Construction Laborer
The starting line. Construction Laborers do the unskilled labor that keeps construction sites running — material handling, site cleanup, demolition, support work — and most use the role as an apprenticeship pipeline into a specific trade.
Construction Laborer goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Construction Laborer trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Construction Laborers do the work that supports skilled trades — moving material, prepping site, demolishing existing structures, sweeping and cleaning, running concrete chutes during pours. The role is physical, fast-paced, and the entry point to skilled trades for most workers.
Specializations diverge by site type. General Laborers work residential and commercial sites doing whatever the GC needs. Demo Laborers specialize in tear-out work — premium pay for hazardous-material certifications. Tunnel Laborers work civil-infrastructure projects. Hazmat Laborers work asbestos and lead abatement under specialized certs.
Most laborers come up through LIUNA (the Laborers' International Union) apprenticeships. Many use the role as a pipeline — work as a laborer for 1-3 years, then apply to the carpenter, mason, plumber, or electrician apprenticeship that matches the trade you want.
How you move up as a Construction Laborer
LIUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America) is the dominant union for laborers. Local 657 covers DC; Local 11 covers MD; Local 1110 covers VA. BLS OES 47-2061, May 2024.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Construction Laborers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Construction Laborer trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Construction Laborer trade
LIUNA Laborers Apprenticeship
Laborers’ International Union of North America. Local 657 (DC), Local 11 (MD), Local 1110 (VA). Apprenticeships lead to specialty certifications. LIUNA →
Direct hire as laborer
Most laborers come in with no prior credentials at general contractors, residential builders, or specialty contractors. OSHA 10 covered by employer in first weeks.
Use as on-ramp to skilled trade
Many workers spend 1-3 years as laborers while exploring which skilled trade to pursue (carpenter, plumber, electrician, mason). Then apply to the trade-specific apprenticeship.
Certifications that help
OSHA 10/30, NCCER Core Curriculum, EPA Lead-RRP, EPA AHERA Asbestos certifications, confined-space entry, scaffold awareness training, manufacturer-specific equipment training.
Common pathways into Construction Laborer work
KinTrades welcomes Construction Laborer workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Construction-laborer roles are often the first civilian job for transitioning service members — the work pace, physical readiness, and team dynamics are familiar from military life.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans directly to LIUNA contractors that lead into skilled-trade apprenticeships.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Construction laborer is the most accessible entry to a skilled-trades career for HS grads.
Most positions hire with no prior experience or credentials beyond a HS diploma.
Many workers use a year or two as a laborer to identify which skilled trade to pursue before committing to an apprenticeship.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Construction laborer work is among the most second-chance friendly jobs on KinTrades. Independent contractors hire on physical readiness, work ethic, and willingness to learn.
Background checks are uncommon at entry level.
Federal construction projects do require site-access screening for some roles.
Second-chance hiringIf Construction Laborer interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Construction Laborer
What does a Construction Laborer do?
Construction Laborers do the work that supports skilled trades — moving material, prepping site, demolishing existing structures, sweeping and cleaning, running concrete chutes during pours. The role is physical, fast-paced, and the entry point to skilled trades for most workers.
What does a Construction Laborer make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Construction Laborers earn an annual median of $42K in Virginia (range $32K–$58K), $52K in DC ($40K–$70K), $46K in Maryland ($36K–$62K), and $38K in North Carolina ($30K–$52K).
How do you become a Construction Laborer?
LIUNA Laborers Apprenticeship: Laborers International Union of North America. Local 657 (DC), Local 11 (MD), Local 1110 (VA). Apprenticeships lead to specialty certifications. LIUNA →
How long is Construction Laborer apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-2 years to journey laborer or transition to a specific trade apprenticeship. LIUNA (Laborers International Union of North America) is the dominant union for laborers. Local 657 covers DC; Local 11 covers MD; Local 1110 covers VA.
Is Construction Laborer a good career path for someone with a record?
Construction laborer work is among the most second-chance friendly jobs on KinTrades. Independent contractors hire on physical readiness, work ethic, and willingness to learn. Background checks are uncommon at entry level. Federal construction projects do require site-access screening for some roles.