Construction laborers
SOC Code: 47-2061
Construction laborers carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,730 and +7.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,457,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 15% AI exposure, Construction laborers sits 22 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 2% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Construction laborers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Construction laborers has ai exposure of 15%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Construction laborers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Construction laborers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Construction laborers (SOC 47-2061) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,457,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $46,730, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Construction laborers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
- 2. Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
- 3. Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- 4. Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.
- 5. Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.
- 6. Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.
- 7. Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.
- 8. Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.
- 9. Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
- 10. Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Construction laborers?
Construction laborers has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Construction laborers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Construction laborers is projected to grow by 7.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,457,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Construction laborers?
Key skills for Construction laborers include Speaking, Active Listening, Coordination, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Construction laborers earn?
The median annual wage for Construction laborers is $46,730, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Construction laborers?
The typical entry-level education for Construction laborers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Construction laborers?
Construction laborers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).