ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Heavy Manual Labor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Rockville

Groundskeeper

Rockville, MD

$18/hr

Job Summary This position performs routine, repetitive, and physically demanding manual labor in all weather conditions. Work involves heavy lifting, operation of equipment, collection of recycling ...

City of Rockville, MD

Groundskeeper

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Experience in sanitation, heavy manual labor, grounds maintenance, landscaping, or similar work preferred. Licenses and Certifications * Valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license preferred.

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.

City of Bellevue, NE

LABORER

Bellevue, NE

$15 - $19.75/hr

Performance of unskilled to semi-skilled heavy manual labor of a diverse and physical nature. (Examples of duties performed: mowing, trimming, trash hauling, painting, gardening, playground upkeep ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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 is heavy manual labor?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,058 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

General Construction Labor

O.L. Thompson Construction Co Inc., Thompson Trucking Co., Inc.; Thompson Equipment Maintenance Inc.

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

O.L. Thompson Construction Co., Inc.

Job Title: General Construction Labor

Location: Charleston Metro, Tri-County Region (Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston Counties)

Job Description: This is a full-time position will perform general manual labor on the construction sites in the tri-county area. This would include shovel work, manual installations, preparation of site, and debris clean up.

No phone calls please. No Headhunter or staffing agencies. You may apply in person as needed by appointment at 4000 Faber Place, Suite 210, North Charleston, SC 29405.

General Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older to work in the field.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Must be able to work in all types of weather and conditions which may include, rain, heat, cold, mud, dirt, dust, humidity, loud environments, and extreme temperatures. Weather may alter your work schedule.
  • Must bring and wear personal protective gear daily as specified site by site which may include hard hat, glasses, safety vest, ear plugs which will be provided by the company.
  • You must provide and wear our own long pants, work-rated boot and at least a 4-inch sleeve or longer.
  • Must be able to reliably get to and from the jobsites on time every day in the tri-county area.
  • Must be able to following verbal and written instructions in English.
  • Must be able to work some evenings and weekends and overtime as needed or when required.
  • Must be able to perform repetitive heavy manual labor which may include but not limited to standing for long periods of time, sitting for long periods of time, climbing, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, lifting heavy items repeatedly.
  • Must be safety conscious and aware of your surroundings.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and ongoing quarterly testing.
  • Some positions require background checks and clean driving records (as specified).
  • All new hires will be on a 90-day probation.

Specific Requirements:

  • Responsible for preparing construction sites, removing debris and obstructions, and clean up. Also, any other manual labor as needed and not yet described.
  • Remove, fill, compact earth or rock manually or with shovel as needed. Also, water redirection as needed.
  • Knowledge of site construction is preferred. Landscaping or land clearing experience will also be considered.
  • Helping heavy equipment operators and skilled laborers with tasks as needed.
  • Being punctual, responsive, and respectful to directions by supervisors is essential.
  • Ability to follow directions and work both with a team and independently is required.
  • Ability to do repetitive manual labor in all weather is essential.
  • May be exposed to vehicular traffic, caution and awareness are essential.

Typical Hours: hours may vary but typical construction is 7:00 am-5:00 pm

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, EAP, Vision, 401K with company match and Profit Sharing, Vacation and Holidays, Safety Bonus Awards.

About O.L. Thompson Construction Co., Inc.

Founded in 1948, O.L. Thompson Construction Co., Inc. has served as one of the tri-county area’s premier site-work construction firms. Our main emphasis is in the area of site development, material handling, and transportation; our current scope of work includes demolition, clearing, grubbing, excavation, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, potable water, concrete, curbing, asphalt paving, and material recycling & processing. We have the capabilities to perform a turnkey operation in the area of site development. For more information, please visit our we