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ConstructionGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Critical OccupationOccupation identified by industry partners as critical to business success.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Construction Laborer, Apprentice, Assistant

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.

Annual openings

2,804

Median wage

$47,900

Typical education

High school preferred, plus short term on-the-job training

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school preferred, plus short term on-the-job training

Credential requirement

No credential is required or expected.

Work experience

Entry-level

Work-based learning

Expand your skills; expand your opportunities Groups of skilled-trades careers share similar competencies. With some additional training and experience it can be possible to move between Skilled Trades careers. This additional experience and flexibility for your employer makes you an even more valuable employee.

In addition to jobs constructing new buildings, you could also work in the service industry, such as in apartment maintenance. A lot of the same skills are used, but these jobs often build a diverse set of skills because you could work on different types of repairs on different days. Remodeling existing buildings is an additional opportunity.
There is a high need for these jobs on big infrastructure construction projects.
There are many training and pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare you for a job in Construction. Many are free!

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Construction

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.
  2. Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
  3. Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
  4. Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.
  5. Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
  6. Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
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