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Entry Level Construction Laborer Jobs in Pullman, WA

Entry Level Construction Laborer information

See Pullman, WA salary details

$11

$20

$28

How much do entry level construction laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level construction laborer in Pullman, WA is $20.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level construction laborer do?

As an entry-level construction laborer, your job is to follow instructions from a supervisor and help build or construct something. Residential and commercial facilities are the most popular type of project, but in this career, you may also lay pipes, fix roads, or perform a variety of other tasks. In this role, you may use heavy equipment to transport materials to the worksite, load and unload vehicles, use a variety of construction tools, and otherwise aid the construction process. As an entry-level worker, your primary job is to learn more about how to do your job, and many employers use this as a type of extended training phase.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level construction laborer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Construction Laborer, you need basic knowledge of construction practices, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as adherence to OSHA safety guidelines, is typically required. Strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient project completion and smooth site operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level construction laborers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level construction laborers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to use various tools safely, and understanding site-specific safety protocols. Adjusting to early start times and working in varying weather conditions can also be difficult at first. These challenges can be managed by maintaining good physical fitness, actively participating in safety training, and seeking guidance from experienced coworkers. Over time, laborers develop skills and confidence, making the work more manageable and opening up opportunities for advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Construction Laborer vs Construction Apprentice?

AspectEntry Level Construction LaborerConstruction Apprentice
CredentialsNo formal certifications required; on-the-job trainingOften requires basic OSHA safety training; may be enrolled in apprenticeship programs
Work EnvironmentActive construction sites, physical laborActive sites with structured training, mentorship
Employer UsageCommon entry point for construction companiesTraining role, often sponsored by unions or contractors
Search IntentEntry level construction jobs, laborer rolesTraining, apprenticeship, entry-level construction

In summary, Entry Level Construction Laborers perform basic physical tasks on construction sites with minimal formal requirements, while Construction Apprentices are in a structured training program, gaining skills and certifications for future roles in construction.

How to start as an entry level construction laborer?

To start as an entry-level construction laborer, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent, be physically fit, and be willing to learn on the job. Gaining basic knowledge of tools and safety procedures, and obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training, can improve your chances of employment. Many employers offer on-the-job training for new workers in construction environments.

Is it hard to become an entry level construction laborer?

Becoming an entry level construction laborer generally requires minimal formal education and on-the-job training, making it accessible for many. Physical fitness, willingness to learn, and basic safety knowledge are important, and some employers may require a valid driver's license or OSHA safety certification. The job often involves manual labor in various weather conditions and can serve as a stepping stone to more skilled roles in construction.

What's the easiest entry level construction laborer job to get into?

Entry level construction laborer jobs are generally accessible with minimal experience and often do not require formal certifications. These roles typically involve basic tasks like site cleanup, material handling, and assisting skilled workers, making them among the easiest construction positions to obtain for newcomers.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Construction Laborer jobs in Pullman, WA?

For Entry Level Construction Laborer jobs in Pullman, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Construction Laborer jobs in Pullman, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Construction Laborer jobs in Pullman, WA are:

What cities near Pullman, WA are hiring for Entry Level Construction Laborer jobs?

Cities near Pullman, WA with the most Entry Level Construction Laborer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Construction Laborer job openings in Pullman, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,541 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Distributor Operator -- Lewiston/Clarkston

Clarkston, WA • On-site


Knife River Corporation

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 544 rated manufacturers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
Knife River has an excellent opportunity for a Distributor Operator. The Distributor Operator position consists of operating an asphalt distributor by applying specialized emulsions to roadways, which are then covered by a chip spreader. The operator is responsible for setting the pace for the paving operation. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Asphalt Distributor Operator.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must have an understanding, and ability to spray various asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
  • Must be able to workday shifts and night shifts. Shifts may vary according to project demands.
  • Must be able to work overtime and be flexible with hours (daytime/nighttime).
  • Ability to work outside in all seasons.
  • Must have transportation to departure area.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Drive and operate asphalt distributor truck equipped with tank to spray asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
  • Connect hose from storage tank to truck tank and moves lever to fill pressure tank with asphalt liquid.
  • Regulate burner to heat liquid and start auxiliary pump.
  • Snap or screw on spray bars to attain required width of spray.
  • Turn valve to regulate flow of material at specified rate and adjust levers to adjust height of spray bar from road surface.
  • Monitor flow gages, tachometer and temperature gauge to insure uniform distribution.
  • Perform daily safety checks of fluid levels on oil, water, fuel and inspections for leaks and damage to machine before operation.
  • Must be able to shoot tack, prime, and seal on a daily basis, as needed.
  • Responsible for the efficient working condition of the equipment; and is expected to perform minor servicing and maintenance or refer major problems to the supervisor.
  • May perform other related duties as instructed.
  • Timely and regular attendance is essential to the asphalt distributor position.

How To Apply:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Distributor Truck Driver position:
Air Force:
  • Ground Transportation Apprentice
  • Ground Transportation Journeyman
  • Ground Transportation Helper

Army:
  • Motor Transport Operator

Navy:
  • Equipment Operator

Marines:
  • Motor Vehicle Operator
  • Logistics Vehicle System Operator

NO PHONE CALLS - To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at www.kniferiver.com. If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River Central Idaho Division
2651 Wilma Rd
Clarkston, WA 99403
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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