Construction and extraction workers

This occupational group includes carpenters, laborers, equipment 

operators, electricians, roofers, elevator installers and repairers, 

earth drillers, mining machine operators, and carpet, floor, and tile 

installers and finishers.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make 

decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, work was reviewed by a supervisor more than once per day 

for 49.9 percent of construction and extraction workers, and once 

per day for 27.9 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of construction and extraction workers with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 61.5 38.5

Interaction with general public 47.8 52.2

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework <0.5 >99.5

Work review: Supervising others 19.1 80.9

Work review: Presence of supervisor 65.3 34.7

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and 

experience requirements

The minimum level of formal 

education required, 

credentials necessary, on-thejob training, and prior work 

experience necessary for 

average performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 61.3 percent of 

construction and extraction 

workers. Prior work 

experience was required for 

51.3 percent and on-the-job 

training was required for 64.4 

percent.

No minimum education was 

required for 49.6 percent of 

construction and extraction workers and a high school diploma was required for 47.1 percent.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where 

jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, 99.0 percent of construction and 

extraction workers were not exposed to 

extreme cold, and 93.8 percent were not 

exposed to extreme heat. Wetness was not 

present for 58.8 percent, 77.9 percent 

were not exposed to heavy vibrations, and 

7.6 percent were not exposed to the 

outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities 

required to perform tasks in jobs. 

The presence and, in some cases, 

duration of these activities are 

published.

In 2023, reaching at or below the 

shoulder was required for 95.5 

percent of construction and 

extraction workers and was not 

required for 4.5 percent.

Performing work in low postures 

was required for 94.1 percent of 

construction and extraction 

workers and was not required for 

5.9 percent. For 30.5 percent of 

workers, crouching was required 

to perform low work, and 34.2 percent were required to stoop.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 11.9 percent of construction and extraction 

workers. On average, workers spent 18.5 percent of the workday sitting and 81.5 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of construction and extraction workers with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 11.9 88.1

Driving 53.3 46.7

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 58.8 41.2

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey