General Laborer
Impact: Project completion, operational efficiency, safety compliance
Performs a variety of manual tasks, often requiring physical strength and endurance, to support construction, manufacturing, or other industrial operations. Assists skilled tradespeople and operates basic equipment to maintain clean and safe work environments.
In their words
As a general laborer, every day is different. One day I might be moving materials on a construction site, the next I'm helping with demolition or site cleanup. It's hard physical work, but there's a real sense of accomplishment seeing a project come together. Safety is always the top priority, and teamwork is essential to get things done efficiently. It's a great entry point into the trades.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- 60% Team / 40% Solo
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- Moderate
- Travel
- Minimal, typically within a local area for different job sites.
- Schedule flexibility
- Structured
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40-50 hours/week
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $38,000
- Entry-level
- $28,000 - $35,000
- Senior
- $45,000+
- Growth by 2033
- 5% (average)
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Moderate
- Salary growth potential
- Moderate 60-80% growth from entry to senior
- Typical student debt
- None
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Tool Operation
- Material Handling
- Site Cleanup
- Basic Maintenance
- Safety Procedures
- Loading/Unloading
Soft skills
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
Technical complexity: Low
Tools you'll work with
Core tools
- Shovel (hardware): Digging and moving materials
- Wheelbarrow (hardware): Transporting materials
- Safety Helmet (hardware): Head protection
Common tools
- Work Gloves (hardware): Hand protection and grip
- Tape Measure (hardware): Measuring distances
- Hammer (hardware): Driving nails, demolition
- Basic Hand Tools (hardware): General repair and assembly
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 2-4 years
- Years to senior
- 5-8 years
- Career switching
- Easy
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
- Warehouse Worker: Similar physical demands and material handling skills.
- Landscaper: Outdoor work, physical labor, and basic equipment operation.
- Cleaner/Janitor: Focus on maintaining clean and safe environments.
Where you can go from here
- Construction Assistant: Direct progression within the construction industry, assisting skilled trades.
- Forklift Operator: Requires additional certification but leverages material handling experience.
- Maintenance Technician Helper: Assisting with repairs and upkeep in various facilities.
Typical progression
- Entry Laborer > Experienced Laborer > Foreman Assistant > Foreman
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 60% high risk
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 6/10
- Meaning
- 5.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 6.5/10
- Prestige
- 3.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate
Find your community
Professional organisations
- Construction Laborers' Union: A union representing laborers in construction and other industries, providing training and advocacy.
Podcasts and media
- Safety First Newsletter: OSHA's newsletter providing updates on workplace safety and health.
- Skilled Trades Daily: A podcast covering news and insights relevant to skilled trades, including general labor.
Online communities
- Construction Forum: An online community for construction professionals to discuss industry topics.