Lead Laborer

Career Guide
A Lead Laborer is a hands-on team leader who works alongside a labor crew while guiding daily tasks, maintaining a safe worksite, and helping the crew hit productivity and quality goals. The role bridges front-line work and supervision by coordinating people, materials, and basic equipment use.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assign daily tasks and set work priorities for the crew
  • Perform physical labor such as loading, unloading, digging, carrying, and site cleanup
  • Train new crew members on basic work methods and safety practices
  • Inspect work areas for hazards and correct unsafe conditions
  • Coordinate tools, materials, and supplies needed for the day
  • Support the supervisor with progress updates and basic reporting
  • Ensure work meets quality expectations and customer requirements
  • Operate basic tools and approved equipment as required by the job
  • Manage timekeeping and attendance details when assigned
  • De-escalate minor conflicts and keep the team working effectively

Top Skills for Success

Safety Awareness
Team Leadership
Communication
Reliability
Time Management
Problem Solving
Physical Stamina
Task Prioritization
Job Site Organization
Basic Tool Use
Material Handling
Equipment Spotting
Quality Awareness
Basic Recordkeeping
Construction Basics
Warehouse Operations Basics
Industrial Maintenance Basics

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Laborer
Crew Leader
Foreman
Site Supervisor
Transition Opportunities
Construction Superintendent
Field Operations Manager
Safety Coordinator
Heavy Equipment Operator
Maintenance Technician
Skilled Trades Apprentice

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
OSHA KnowledgeIncident ReportingJob Hazard AnalysisBasic SchedulingMaterial PlanningCoachingConflict ResolutionCost AwarenessDocumentation Accuracy
Development SuggestionsAsk to shadow a foreman for planning and reporting routines, complete a basic safety credential such as OSHA 10, practice short daily huddles with clear task assignments, and build a simple checklist for tools, materials, and end of shift cleanup to improve consistency.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$35,000 to $45,000 per year
Mid Level$45,000 to $60,000 per year
Senior Level$60,000 to $75,000 per year
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by ongoing construction, infrastructure repair, warehousing, and industrial maintenance. Pay and hiring volume vary widely by location, union coverage, and project type.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
BechtelKiewitFluorTurner ConstructionJacobsAECOMSkanskaGranite ConstructionWaste ManagementRepublic ServicesAmazonFedEx
Industry Sectors
Commercial ConstructionResidential ConstructionHeavy Civil InfrastructureIndustrial ConstructionWarehousing and DistributionManufacturingWaste and RecyclingFacilities MaintenanceLandscaping and Grounds MaintenanceOil and Gas Services

Recommended Next Steps

1
Update your resume with crew size led, project types, and safety record
2
Track measurable results such as on-time completion, reduced rework, and fewer safety issues
3
Earn an entry safety credential such as OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 if relevant in your area
4
Build strength in written logs such as daily notes, material counts, and punch lists
5
Request stretch duties such as training new hires, coordinating deliveries, or leading the morning briefing
6
Target roles titled Crew Leader, Foreman Trainee, or Site Lead to move up
7
Collect one or two supervisor references that speak to reliability and leadership on site