AITakeover Tracker
18%low risk

Construction Laborers

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.

Green Enhanced SkillsHigher risk than 4% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Construction Laborers faces low AI displacement risk with a score of 18/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 4% of all analyzed occupations. Of 33 analyzed tasks, 1 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Equipment Maintenance78%

Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

AI-Augmented Skills (7)

Critical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningWritingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTechnology Design

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Construction Laborers skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-6.6pt risk+$2K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Courserabeginner

Google UX Design Professional Certificate

by Google

~5 months$49/mo4.8Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Critical Thinking

Estimated Impact

-4.6pt risk+$2K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.6pt risk+$3K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School23%
High School Diploma70%
Some College6%
Master's Degree1%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None17%
Up to 1 month9%
1-3 months11%
3-6 months20%
6 months - 1 year14%
1-2 years15%
2-4 years11%
4-6 years2%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None10%
Up to 1 month33%
1-3 months21%
3-6 months15%
6 months - 1 year16%
1-2 years1%
4-6 years3%

How AI Impacts Each Task

33 tasks analyzed

Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 2%

Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 3%

Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 2%

Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.

Risk: 67.7%AI: 46.3ObservedTime: 2%

Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 3%

Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.

Risk: 71.0%AI: 54.4ObservedTime: 2%

Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.

Risk: 70.0%AI: 52EstimatedTime: 1%

Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 1%

Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 3%

Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 2%

Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 2%

Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 3%

Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.

Risk: 34.8%AI: 64.48ObservedTime: 3%

Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces, such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 2%

Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 1%

Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Spray materials, such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco, through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 1%

Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 1%

Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 1%

Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 1%

Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 1%

Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 2%

Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 1%

Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 30%

Transport or set explosives for tunnel, shaft, or road construction.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 12%

Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 8%

Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 1%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 26.2%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailDependabilityIntegrityCooperationSelf ControlStress ToleranceInitiativePersistenceConcern for OthersAdaptability/FlexibilityLeadershipAchievement/Effort

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$46,730

per year

Mean Wage

$51,260

per year

Employment

1.1M

workers

Wage Range

$34,200 - $77,530

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$34,200Median: $46,730$77,530
Career Planning

Explore other career paths

Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.

Alternate Career Paths

See all transitions

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

17%
Low Risk

Median salary: $54,660

Higher risk than 3% of other occupations

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

18%
Low Risk

Median salary: $51,650

Higher risk than 4% of other occupations

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

21%
Low Risk

Median salary: $57,260

Higher risk than 9% of other occupations

Pipelayers

22%
Low Risk

Median salary: $48,710

Higher risk than 10% of other occupations

Helpers--Carpenters

24%
Low Risk

Median salary: $41,600

Higher risk than 16% of other occupations

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

24%
Low Risk

Median salary: $47,510

Higher risk than 17% of other occupations

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

25%
Low Risk

Median salary: $38,140

Higher risk than 19% of other occupations

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

27%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $46,480

Higher risk than 26% of other occupations

Rock Splitters, Quarry

36%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $47,460

Higher risk than 70% of other occupations

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

40%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $35,270

Higher risk than 80% of other occupations

Sales Managers

25%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 20% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

28%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Advertising and Promotions Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 43% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 45% of other occupations

Subscribed — always updated

Recommendations

Skills to Develop

These skills are at risk from AI automation. Construction Laborers professionals should diversify beyond them.

  • Mathematics

    High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Information Ordering

    Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Memorization

    Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Skills to Leverage

These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.

  • Manual Dexterity

    Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility

    Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Leadership

    Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Coordination

    Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Tools to Adopt

AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.

  • Critical Thinking

    Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Active Learning

    Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Writing

    Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

+1.8

overall change

Checking for existing plan...