How to Become a General Laborer
If you're looking for steady work that pays well and doesn't require any previous experience, look into getting a job as a general laborer. General laborers keep construction sites, warehouses, and factories running by doing the work that matters most—moving materials, setting up equipment, cleaning job sites, and helping skilled tradespeople get the job done safely and on time. If you need to start working immediately, partnering with a local staffing agency makes it even easier to find general laborer jobs near you, get hired fast, and earn daily pay.
What is a General Laborer?
General laborers are the hard-working people who help keep construction sites, warehouses, and factories running smoothly. They perform various duties under the direct supervision of carpenters, masons, and other specialized contractors. Depending on their level of experience and training, they may use tools and equipment such as power drills, grinders, pressure washers, and forklifts.
What does a General Laborer Do?
Their responsibilities include tasks such as:
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Manually moving freight, stock, or other materials.
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Cleaning and preparing a job site, loading and delivering materials.
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Setting up and taking down ladders, scaffolding, and other temporary structures.
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Controlling traffic at construction sites, setting up markers, cones, and barricades, and flagging vehicles to control traffic flow.
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Carrying or lifting heavy objects and squatting, kneeling, bending, or crawling awkwardly.
How Much Does a General Laborer Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general laborers earned an average of $39,920 in May 2022. Pay depends not only on the industry you work in, your experience level, and who you work for (a full-time employee vs. A contractor) but also on the type of skills you bring to the job site. If you’re reliable, can learn quickly, work well with a team, and have no problem taking direction, you’ll have a better chance of earning more money and getting steady work.
The Work Life of a General Laborer
General laborers hired to work on construction sites can expect to spend most of their workday outside. A job assignment can last a day or a few weeks, depending on the project's needs. If you’re working in the staffing industry and establishing a reputation for being a hard worker, you can expect a steady stream of assignments.
Why Use a Staffing Agency to Become a General Laborer?
Staffing agencies like Labor Finders work with construction clients in your city who are always looking for demolition workers, shortening your time to get a job. If you want to get to work quickly and get paid the same day you work, connecting with a staffing agency can make that happen.
General Laborer Work Requirements
Because you’re working under the supervision of a more skilled worker, you don’t need to have any certifications, formal training, or a ton of experience to get started as a general laborer. If you are willing to learn, have physical stamina, and have excellent communication skills, you’re already ahead of the game. As you work more, you’ll gain enough experience and training to be able to use specialized tools and equipment.
Why Should You Consider a Job as a General Laborer?
Because this job doesn’t require previous experience, you can quickly start working in the skilled trades field. If you ever wanted to see what it’s like to work as a skilled tradesperson, getting an assignment as a general laborer is a great place to start. These workers are needed in all sorts of industries, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn about all the well-paying careers that don't need a college degree. It spares you the time and expense of attending a trade school for a job you aren’t sure you’ll even like! Plus, if you work as a general laborer for a staffing agency, you can get a steady stream of work, the opportunity to get paid daily, and the resources you need to do an excellent job.
