Concrete Laborer
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Prepare job sites by clearing debris and setting up work areas
- Move, load, and stage tools, forms, and materials
- Set up and take down concrete forms and temporary supports
- Assist with concrete placement using wheelbarrows, chutes, and hoses
- Spread and level concrete under direction of a finisher or foreperson
- Cut, tie, and place rebar and wire mesh
- Operate basic hand tools and power tools used on concrete jobs
- Support concrete curing tasks such as covering and moisture control
- Direct trucks and equipment during deliveries and pours
- Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized site
Top Skills for Success
Physical Stamina
Reliability
Teamwork
Communication
Safety Awareness
Job Site Housekeeping
Hand Tool Use
Power Tool Use
Formwork Setup
Concrete Placement Support
Rebar Handling
Measurement Skills
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Concrete Finisher
Formwork Carpenter
Rebar Installer
Equipment Operator
Construction Foreperson
Transition Opportunities
General Construction Worker
Masonry Worker
Asphalt Laborer
Maintenance Technician
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Concrete Finishing BasicsFormwork ReadingBasic Blueprint ReadingGrade SettingRebar Tying SpeedEquipment SpottingQuality AwarenessWeather Planning
Development SuggestionsBuild skills through on the job coaching, short safety courses, and hands on practice. Ask to rotate tasks during pours, learn layout and grade basics, and document completed projects to show readiness for higher responsibility roles.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level25,000 to 38,000 per year
Mid Level38,000 to 52,000 per year
Senior Level52,000 to 70,000 per year
Growth Trend
Steady demand in many regions, driven by ongoing building, roadwork, and repair projects. Pay and hiring volumes vary by location, union coverage, overtime, and seasonality.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Local concrete contractorsGeneral contractorsCommercial construction firmsResidential buildersRoad and bridge contractorsReady mix concrete companiesPrecast concrete manufacturersMunicipal public works contractors
Industry Sectors
Commercial ConstructionResidential ConstructionInfrastructure ConstructionIndustrial ConstructionPrecast Manufacturing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Earn a basic construction safety credential2
Practice accurate measuring and use of levels on real tasks3
Learn concrete curing and finishing basics from a senior finisher4
Ask for opportunities to assist with formwork and rebar placement5
Track hours, tasks, and projects to support promotion discussions6
Explore union apprenticeship options or local trade training programs7
Build a simple portfolio with photos and brief descriptions of completed jobs