If you’re interested in exploring possible career paths in construction, you’re in the right place to learn what construction work is all about, pros and cons, and to help you decide if construction work is right for you. This construction career guide will also cover key details of the job, such as the work environment, how construction workers get paid, the requirements for working in construction and more.
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- What do construction workers do?
- Is construction a good job?
- Pros and cons of working in construction
- Construction worker job environment
- How do construction workers get paid?
- How many hours do construction workers work?
- Are construction workers in demand?
- What do you need to be a construction worker?
- Do you need experience to be a construction worker?
- Should you become a construction worker?
What do Construction Workers do?
Construction workers perform a wide range of skilled physical labour and tasks relating to building or removing a structure.
Construction Worker Responsibilities
- Preparing the job site
- Erecting scaffolding
- Building framework & Brickwork
- Installing fixtures and fittings
- Operating machinery
- Tearing down structures
- Assisting the work of others, such as carpenters, painters, and electricians
Check out Construction Job Titles to learn more.
Now that we know some of the main construction worker tasks and responsibilities, what do construction workers build? Construction workers build anything from homes and businesses to skyscrapers, pipelines, roads, tunnels and more depending on their specialties and the type of project at hand.
How do construction workers know what to do for each particular job?
Builders will typically be managed by a construction manager who will guide the process by relying on the project plan, blueprints and guidance from the architect, as applicable.
Is Construction a Good Job?
It’s important to ask, is construction a good career and is working in construction worth it, before pursuing education, training and potential entrepreneurship in the field. So, is being a construction worker a good job?
Here are a few reasons why most construction workers decide to pursue this career and why construction is a good career:
- It can pay well
- You can get trained relatively quickly compared to other careers
- Fewer barriers to job force entry (time, cost of training/education, etc.)
- Strong job security and demand
- Good benefits
But in order for you to fully answer for yourself, “Is working construction a good job?,” you’ll need to know the pros and cons of working construction, which we’ll explore below.
Pros and Cons of Working in Construction
Pros:
- Good wage
- In-demand work
- Less educational requirements; ability to enter the workforce more quickly
- Potential for benefits, sick leave, and overtime pay
- Opportunity to work on a variety of projects
- Able to learn new skills on the job and through training
- Varied schedules; not typically 9-5
- Active, physical work versus sitting at a desk
- Ability to work outdoors and wear casual/rugged work attire
- Opportunities for career advancement and entrepreneurship
Cons:
- High pressure (demanding deadlines and challenging environment)
- Projects can be short-term and unpredictable
- Working environment includes higher risks and occupational safety hazards
- Odd/irregular hours (working early in the morning, late in the evening, and/or on weekends, as needed)
- Physically demanding labour
- Challenging to continue as you age due to injury risks and physical requirements
Construction Worker Job Environment
So, where do construction workers work? Construction workers typically work outdoors on residential or commercial building sites or even on roadways, motorways or underground. Often, construction workers will be required to work on structures that are two or more stories high (such as flats) and in various kinds of weather.
What do Construction Workers get Paid?
We’ve mentioned some of the benefits of construction work, including good pay, but in today’s market do construction jobs pay well and exactly what do construction workers make an hour?
According to Indeed, in September of 2024, the average hourly wage for construction labourers was £12.94 and the annual average was £25,871. Job titles containing 'builders' receive a similar salary, receiving £14.92 per hour, meaning the average base salary is £34,136 per year. Like most jobs, salaries closer to major cities where demand is highest can provide the best base wage to start with, such as London & Manchester.
So, how and when do construction workers get paid? Construction workers can be paid each week or every month depending on your company’s payroll schedule. If you’re a self-employed builder, you’ll get paid after invoicing your client/company you’re working with, but you’ll need to pay your income tax.
How Many Hours Do Construction Workers Work?
One of the pros of construction work is having a varied schedule, but how many hours do construction workers work a week? In the UK, you cannot work more than 48 hours per week on average (over 17 weeks) as advised by the government. This is known as the 'working time regulations'. If you are under 18, you cannot work more than 8 hours a day/40 hours per week on average.
You can choose to opt out of this by signing an agreement between yourself and your employer.
If you want to know when construction workers work, the typical range is 7-8 hours per day with time for breaks and lunch, usually starting in the early morning (before 9:00 a.m.), but this can also change seasonally.
Are Construction Workers in Demand?
Construction workers are certainly in demand right now. The CITB reported in May 2024 that the UK's construction output rose by 2% in 2023, a third year of consecutive growth, and predicts that output will continue to grow by an average of 2.4% per year from now to 2028. CITB stated to meet this growth, more than 251,500 extra construction workers are needed over the next five years.
The biggest opportunities for jobs are in the Private Housing, Infrastructure and Repair/Maintenance sectors.
What do you Need to Become a Construction Worker?
You might be wondering, what is required to be a construction worker? Here’s a quick breakdown of the main criteria—from answering questions like, “What education do you need to be a construction worker?” to “What skills do you need to be a construction worker?”
General Requirements to Become a Construction Worker
- Be over 18 years old
- Have at least basic qualifications like GCSE's in English & Maths
- Be able to carry out manual labour and a variety of physical tasks
Education Requirements to Become a Construction Worker
Though formal education isn’t required for construction work, the following education pathways can be highly beneficial to a career in construction.
- Apprenticeship
- Community college
- Trade school
- Certification programs
- Bachelor's and/or Master’s degrees for more advanced expertise
Check out our guide to Top Construction Schools.
Skills Required to Become a Construction Worker
- Physical strength
- Manual dexterity
- Ability to follow directions and plans
- Measurement and mathematical skills
- Technical expertise for key project areas
- Tools and machinery operational abilities
Can I Work in Construction with No Experience?
While it's possible to find some work in construction without prior job experience, to create a strong career path and more viable, profitable, and long-term opportunities, it’s best to pursue some form of education, training, certification, or apprenticeship in construction to learn more about the trade. This will not only help you set yourself apart in the job market, but will also allow you to discover the area(s) of construction you’re skilled in and feel most passionate about.
Learn more about Construction Certifications.
Should You Become a Construction Worker?
At this stage, you’re probably wondering, is working in construction worth it?
Here are a few more reasons you may not have considered why construction is a good career:
- Ability to learn on the job
- You can advance your career based on your unique goals/areas of interest
- What you put in is what you get out (ability to earn more through your effort)
- Non-traditional work life: able to work outdoors, on a different schedule than 9-5, and not wear a “suit and tie”
- Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the construction industry or an experienced construction worker or business owner, learning construction business management software like Houzz Pro can save you time and money and help advance your career. Sign up for a free trial!
If the ins and outs of construction work sound like they could be right for you, explore our next guide: How to Become a Builder
