Perform the physical construction work that keeps every job site running — site prep, material handling, and equipment operation across building, highway, and heavy civil projects.
Construction laborers perform a wide variety of tasks at nearly every phase of a job site, from initial site preparation through final cleanup. Using tools ranging from shovels and jackhammers to compactors and surveying equipment, laborers clear debris, dig trenches, build and dismantle scaffolding and bracing, and load and unload materials. On road crews, laborers may control traffic patterns and operate pavement breakers or earth tampers; on building sites, they assist skilled craftworkers with layout, materials, and equipment throughout the project.
- ✓ Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards.
- ✓ Load or unload building materials to be used in construction.
- ✓ Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures.
- ✓ Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction.
- ✓ Operate or tend equipment and machines used in construction, such as compactors, jackhammers, and earth tampers.
- ✓ Control traffic patterns near, in, or around work zones.
- ✓ Apply new or reapply existing materials to protect or seal surfaces.
- ✓ Follow construction plans and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers.
- ✓ Assist craftworkers with their duties, such as carpentry or masonry work.
Building & Construction — Materials, methods, and tools involved in constructing or repairing structures.
Public Safety & Security — Relevant equipment, policies, and procedures to promote effective site safety.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer & Personal Service — Principles for assessing needs and meeting service quality standards.
Transportation — Principles for moving people or goods, including the relative costs and benefits.
Static Strength — Exerting maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Stamina — Exerting yourself physically over long periods without getting winded.
Multilimb Coordination — Coordinating the movement of arms and legs together while the body is stationary or moving.
Trunk Strength — Using abdominal and lower back muscles to support the body repeatedly over time.
Extent Flexibility — Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with the body, arms, or legs.
Reaction Time — Quickly responding to a signal when it appears.
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Prevailing wage is set per county and local, so actual pay varies by employer, project type, and location. Source: Ohio Department of Commerce / ACT Ohio county prevailing-wage schedules.
Typical Entry Requirement — A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred; most skills are built through on-the-job and apprenticeship training rather than a four-year degree.
Apprenticeship Path — Laborers can enter the trade through a multi-year apprenticeship sponsored by the Ohio Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA), combining paid on-the-job training with classroom and hands-on instruction at a dedicated statewide training center.
Core Coursework — Site safety, rigging and signaling, equipment operation, blueprint reading, and OSHA 10/30 safety certification are emphasized throughout the apprenticeship.
Certifications — Many laborers pursue OSHA safety credentials along with specialty certifications in traffic control, confined space, or hazardous material abatement.
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