How much does a construction worker make?

In the US, pay can differ with experience, useful skills or certifications, and harder or specialized tasks. It also depends on the employer, location, and hours worked; some projects need overnight shifts.

Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers. Construction laborers who primarily assist a particular craft worker are classified under “Helpers, Construction Trades” (47-3010). Excludes “Hazardous Materials Removal Workers” (47-4041).

What's a typical day like?

They clear debris, move materials, dig trenches, and set up tools before helping skilled workers on the site. Depending on the project, they may use drills or jackhammers outdoors, sometimes in rough weather.

US workers usually need no diploma, though some employers prefer one; some site jobs are open at 16, but hazardous tasks are barred until 18. They learn on the job or in union/trade apprenticeships, and employers often require OSHA safety training.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some US construction laborers use lasers to line up pipes and computers to control robotic pipe cutters.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.