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Construction Worker
ConstructionYou'll pour concrete, frame walls, and build the structures everyone else lives and works in. It's hard physical labor in all weather conditions, but there's something deeply satisfying about driving past a building and saying 'I built that.'
Salary Range
Low
$30k
Median
$42k
High
$65k
10-Year Growth
4%
US Workers
963K
Education
None required (OSHA 10/30 certification recommended)
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Power tools (saws, drills, nail guns)
- ▸Blueprint & plan reading
- ▸Concrete pouring & finishing
- ▸Framing & structural assembly
- ▸Scaffolding & fall protection systems
- ▸OSHA 10/30 safety certification
- ▸Surveying & layout tools (levels, lasers)
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Physical stamina
- ▸Teamwork
- ▸Attention to detail
- ▸Safety awareness
- ▸Adaptability
- ▸Communication
Learn the skills
Courses and certifications to get you job-ready
Power tools (saws, drills, nail guns)
What you'll actually do
- 01Read blueprints and follow construction plans
- 02Operate hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment
- 03Pour and finish concrete foundations and slabs
- 04Frame walls, install roofing, and set up scaffolding
- 05Follow strict safety protocols (because gravity doesn't care about your deadline)
- 06Load and unload materials from delivery trucks
- 07Work in rain, heat, cold — the schedule doesn't care about weather
Career Path
Where this role sits in the bigger picture — and where it can take you.
Construction Laborer
YOU ARE HEREEntry·0–2 yrs·OSHA 10 certification
$30k–$40k
Skilled Tradesperson (Framing/Concrete/Roofing)
Mid-Career·2–5 yrs·Trade specialization
$40k–$58k
Foreman / Job Superintendent
Senior·5–10 yrs·Blueprint reading + crew management
$55k–$80k
Construction Manager / General Contractor
Leadership·10+ yrs·GC license + project management
$80k–$150k+
Related Shifts
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