Construction laborers

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. 

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, more than basic people skills were required for 8.5 percent of construction laborers, and basic people skills 

were required for 91.5 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of construction laborers with cognitive and mental requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 44.7 55.3

Interaction with general public 28.0 72.0

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework <0.5 >99.5

Work review: Supervising others 2.2 97.8

Work review: Presence of supervisor 85.8 14.2

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 39.1 percent of 

construction laborers. Prior 

work experience was 

required for 29.4 percent and 

on-the-job training was 

required for 82.1 percent.

No minimum education was 

required for 70.0 percent of 

construction laborers and a 

high school diploma was required for 30.0 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, greater than 99.5 percent of 

construction laborers were not exposed to 

extreme cold, and 94.4 percent were not 

exposed to extreme heat. Wetness was not 

present for 52.3 percent, 63.9 percent were 

not exposed to heavy vibrations, and less than 

0.5 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 greater than 

99.5 percent of construction laborers 

and was not required for less than 0.5 

percent. For 2.5 percent of workers, 

reaching at or below the shoulder was 

seldom performed, for 57.9 percent 

reaching at or below the shoulder 

occurred occasionally, 38.1 percent 

frequently, and for less than 5 percent 

reaching at or below the shoulder 

occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 98.5 percent of construction laborers and was not required for 1.5 

percent. For 35.1 percent of workers, crouching was required to perform low work, 35.1 percent were required to 

crouch, 32.6 percent required kneeling, and stooping was required for 39.9 percent.

On average, construction laborers spent 7.5 percent of the workday sitting and 92.5 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of construction laborers with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing <0.5 >99.5

Driving 34.9 65.1

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 45.8 54.2

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