ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 Bowie

Laborer, Sr.-Public Works

Bowie, MD · On-site

$22.96/hr

The successful candidate will have the ability to understand and follow directions, along with the ability to perform heavy manual labor. Essential job functions will include, but not be limited to:

City of Norwalk, CT

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.

City of Norwalk

Maintainer I (Laborer)

Norwalk, CT

$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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHeavy Manual Labor Jobs

Heavy Manual Labor information

See salary details

$8

$17

$32

How much do heavy manual labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 hardest manual labor jobs?

Heavy manual labor jobs such as construction work, logging, and roofing are among the most physically demanding, often requiring strength, endurance, and the ability to work in challenging environments. These roles typically involve heavy lifting, prolonged physical activity, and exposure to weather conditions, making them some of the most strenuous in the industry.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Heavy manual labor jobs such as commercial construction, specialized equipment operation, or skilled trades like welding can pay around $10,000 per month for experienced workers. These roles often require physical skill, certifications, or apprenticeships but typically do not require a college degree.

What is the highest paid manual labor job?

Heavy manual labor jobs such as oil rig workers, construction managers, and specialized trades like elevator installers tend to have the highest wages in manual labor fields. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and physical endurance, with some earning over $80,000 annually depending on experience and location.

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.

What is considered a heavy labor job?

A heavy labor job involves physically demanding work that often requires lifting, carrying, digging, or operating heavy machinery. These jobs typically require strength, stamina, and sometimes specialized certifications or safety training, and are common in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing environments.
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 55% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,058 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

City of Vero Beach

Vero Beach, FL

$25.82/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS Under general supervision, operates a variety of motorized equipment utilized in construction, repair, and maintenance of streets, storm sewers, water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems, canals, parks and public rights-of-way; and performs related duties as assigned. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Transports workers to work site, participates in the maintenance of drainage ditches, canals, swales, culverts and storm sewers and public rights-of-way and assists with maintenance work as necessary. Operates one or more general to specialized pieces of medium or heavy equipment such as, but not limited to, backhoe, trencher, bucket truck, Vac Con, dump and/or other trucks, street sweepers, specialized and/or other medium or heavy equipment. Hauls debris, concrete and asphalt, trims trees, digs, pushes, piles, and/or loads materials.

Performs a variety of equipment preventative maintenance duties; cleans, greases, and fuels equipment, and identifies and/or performs basic service and repair work. Supports and actively promotes the City's safety programs. Follows standard operating procedures, observes safety practices and reports or corrects potential safety hazards.

Performs other construction, repair, maintenance operations related work, and performs manual labor as required by work assignment. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge of street and storm drainage maintenance practices and procedures including the proper use of tools and equipment. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices applicable to maintenance work.

Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles, equipment, power or hand tools. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively. OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS: Essential personnel; on call 24 hours for emergencies. Exposure to potential physical harm, dangerous machinery, moving traffic, infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.

Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time in all weather extremes. Ability to lift and carry heavy or bulky items (80-100 lbs.) frequently. Must be able to wear PPE required to perform the essential functions of the job

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT: City vehicles (dump trucks, boom truck, Vac Con truck, cranes, truck and trailer, tractor/trailer), various heavy construction equipment, front-end loader, backhoe, auxiliary pumps, air compressor, concrete saw, generators, jack hammer, chain saw and common hand tools. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A minimum of one year of construction or other experience in performing heavy manual labor in an outdoor environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class B.

Depending upon area of assignment, will be required to have Tanker Endorsement. Depending upon area of assignment, will be required to have a Confined Space Certification. Possession of F.D.O.T

Flagging Certificate. Class C license in Stormwater where applicable.

Apply