Construction Worker

Job Details

Sector(s)

Construction; Operations & Maintenance

Median Pay

$37,520–$48,290 per year
$18.04–$23.22 per hour

Job Type

Entry Level

Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements

No formal education required but high school diploma or equivalent can be required based on employer or specialization

Position Title

Construction Worker

Alternate Titles

Construction laborer, equipment operator, and pile driver.

Brief Job Description

Many different trade workers are necessary during the construction and operation and maintenance of marine energy arrays. Different types of construction workers include heavy equipment operators, riggers, and many more. 

Education and Training Level Description

While no formal education is required for some construction jobs, some employers or more specialized construction jobs do require a high school diploma and/or relevant vocational coursework or work experience.

Construction workers typically receive on-the-job training and work under more experienced construction workers. Construction workers can also enter the field through apprenticeship programs. 

The Laborers' International Union of North America offers apprenticeship programs and certifications that can train construction workers in certain fields (such as masonry, landscaping, pipeline construction, and environmental remediation) or help workers advance to positions that involve more complex tasks. Examples of more complex tasks include welding, erecting scaffolding, operating heavy machinery, or finishing concrete. After gaining experience as a helper or in a supportive role, a trade worker can move into a craft occupation. For example, being a carpenter’s helper could lead to a carpentry apprenticeship. 

Job Profile

Construction workers perform a wide variety of tasks in the construction, operation, and maintenance of marine energy arrays. Construction workers help build marine energy array infrastructure by performing physical labor, operating construction and heavy machinery (such as cranes and bulldozers), and assisting craftworkers to complete more complex construction-related tasks. Trade workers help craftworkers (such as electricians, carpenters, painters, and pipelayers) by setting up the necessary equipment, assisting the craftworker in completing the job, taking down equipment, cleaning up the site, and helping with any other craftworker needs. 

Marine construction sites present different safety hazards than onshore construction sites, so construction workers on marine energy arrays must take specialized safety precautions related to marine environments.

Construction workers typically:

  • Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards
  • Load or unload building materials to be used in construction
  • Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures
  • Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction
  • Operate or maintain equipment and machines used in construction
  • Operate heavy machinery or rig loads to be lifted by heavy machinery
  • Follow construction plans and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers
  • Assist craftworkers with their duties.

Job Skills

Construction workers typically need:

  • Color vision. Construction workers may need to be able to distinguish colors to do their job. For example, an electrician’s helper must be able to distinguish different colors of wire to help the lead electrician.
  • Math skills. Construction workers need to perform basic math calculations while measuring on job sites or assisting a surveying crew.
  • Mechanical skills. Construction workers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers.
  • Physical stamina. Construction workers must have the endurance to perform strenuous tasks throughout the day. When installing marine energy arrays, for example, workers spend hours on their feet, often in cold temperatures, with few breaks.
  • Physical strength. Construction workers must often lift heavy materials or equipment. For example, cement mason helpers must move cinder blocks, which typically weigh more than 40 pounds each.

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on construction workers, see: 

Resources