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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

Lead Laborer is part of the Construction Supervision category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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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

Update your resume with crew size led, project types, and safety record

Track measurable results such as on-time completion, reduced rework, and fewer safety issues

Earn an entry safety credential such as OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 if relevant in your area

Build strength in written logs such as daily notes, material counts, and punch lists

Request stretch duties such as training new hires, coordinating deliveries, or leading the morning briefing

Target roles titled Crew Leader, Foreman Trainee, or Site Lead to move up

Collect one or two supervisor references that speak to reliability and leadership on site