what is a construction worker?

A construction worker is a person who works to build a house or other type of building. Construction workers are often referred to as concrete workers. Some construction workers specialize in various structures, such as steel, timber, and glass. However, most construction workers do not specialize in any building material.

Construction work varies, and that's why there are different types of construction work. Find the job you are looking for by searching different categories. You work in the construction sector as a concrete worker, builder, or general construction worker. Most people working in this profession are manual laborers or contractors. You also work as a general laborer for construction. In this case, you work on different types of buildings and roads.

There are frequent job openings due to the growth in the construction sector and vacancies resulting from retirement, promotions, etc. You may need to have experience as a regular laborer to work for a building company.

Demand for these workers will continue to expand as more structures rise.

Would working as a construction worker suit your set of skills and interests? Then read on to discover what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a construction worker role.

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average construction worker salary

The average construction worker's salary in the USA is $40,025 per year. Entry-level positions start at $35,567 annually, while most experienced workers make up to $44,442 annually.

Different regions in the United States offer various price ranges. However, more experience in the sector usually translates into a higher salary. The construction manager and the foreman are among the highest-paid positions in this field. The laborer and the machine operators work under their supervision.

You can negotiate your salary further by proving your expertise or proficiency in a particular field. Depending on your firm, you receive extra pay when you work overtime or over the weekend.

What can you earn as a construction worker? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see a construction worker's average salary.

male carrying bike up a flight of stairs from subway
male carrying bike up a flight of stairs from subway
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types of construction workers

Construction workers fall into several categories depending on their level of specialized training and experience. They include:

  • construction manager: You oversee all the logistics of a construction project.
  • foreman: You are responsible for coordinating and supervising the work of all site operatives, ensuring that all work concludes safely and on time.
  • scheduler: You create and maintain the schedules of individuals or teams within the construction site.
  • equipment operator: You are responsible for controlling the machinery used during construction.
  • laborer: You are responsible for various manual tasks such as digging trenches, unloading building materials, and preparing job sites.

Every type of construction worker is crucial in completing a project, and their work often determines the quality of the finished product.

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working as a construction worker

It is a physically strenuous role, as you are on your feet for long periods. It helps if you interact with various people, from tradespeople to clients and multiple departments. Most construction workers begin as unskilled laborers in an apprenticeship program before they receive promotion through these ranks.

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construction worker skills and education

A construction worker's education should be diverse and cover a wide range of subjects. Here are some of the topics you will want to cover:

  • math and basic geometry for working with plans, blueprints, and technical drawings
  • electrical and mechanical basics for operating machinery on construction sites
  • construction-related courses like carpentry or masonry to gain hands-on experience with different construction techniques
  • environmental classes like pollution prevention and damage control so you can comply with waste disposal regulations

Construction workers often train on the job. They must take the initiative, know problem-solving skills, and develop creative solutions suitable to their circumstances.

blue-collar worker looking behind
blue-collar worker looking behind
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FAQs about working as a construction worker

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about construction workers.

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