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Heavy Manual Labor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Niktor LLC

General Labor

Lake Havasu City, AZ · On-site

$22/hr

Perform heavy manual labor, primarily indoors during night shifts * Move and position large refrigerated and frozen food cases using wheeled dollies * Regularly push and maneuver cases weighing 60-70 ...

City of La Porte, Texas

Solid Waste Worker

La Porte, TX · On-site

$18.63 - $23.29/hr

Until Filled DEFINITION To perform heavy manual labor in the collection and the removal of refuse, trash, brush, and solid waste. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from ...

City of Tacoma, WA

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$43.75 - $48.24/hr

Position demands performing heavy manual labor, including lifting/moving objects weighing up to 75 pounds and working in awkward positions under and around vehicles and equipment. * Typical heavy ...

City of Tacoma

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$43.75 - $48.24/hr

Position demands performing heavy manual labor, including lifting/moving objects weighing up to 75 pounds and working in awkward positions under and around vehicles and equipment. Typical heavy ...

City of Norwalk

Maintainer I (Laborer)

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Minimum Qualifications One (1) year of experience performing related heavy manual labor. Special Licenses/Certifications AND/OR Supplemental Information License or Certificate: Valid Driver's License.

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Heavy Manual Labor information

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$8

$17

$32

How much do heavy manual labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy manual labor in the United States is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are heavy manual labor jobs?

Heavy manual labor jobs involve physically demanding tasks that require significant strength, stamina, and endurance. These jobs often include lifting, moving, carrying heavy objects, operating machinery, and performing repetitive physical tasks, typically in industries like construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and agriculture. Workers in heavy manual labor roles may also be responsible for loading and unloading materials, digging or excavation, and maintaining equipment, often working outdoors or in challenging environments. Safety training and proper technique are crucial to prevent injuries in these positions.

What are some common physical challenges faced in heavy manual labor roles, and how can workers manage them safely?

Heavy manual labor roles often involve lifting, carrying, or moving large objects, which can put strain on the back, shoulders, and joints. Workers may also experience fatigue from repetitive tasks and long hours on their feet. To manage these challenges, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, take regular breaks, and utilize any available safety equipment. Many employers provide safety training and encourage teamwork to distribute demanding tasks more evenly. Staying hydrated and maintaining good physical fitness can also help reduce the risk of injury.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Manual Laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Manual Laborer, you need physical strength, stamina, basic math skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift or machinery certifications are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and the successful completion of physically demanding tasks.

What is the difference between Heavy Manual Labor vs Construction Laborer?

AspectHeavy Manual LaborConstruction Laborer
CredentialsNone required, physical fitness importantNone required, physical fitness important
Work EnvironmentVarious, including outdoor and industrial sitesConstruction sites, outdoor and indoor
Industry UsageBroad, including manufacturing, warehousing, and constructionPrimarily construction projects
Job TasksHeavy lifting, moving materials, physical tasksMaterial handling, site preparation, assisting trades

Heavy Manual Labor and Construction Laborer roles both involve physically demanding work, often outdoors, with minimal formal credentials required. Heavy Manual Labor covers a broader range of industries, while Construction Laborer is specific to construction sites. The main difference lies in the industry focus, but both require strength, stamina, and safety awareness.

More about Heavy Manual Labor jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Manual Labor jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Manual Labor job openings:
What states have the most Heavy Manual Labor jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Manual Labor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Manual Labor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Manual Labor jobs are:
Heavy Manual Labor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Manual Labor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,058 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
H6080 - Laborer Wage

H6080 - Laborer Wage

Virginia Department of Transportation

Lancaster, VA • On-site

$17.33 - $28.17/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

597th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


Perform a combination of skilled equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and manual labor tasks to maintain Virginia's roadways. Perform special duties as assigned.
How you will contribute:
  • Emergency Operations : Operate and maintain light, medium, and heavy-duty highway equipment to perform maintenance and construction activities.
  • Job Safety : Demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Identify workplace hazards and make suggestions for improvements to ensure workplace safety. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws, and procedures (OSHA, VOSHA, etc.). Use equipment properly and safely. Apply MUTCD for detours, lane closures, work zones, etc. Maintain clean, orderly, and safe work environment. Follow VDOT safety regulations and practices.
  • Manual Labor : Participate as a working member of the crew to complete projects and accomplish objectives. Perform manual labor and other maintenance tasks as needed for project completion.
  • Perform duties as assigned.:
  • Preventative Maintenance : Perform maintenance repair, replacement, preventative maintenance, and manual labor. Complete pre-trip inspections for any vehicle or equipment operated.

    • What will make you successful:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor and lift to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
  • Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.

    • Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
  • Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Knowledge of highway maintenance equipment, materials, methods, and procedures.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of hand-held and power tools.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of light and medium equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.
  • Valid driver's license.

    • Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Equipment Repair, Construction, Maintenance, or related field desired.
  • Experience performing roadway maintenance or construction activities.
  • Experience with emergency operations to include snow removal, storms, and accident clean-up.
  • Skill in equipment operation and performing preventive maintenance.

    • Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
    Competency Model
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements
    VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
    VDOT Code of Ethics
    Standards of Conduct
    Qualifications
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements

    What Virginia Department Of Transportation employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

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