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Occupation Profile
CONSTRUCTION LABORERS: COLORADO
Occupation Description
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers. Construction laborers who primarily assist a particular craft worker are classified under "Helpers, Construction Trades". Excludes "Hazardous Materials Removal Workers"
State and National Wages


  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.
Location / Pay
Period / 2011
10% / 25% / Median / 75% / 90%
United States / Hourly / $9.05 / $11.03 / $14.30 / $19.61 / $28.00
Yearly / $18,800 / $22,900 / $29,700 / $40,800 / $58,200
Colorado / Hourly / $9.17 / $11.91 / $14.58 / $17.36 / $20.56
Yearly / $19,100 / $24,800 / $30,300 / $36,100 / $42,800
Occupation Wages FAQs
Median Wage by Occupation Across States
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National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Colorado Labor Market Information
State and National Trends
United States / Employment / Percent
Change / Job Openings1
2010 / 2020
Construction Laborers / 998,800 / 1,211,200 / +21% / 29,240
Colorado / Employment / Percent
Change / Job Openings1
2008 / 2018
Construction Laborers / 26,110 / 25,970 / -1% / 200
1Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.
Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2008-2018, while the projections period for national data is 2010-2020.
Occupation Trends FAQs
Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
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Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation
National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Construction Laborers.
Knowledge:
  • Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills:
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities:
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Laborers.
Tasks and Activities
Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Construction Laborers.
Occupation Specific Tasks:
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.
  • Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
  • Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
  • Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.
  • Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
  • Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.
  • Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.
  • Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.
  • Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
  • Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
  • Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.
  • Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.
  • Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.
  • Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.
  • Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.
  • Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.
  • Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.
  • Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.
  • Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.
  • Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.
  • Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
  • Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.
  • Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.
  • Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
  • Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
  • Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.
  • Spray materials such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.
  • Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.
  • Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
  • Transport or set explosives for tunnel, shaft, or road construction.
  • Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.
Generalized Work Activities:
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Detailed Work Activities:
  • adhere to safety procedures
  • anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
  • apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
  • apply cleaning solvents
  • apply plaster, stucco or related material
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • assist mechanic, or extractive or construction trades craft worker
  • build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
  • clean equipment or machinery
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
  • control operation of compressors
  • cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
  • dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
  • erect scaffold
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • finish concrete surfaces
  • grade or redistribute earth for roads or other construction
  • install insulating materials
  • install prefabricated building components
  • install siding or sheeting
  • load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
  • lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
  • maintain or repair construction machinery or equipment
  • measure and mark lay out for construction projects
  • mix mortar, grout, slurry, concrete, or related masonry material
  • mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
  • move materials or goods between work areas
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate floor sanding machine
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate jackhammer
  • operate land or site surveying instruments
  • operate pneumatic tamper to patch pavement or tamp earth
  • operate power construction equipment
  • operate power driven pumps
  • paint walls or other structural surfaces
  • perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
  • position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
  • prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
  • prepare site or surfaces for concrete or masonry work
  • read tape measure
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
  • signal directions or warnings to coworkers
  • understand construction specifications
  • use basic carpentry techniques
  • use concrete fabrication techniques
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hand or power woodworking tools
  • use hazardous disposal techniques
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
  • use spray paint equipment
  • use surfacing machine to polish terrazzo or concrete
  • verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
  • work as a team member
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Laborers.
Tools and Technology
Construction LaborersView Detailed Report
Tools:
  • Blow torches - Liquid propane torches,Oxygen/acetylene torches,Torches
  • Forklifts - Forklifts,Masonry forklifts,Rough terrain forklifts
  • Levels - Carpenters' levels,Laser levels,Levels,Spirit levels,Water levels
  • Manlift or personnel lift - Bosun chairs,Manlifts,Swing chairs,Swing stages
  • Power saws - Asphalt saws,Chain saws,Circular saws,Concrete saws,Cutoff saws
Technology:
Source: Occupational Information Network: Construction Laborers.
Education and Training
Occupation: Construction Laborers
Typical education needed for entry: Less than high school
Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: None
Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: Short-term on-the-job training
Related Instructional Programs: No information about "Instructional Programs" for this occupation is available.
Distribution of Educational Attainment
Occupation / Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is
Less than high school diploma / High school diploma or equivalent / Some college, no degree / Associate's degree / Bachelor's degree / Master's degree / Doctoral or professional degree
Construction Laborers / 35.9% / 40% / 14.7% / 3.8% / 4.7% / 0.7% / 0.2%
Construction Trades Workers / 31% / 43.9% / 17% / 4.1% / 3.5% / 0.4% / 0.2%
Construction and Extraction / 28.2% / 44.4% / 18.1% / 4.6% / 4% / 0.5% / 0.2%
Total, All Occupations / 10.4% / 27.4% / 20.9% / 8.9% / 19.5% / 8.2% / 4.7%
Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs.
Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library.
Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education.
WIA Eligible Training Provider List:
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)
Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements
  • Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
  • Highway Maintenance Workers
  • Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
  • Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
  • Stonemasons
  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Web Resources
The following resources are related to occupations in the job family
Construction and Extraction
Construction Trades Workers
Extraction Workers
Helpers, Construction Trades
Other Construction and Related Workers
Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers
Construction Trades Workers
  • Boilermakers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Brickmasons and Blockmasons, California Occupational Guide
  • Brickmasons and Blockmasons, CareerZone
  • Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Carpenter, Princeton Review
  • Carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Carpenters, California Occupational Guide
  • Carpet Installers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers, California Occupational Guide
  • Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Construction Carpenters, CareerZone
  • Construction Equipment Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Construction Laborers and Helpers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
  • Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, California Occupational Guide
  • Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Electrician, Princeton Review
  • Electricians, California Occupational Guide
  • Electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System), Job Futures
  • Floor Covering Installers, California Occupational Guide
  • Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Floor Sanders and Finishers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Glaziers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Glaziers, California Occupational Guide
  • Insulation Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Painters, Construction and Maintenance, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Paperhangers, California Occupational Guide
  • Paperhangers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Pipelayers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Plasterers and Stucco Masons, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, California Occupational Guide
  • Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Roofers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Sheet Metal Workers, California Occupational Guide
  • Sheet Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Tile and Marble Setters, California Occupational Guide
  • Tile and Marble Setters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Extraction Workers
  • Continuous mining machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Earth drillers, except oil and gas, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Helpers--extraction workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Mine cutting and channeling machine operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Oil and Gas Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Rock Splitters, Quarry, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Roof Bolters, Mining, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Helpers, Construction Trades
  • Construction Laborers and Helpers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Construction Trades Helpers, California Occupational Guide
Other Construction and Related Workers
  • Construction and Building Inspectors, California Occupational Guide
  • Construction and Building Inspectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Elevator Installers and Repairers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Fence erectors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Hazardous Materials Removal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Highway Maintenance Worker, California Occupational Guide
  • Highway maintenance workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Segmental Pavers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers
  • Contractors and Supervisors, Trades and Related Workers, Job Futures
  • First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook