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General Construction Workers


At a Glance

  • Most perform physically demanding, semi-skilled tasks
  • Work with wood, steel, concrete, plaster, or stucco
  • Usually work outdoors
  • May work less in colder months
  • Train on the job

Career summary

General construction workers complete a variety of tasks on construction projects.

#closest match is wois 4286 contst laborers, checked 2/19/15 lh

The tasks of general construction workers vary according to the type of construction they do.

They may load and unload materials from trucks. They haul or hoist materials into place at job sites. Using building plans, workers measure and mark the location of structures on the site.

Workers outline areas that need to be graded or leveled. They dig ditches with picks and shovels, and level the ground to match the specifications in the blueprints. They may set explosives for tunnel, shaft, and road construction.

Different types of construction require different skills. Many general construction workers work with materials such as:

Workers tend machines that pump concrete and other compounds. They pour concrete and then smooth it with a trowel or other finishing tool. Plaster workers mix plaster and then spray it evenly over walls and ceilings.

Sometimes construction workers erect and take apart scaffolding, braces, and other temporary structures. They help tear down buildings and salvage usable materials.

Workers follow waste management plans. They may also put in erosion control barriers. They clean, oil, and repair the tools and equipment they use.

Safety is a big concern for construction projects. General construction workers clean and prepare work areas, removing all possible hazards.

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 general construction workers.

Common work activities

General construction workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, general construction workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

General construction workers frequently:

It is important for general construction workers to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

General construction workers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Work with people

Work with things

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 to consider

Training

To work as a general construction worker, 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.

Work experience

Some employers prefer those with at least a few months of previous related experience.

On-the-job training

General construction workers usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

Training generally lasts up to one month.

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.

Washington apprenticeships

The entry requirements for apprenticeships in Washington vary. Requirements generally include:

For experienced union members, transfers to other jobs are usually done through union hiring halls.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)

PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Apprenticeship info ok 4/2/18 cj. 2/25/19(Requirements are for laborers).

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:

Many general construction workers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

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 that general construction workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most also require workers to be at least 18 years old. Employers may require applicants to pass a physical exam. Some also require drug testing or background checks. Employers look for people who are reliable and hard-working. Some may require applicants to have a driver's license.

Tips

Working for a temporary service may be valuable because of the variety of entry-level positions. Industrial first aid training is a plus. Be sure to acquire math skills in school. To see if you would like this kind of work, go to a construction site and watch what is happening.

Costs to workers

Union workers pay an initiation fee and regular membership dues. Workers may also need to buy work clothing and footwear.

Licensing/certification

Workers in the blasting specialty must obtain an Explosives User's License issued by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Workers engaged in asbestos removal projects must complete a training program and be certified by the Department of Labor and Industries. Some workers may be required to have flagger certification issued under state guidelines.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Division of Occupational Safety and Health (external link)

PO Box 44600
Olympia, WA 98504-4600.
360.902.5563 (explosives licensing)
360.902.5514 (asbestos certification)

#1/28/20  url update

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

Construction laborers (SOC 47-2061)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $14.18 $16.94 $21.43 $28.52 $35.73
Monthly $2,457 $2,936 $3,714 $4,943 $6,192
Yearly $29,490 $35,240 $44,580 $59,330 $74,330
    Bellingham Hourly $14.68 $17.38 $21.49 $27.44 $32.50
Monthly $2,544 $3,012 $3,724 $4,755 $5,632
Yearly $30,544 $36,142 $44,695 $57,066 $67,599
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $14.99 $17.93 $23.51 $31.11 $38.53
Monthly $2,598 $3,107 $4,074 $5,391 $6,677
Yearly $31,167 $37,297 $48,907 $64,721 $80,133
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $13.05 $15.55 $19.09 $26.92 $31.81
Monthly $2,262 $2,695 $3,308 $4,665 $5,513
Yearly $27,147 $32,332 $39,701 $56,001 $66,171
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $12.38 $14.23 $17.81 $27.13 $32.59
Monthly $2,145 $2,466 $3,086 $4,702 $5,648
Yearly $25,759 $29,599 $37,063 $56,448 $67,788
    Longview Hourly $13.91 $16.92 $22.80 $29.19 $42.83
Monthly $2,411 $2,932 $3,951 $5,059 $7,422
Yearly $28,925 $35,186 $47,424 $60,706 $89,098
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $15.55 $18.62 $22.48 $29.23 $38.03
Monthly $2,695 $3,227 $3,896 $5,066 $6,591
Yearly $32,332 $38,727 $46,771 $60,795 $79,094
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $12.44 $16.12 $19.28 $23.83 $30.84
Monthly $2,156 $2,794 $3,341 $4,130 $5,345
Yearly $25,873 $33,530 $40,098 $49,567 $64,140
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $15.97 $18.52 $23.53 $30.79 $37.57
Monthly $2,768 $3,210 $4,078 $5,336 $6,511
Yearly $33,216 $38,523 $48,951 $64,032 $78,142
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $13.01 $15.13 $18.47 $26.08 $32.28
Monthly $2,255 $2,622 $3,201 $4,520 $5,594
Yearly $27,073 $31,462 $38,415 $54,244 $67,154
    Vancouver Hourly $13.96 $16.34 $19.71 $26.89 $30.93
Monthly $2,419 $2,832 $3,416 $4,660 $5,360
Yearly $29,026 $33,992 $40,990 $55,940 $64,322
    Walla Walla Hourly $12.73 $13.50 $14.79 $17.11 $39.93
Monthly $2,206 $2,340 $2,563 $2,965 $6,920
Yearly $26,474 $28,088 $30,777 $35,585 $83,056
    Wenatchee Hourly $13.42 $15.74 $19.08 $24.24 $30.56
Monthly $2,326 $2,728 $3,307 $4,201 $5,296
Yearly $27,916 $32,740 $39,681 $50,428 $63,570
    Yakima Hourly $12.10 $13.03 $16.19 $22.14 $27.61
Monthly $2,097 $2,258 $2,806 $3,837 $4,785
Yearly $25,159 $27,117 $33,674 $46,042 $57,440
United States Hourly $11.28 $13.71 $17.21 $23.03 $31.53
Monthly $1,955 $2,376 $2,982 $3,991 $5,464
Yearly $23,460 $28,520 $35,800 $47,910 $65,590

Wages vary by employer and the worker's job duties. Workers who belong to a union generally receive higher wages than those who are not union members. Because construction work in many locations stops in the winter, workers may go without pay for a few months.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time general construction workers may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the level of construction activity, the state of the economy, and technological advances. In some instances, construction activity centers around large government projects and is dependent on state or federal funds.

#2/25/19 lh

 

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.

Construction Laborers (SOC 47-2061)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 45,880 20.0% 16.1% 7,033
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 1,749 22.4% 13.4% 279
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 1,078 13.1% 8.6% 145
    Benton and Franklin Counties 2,007 25.3% 15.0% 335
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 2,412 20.5% 11.9% 374
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 4,687 23.1% 15.2% 762
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 2,060 25.2% 14.1% 346
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 3,460 22.9% 14.6% 556
    King County 10,747 19.9% 19.6% 1,645
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 1,624 17.4% 13.8% 237
    Pierce County 5,608 16.9% 15.2% 812
    Snohomish County 7,594 19.6% 12.4% 1,153
    Spokane County 2,278 20.2% 13.9% 350
United States 1,405,000 10.5% 5.2% 179,300

National employment

About 28% of general construction workers are self-employed.

Major employers:

National outlook

Construction levels are expected to grow. General construction workers will be needed to help on a wide variety of projects. Repairing and replacing the nation’s roads, bridges, and water lines, will result in steady demand for workers. Demand for workers will also be driven by the construction of schools, office buildings, factories, and powerplants.

Most jobs will be created for construction helpers and electrical helpers.

General construction workers sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs and the cyclical nature of the industry. During economic slowdowns, the number of job openings for these workers declines.

Other resources

Associated Builders and Contractors (external link)
440 - 1st Street NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20001
202.595.1505
Building Industry Association of Washington (external link)
111 - 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
800.228.4229
360.352.7800
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) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem