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Construction General Laborer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Join Essel's dynamic team as a Construction General Laborer and help us build a brighter future! We are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to work on various construction projects across ...

Join Essel's dynamic team as a Construction General Laborer and help us build a brighter future! We are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to work on various construction projects across ...

General Laborer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.50/hr

We are seeking reliable and hardworking General Laborers for multiple active construction projects throughout the Core Bay Area . This role supports various trades and site operations on commercial ...

General Laborer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.50/hr

We are seeking reliable and hardworking General Laborers for multiple active construction projects throughout the Core Bay Area . This role supports various trades and site operations on commercial ...

General Laborer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.50/hr

We are seeking reliable and hardworking General Laborers for multiple active construction projects throughout the Core Bay Area . This role supports various trades and site operations on commercial ...

General Construction Laborer

Placerville, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Description We are looking for a capable and reliable general laborer to join our team. You'll take direction from the project foreman to help prepare job sites, load and unload construction ...

General Laborer

Pacific Palisades, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are seeking an experienced General Laborer for ongoing construction work in the Pacific Palisades area. This role is hands-on and requires prior experience with foundation-related tasks ...

General Laborer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are seeking an experienced General Laborer for ongoing construction work in the Pacific Palisades area. This role is hands-on and requires prior experience with foundation-related tasks ...

General Laborer

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

General Laborer - Construction Job Summary: The general laborer in construction performs various physical tasks to aid the progress of construction projects. This role requires physical stamina ...

General Laborer - Construction Job Summary: The general laborer in construction performs various physical tasks to aid the progress of construction projects. This role requires physical stamina ...

General Laborer

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

General Laborer - Construction Job Summary: The general laborer in construction performs various physical tasks to aid the progress of construction projects. This role requires physical stamina ...

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General Laborer

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

A General Laborer plays a crucial role in supporting various manual tasks in construction, warehouses, or manufacturing settings, often working within a small team of 1-5 members. This position ...

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Construction General Laborer information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$28

How much do construction general laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction general laborer in California is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a construction general laborer?

Construction General Laborers are workers who perform a variety of tasks on construction sites. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning job sites, loading and unloading materials, setting up scaffolding, assisting skilled tradespeople, and operating some types of machinery. They play a crucial role in supporting the construction process and ensuring that projects run smoothly. General laborers may work in different weather conditions and sometimes handle physically demanding tasks. No formal education is typically required, but on-the-job training is common.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a construction general laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Construction General Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic knowledge of construction processes, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with common hand and power tools, as well as OSHA safety certification, is typically required. Strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, productivity, and quality on construction sites.

What are some common challenges faced by construction general laborers on a job site?

Construction General Laborers often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and maintaining safety standards in a busy environment. They are frequently required to learn new tools or procedures quickly and must communicate effectively with supervisors and other crew members to ensure projects stay on schedule. Staying alert to potential hazards and being flexible with shifting priorities can help laborers succeed and grow in this role.

What is the difference between Construction General Laborer vs Construction Helper?

AspectConstruction General LaborerConstruction Helper
CredentialsNone typically required; OSHA safety trainingNone typically required; OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor and indoorConstruction sites, outdoor and indoor
Job DutiesAssisting skilled workers, site cleanup, material handlingSupporting tradespeople, carrying tools, preparing sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in general construction projectsOften used interchangeably with laborer, supporting construction tasks

The main difference between a Construction General Laborer and a Construction Helper is that laborers typically perform a broader range of physical tasks on-site, while helpers assist skilled tradespeople more directly. Both roles require safety training and are essential for construction projects, but laborers often handle more manual labor and site cleanup, whereas helpers focus on supporting specific trades.

How do I become a construction general laborer?

To become a construction general laborer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and physical stamina. Gaining experience through entry-level positions, learning to operate basic tools, and obtaining safety certifications like OSHA training can improve job prospects.

How much do construction general laborers make?

Construction general laborers typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Entry-level workers may start at lower rates, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working full-time shifts in a physically demanding environment.

What does a construction general laborer do in construction?

A construction general laborer performs physical tasks on construction sites, such as loading and unloading materials, assisting skilled workers, cleaning work areas, and helping with site preparation. They often use tools and follow safety protocols, and may need to operate basic equipment or perform manual labor in various weather conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Construction General Laborer jobs in California?

For Construction General Laborer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Construction General Laborer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Construction General Laborer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Construction General Laborer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Construction General Laborer job openings:

Infographic showing various Construction General Laborer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,970 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Construction General Laborer

K2 Staffing, LLC

Carlsbad, CA

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary

Our client is a well-established, high-end custom home design/build firm specializing in luxury residential construction throughout North County San Diego (Carlsbad, CA). Known for exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, they manage every phase of bespoke homebuilding — from initial design through final completion.

As their project portfolio continues to grow, they are seeking a dependable and hardworking Construction General Laborer to support daily field operations across multiple active job sites. This is a very hands-on role that combines general construction labor responsibilities with driving duties. The ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable working on active residential construction sites, assisting with demolition and cleanup, loading and unloading materials, and also safely operating a Ford F-450 dump truck to transport debris, tools, and supplies between job sites and disposal facilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with general construction labor duties on active residential job sites

• Support demolition work, including removal of fixtures, materials, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and other non-structural elements as directed by site supervisors

• Load, unload, move, and organize construction materials, tools, and equipment

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and overall readiness of multiple residential construction job sites

• Assist with general site maintenance tasks such as sweeping, staging materials, organizing tools, and removing job site hazards

• Provide hands-on support to superintendents, project managers, and subcontractors as needed throughout different phases of construction

• Coordinate with project managers and superintendents regarding hauling priorities, material deliveries, and site logistics

• Safely operate a Ford F-450 dump truck with lift to transport construction debris, demolition materials, tools, and supplies between active job sites and disposal facilities

• Perform regular dump runs, including loading, securing, transporting, and unloading construction waste and recyclable materials

• Conduct routine vehicle inspections and basic maintenance checks to ensure safe and compliant operation

• Keep accurate records of dump receipts, mileage, fuel usage, and vehicle service needs

• Ensure compliance with all traffic laws, OSHA safety standards, and company safety protocols

• Represent the company professionally while interacting with subcontractors, vendors, and homeowners

Qualifications & Requirements

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License with clean driving record

• Minimum 2+ years of truck driving experience, preferably in construction, landscaping, material hauling, or related industries

• Experience operating larger work vehicles such as Ford F-450/F-550 trucks, dump trucks, or towing equipment

• Previous hands-on construction labor experience strongly preferred

• Comfortable performing physical labor throughout the workday, including lifting, loading, demolition, cleanup, and material handling

• Ability to safely lift and carry 50+ pounds regularly

• Strong understanding of construction site safety procedures and OSHA best practices

• Reliable, punctual, hardworking, and able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Basic mechanical aptitude for identifying vehicle maintenance or equipment issues

• Strong communication skills and team-oriented attitude

• Must be comfortable transitioning between driving responsibilities and physical construction labor throughout the day

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting custom home construction or luxury residential projects

• Familiarity with North County San Diego dump facilities and hauling routes

• Forklift or equipment operation experience is a plus

• OSHA 10 certification preferred, but not required

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Frequent bending, lifting, kneeling, climbing, walking on uneven terrain, and physical labor throughout the day

• Ability to move between driving responsibilities and active construction site labor as needed