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.
view jobs near youaverage 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.
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.
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 job description
As a construction worker, it is expected that:
- you load and unload materials such as bricks or concrete, drill holes, and set structures or other similar tasks.
- you perform basic tasks in plumbing, welding, electrical, carpentry, masonry, and landscaping.
- you should be proficient in various interior repairs and maintenance, including but not limited to metal stud work, drywall, taping, and painting.
- you may be cross-trained in other departments to ensure job knowledge progression and a balanced workforce.
- you should be able to perform hazardous tasks. These may include clearing and preparing a site; building scaffolds, barricades, bracing, and other structures; and operating concrete mixers, jackhammers, saws, drills, and more.
- you follow construction plans, blueprints, and instructions provided by coworkers.
- you provide direction to general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors when doing the groundwork to ensure that they meet quality standards.
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construction worker work environment
You work on-site. Your environment is generally outdoors, including working in the sun. You expose yourself to dust, noise, and sometimes harsh weather; therefore, having the appropriate personal safety equipment, such as gloves, hard hats, earplugs, and boots, is important. You also work indoors occasionally on things such as wallpapering, painting, and other projects. The organization you work for, whether in the public or private sector, provides most of the tools and equipment needed.
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who are your colleagues?
Working as a construction worker often requires a lot of team cooperation as several people work on a construction site. The work done requires specialists depending on the type of project you are working on. As a construction worker, supervision is a priority. You report to a supervisor who oversees or manages some aspects of the task or project and the workers under him. You interact with a wide range of professionals depending on the location of the site, including supervisors, customer service representatives, and road workers.
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work schedule
You work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week on weekdays. You work overtime when you are on the job in certain instances, such as when a deadline is fast approaching. Overtime pays at a higher rate. Moreover, you may have to work weekends and public holidays, which produces premium rates. Depending on the type of project, you start early in the morning and finish your shift in winter or long hours in summer. You have lunch breaks whenever there is one and have time to relax.
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job outlook for construction workers
A construction worker's job outlook is bright. The construction industry is constantly increasing in demand. This is mainly due to the increase in construction projects gearing up for re-development, renovation of existing infrastructure, and other major growth projects. Also, building houses and setting up roads in suburbs is more popular among people, resulting in more construction workers handling these activities.
Construction workers also have opportunities to advance and climb the career ladder within an organization. There are several positions that a construction worker can receive promotion to, such as supervisor, project manager, superintendent, or site manager. These professionals work on a specific project or set of projects within the company and may work individually or as part of a team. There are several opportunities for a construction worker to advance up the career ladder. Here are a few options:
- become a senior laborer
- become a foreman or supervisor
- train as an electrician, plumber, or carpenter
- become a project manager
The construction industry is highly rewarding and builds personality through years of experience. If you have an interest in a career in construction, start working as a laborer who will have to work hard and commit to the job. Build your career with experience and fight for your position.
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benefits of working for randstad as a construction worker
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as construction worker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
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.
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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what kind of job does a construction worker do?
A construction worker works on putting up buildings and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and factories. The type of work done varies depending on the project you are working on.
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what skills does a construction worker need?
Construction workers need to be able to use hand tools and more sophisticated technology like lasers, power saws, and other types of machinery. They also need to be familiar with terms used in the industry such as architect, architectural engineer, builder, or contractor.
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is it possible to advance on the career ladder as a construction worker?
Yes, it is possible. It is important to advance on the career ladder by taking the initiative and developing more innovative ways to complete tasks. Evaluation is by your performance at each phase of the project.
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what are the benefits of working as a construction worker?
Working as a construction worker is a job with many benefits. It puts you in contact with diverse people and helps you learn new things and develop new skills.
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how much can you make as a construction worker?
The wage for a construction worker varies depending on the industry, location, and type of work. Construction workers earn more at higher levels, like supervisors or forepersons, than beginners.
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how do I find a job as a construction worker?
Applying for a construction worker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our construction worker jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
