Laborer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of construction and development, the demand for laborers has never been greater.

As infrastructure continues to evolve, the need for skilled and dedicated individuals who can contribute to the growth of our physical landscape only escalities.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a laborer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of the laboring profession,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable laborer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Laborer Duties and Responsibilities

Laborers perform a range of physical tasks at construction sites, and they assist skilled workers in various trades.

Laborers are primarily responsible for the preparation and cleaning of the construction area, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Perform general maintenance of construction equipment and vehicles
• Operate and care for construction equipment and machines
• Help equipment operator, carpenters, and other skilled labor when necessary
• Prep construction sites by cleaning obstacles and hazards
• Load or unload construction materials
• Put together and take apart temporary structures, such as scaffolding
• Remove, fill, or compact earth
• Follow instructions from supervisors
• Assist craft workers
• Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary
• Perform site clean-up

 

Laborer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a physically fit, reliable, and hardworking laborer to join our team.

In this position, you will be responsible for assisting contractors, operating heavy machinery, and following all site health and safety regulations.

A strong work ethic and attention to detail are essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate and care for construction equipment and machines.
• Help equipment operators, carpenters, and other skilled labor when necessary.
• Prep construction sites by cleaning obstacles and hazards.
• Load or unload construction materials.
• Put together and take apart temporary structures, such as scaffolding.
• Remove, fill, or compact earth.
• Follow instructions from supervisors.
• Assist craft workers.
• Ready to learn from on-the-job training when necessary.
• Perform site clean-up.

 

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma.
• Ability to do physical labor and other strenuous physical tasks.
• Ability to work in all weather.
• Workers must be punctual and reliable.
• Must have experience as a general laborer in the construction industry.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Laborer
• Work Environment: This job operates in a field construction environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, lifting, pulling, and pushing.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Construction Site Manager or Foreman.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Laborer Do?

Laborers, also known as construction workers or laboring operatives, work in a wide range of construction and industrial environments.

Their tasks often vary depending on the nature of the project they are working on.

They are typically responsible for preparing and cleaning up construction sites, removing and disposing of debris and hazardous materials, and handling tools or machines needed for the construction project.

Laborers may also assist skilled workers such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers with their tasks.

This could include moving materials, assembling scaffolding, or digging trenches.

Some laborers specialize in a specific area, like operating heavy machinery, painting, or paving.

In all their tasks, laborers are required to follow strict safety procedures to avoid accidents and ensure everyone’s well-being on the construction site.

Additionally, laborers may be required to work in varying weather conditions and often need to be physically fit to handle the demands of their role, which may include heavy lifting and long periods of standing or bending.

 

Laborer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient laborer should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the job, such as:

• Physical stamina and strength to handle heavy machinery and materials, and perform physically intensive tasks for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to perform tasks involving small detailed work.
• Understanding and adherence to safety protocols to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the worksite.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately to ensure tasks are completed correctly and safely.
• Effective communication skills to work collaboratively with team members and understand job requirements.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly resolve issues that may arise during the work process.
• Flexibility to work in different weather conditions and environments as many labor jobs are outdoors.
• Time management skills to complete tasks efficiently and within the set deadline.

 

Laborer Experience Requirements

Laborers, often referred to as general laborers, typically require little to no experience for entry-level positions.

However, experience in physically demanding roles can be beneficial.

This could involve manual labor, construction work, warehousing, or other similar roles.

For more specialized laborer roles, such as a construction laborer, a period of on-the-job training is usually provided.

This can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the tasks.

In these roles, prior experience or familiarity with construction tools and machinery can be a plus.

Laborers seeking advancement to supervisory roles typically need several years of experience in their field.

They should have a strong understanding of the work, the ability to lead a team, and knowledge of safety protocols.

Furthermore, laborers wanting to specialize in a particular trade, such as electrical or plumbing, will need to undertake an apprenticeship.

This usually involves a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job experience over several years.

After completion, they can be considered skilled laborers in their chosen trade.

 

Laborer Education and Training Requirements

Most laborer jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Formal education is not typically required, as most laborers learn their skills on the job through on-the-job training.

The duration and extent of this training vary depending on the industry and specific role.

Some laborers may learn their skills in a few weeks, while others may require several months of training.

For some specialized laborer jobs, vocational training or apprenticeships are required.

These are typically in areas like plumbing, electricity, or carpentry and may take several years to complete.

Laborers who operate heavy equipment may need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or other specific certifications, depending on their role and location.

Additionally, some laborers may choose to pursue voluntary certifications to enhance their skills and increase their job prospects.

Examples of these certifications include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification or the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification.

Overall, the most important skills for a laborer are physical strength and endurance, as well as a willingness to work in various weather conditions and perform potentially hazardous tasks.

 

Laborer Salary Expectations

The average wage for a laborer is around $16.07 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the specific industry in which they work, and the location of their employment.

 

Laborer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a laborer need?

Laborers should possess physical strength and stamina as the job often involves manual labor and heavy lifting.

They should have a good understanding of safety protocols and be able to use a variety of tools and machinery.

Some roles might require specific skills like concrete mixing, carpentry, or plumbing.

 

Do laborers need any specific qualifications or education?

Most laborer jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.

However, the main requirement for a laborer is physical fitness and the ability to perform the tasks required by the job.

For some roles, additional qualifications, such as a commercial driver’s license or certification in a trade, may be required.

 

What should you look for in a laborer’s resume?

A laborer’s resume should provide evidence of their experience in the field.

Look for previous roles that involved physical work, as this shows they can handle the physical demands of the job.

Certifications in safety training or specific trades could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good laborer?

A good laborer is reliable, hardworking, and can follow instructions well.

They should be able to work effectively as part of a team and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging conditions.

Attention to safety and the ability to adapt to changing conditions on the job site are also important qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire laborers?

Hiring laborers can be challenging due to the physical demands of the job, which may not appeal to everyone.

It may be necessary to offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as opportunities for skill development, in order to attract and retain reliable workers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the lid on what it truly means to be a laborer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about physical labor.

It’s about shaping the world around us, one brick or beam at a time.

With our comprehensive laborer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task you complete contributes to a larger project.

Let’s build that future. Together.

How to Become a Laborer (Complete Guide)

Beyond the Code: Jobs Where Humans Are Unchallenged by AI

Office Offenders: The Most Hated Jobs by Employees

The Big Job Shift: What’s Trending in the World of Work

Job Market Royalty: The Most Prestigious Careers to Rule Them All