $12.11 $14.85 $17.87 $21.28
Monthly $1,750 $2,099 $2,574 $3,097 $3,688
Yearly $21,010 $25,180 $30,880 $37,160 $44,260

Helpers--painters, paperhangers, plasterers, and stucco masons (SOC 47-3014)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.58 $13.84 $15.59 $17.43 $18.54
Monthly $2,180 $2,398 $2,702 $3,021 $3,213
Yearly $26,170 $28,790 $32,420 $36,260 $38,570
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $13.51 $15.07 $16.61 $18.16 $19.09
Monthly $2,341 $2,612 $2,879 $3,147 $3,308
Yearly $28,098 $31,343 $34,551 $37,774 $39,708
    Vancouver Hourly $13.18 $14.72 $16.69 $18.22 $19.16
Monthly $2,284 $2,551 $2,892 $3,158 $3,320
Yearly $27,399 $30,620 $34,700 $37,901 $39,844
United States Hourly $10.17 $12.02 $14.40 $17.86 $22.14
Monthly $1,762 $2,083 $2,496 $3,095 $3,837
Yearly $21,140 $25,010 $29,960 $37,160 $46,060

Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-3015)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $12.96 $14.73 $17.66 $22.59 $27.51
Monthly $2,246 $2,553 $3,060 $3,915 $4,767
Yearly $26,970 $30,630 $36,740 $46,980 $57,210
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $14.19 $16.32 $19.14 $24.22 $28.58
Monthly $2,459 $2,828 $3,317 $4,197 $4,953
Yearly $29,524 $33,948 $39,806 $50,383 $59,453
    Vancouver Hourly $11.22 $13.08 $15.60 $18.69 $23.08
Monthly $1,944 $2,267 $2,703 $3,239 $4,000
Yearly $23,343 $27,220 $32,431 $38,868 $48,022
United States Hourly $10.51 $12.69 $14.89 $18.09 $22.21
Monthly $1,821 $2,199 $2,580 $3,135 $3,849
Yearly $21,860 $26,390 $30,980 $37,620 $46,200

Wages for construction helpers vary by the area of construction. 

Full-time construction helpers usually receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

 

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters (SOC 47-3011)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 424 16.0% 16.1% 79
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 17 23.5% 13.4% 3
    Benton and Franklin Counties 37 16.2% 15.0% 7
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 40 12.5% 15.2% 7
    King County 117 16.2% 19.6% 22
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 10 20.0% 13.8% 2
    Pierce County 94 20.2% 15.2% 18
    Snohomish County 23 13.0% 12.4% 4
    Spokane County 48 16.7% 13.9% 9
United States 24,400 10.7% 5.2% 3,700

Helpers--Carpenters (SOC 47-3012)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 417 20.4% 16.1% 82
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 10 10.0% 13.4% 2
    Benton and Franklin Counties 56 28.6% 15.0% 12
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 14 21.4% 15.2% 2
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 13 38.5% 14.1% 3
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 26 26.9% 14.6% 5
    King County 91 14.3% 19.6% 16
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 64 32.8% 13.8% 15
    Pierce County 32 18.8% 15.2% 6
    Snohomish County 26 19.2% 12.4% 5
United States 34,200 11.7% 5.2% 5,300

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons (SOC 47-3014)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 351 15.4% 16.1% 64
    Benton and Franklin Counties 12 16.7% 15.0% 2
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 54 16.7% 11.9% 9
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 19 15.8% 15.2% 3
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 34 14.7% 14.1% 6
    King County 80 7.5% 19.6% 12
    Pierce County 51 23.5% 15.2% 11
    Spokane County 22 22.7% 13.9% 4
United States 10,900 5.5% 5.2% 1,600

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-3015)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 611 17.3% 16.1% 115
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 22 18.2% 11.9% 4
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 68 19.1% 15.2% 13
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 14 21.4% 14.1% 3
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 14 21.4% 14.6% 3
    King County 158 14.6% 19.6% 29
    Pierce County 194 20.6% 15.2% 38
    Snohomish County 102 18.6% 12.4% 19
    Spokane County 50 18.0% 13.9% 9
United States 56,900 15.6% 5.2% 9,200

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

Demand for construction helpers will grow at a strong pace. As more homes, schools, office buildings, and power plants are built, the demand for construction helpers will increase.

Job prospects depend on growth in the trades that employ them. Carpenter and bricklaying helpers will have the best opportunities. There may be periods of unemployment during times when construction slows, such as colder months.

This occupation has very high turnover. Many job openings should arise as workers leave the field.

Other resources

Building Industry Association of Washington (external link)
111 - 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
800.228.4229
360.352.7800
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (external link)
7234 Parkway Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
410.564.5900
Interview with a Plumber (external link)
National Association of Women in Construction (external link)
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551
North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) (external link)
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council (external link)
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zones (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem