ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Heavy Manual Labor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Department of Transportation

$42K - $68K/yr

Ability to perform heavy manual labor. * Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions. * Ability to read and interpret plans and sketches. * Ability to work on a team to complete work ...

Virginia Department of Transportation

VA · On-site

$39K - $64K/yr

Ability to perform heavy manual labor. * Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions. * Ability to read and interpret plans and sketches. * Ability to work on a team to complete work ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsConstruction 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 Sep 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 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 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 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 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 jobs require a lot of heavy manual labor?

Heavy manual labor jobs include construction workers, miners, agricultural laborers, warehouse workers, and movers. These roles typically involve lifting, carrying, and operating heavy equipment, often requiring physical strength, stamina, and safety training. Workers may use tools like shovels, forklifts, or power tools and often work outdoors or in physically demanding 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% 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.

11552 - Operator Maintenance

Virginia Department of Transportation

Louisa, VA • On-site

$39K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain light, medium, and heavy-duty highway equipment and vehicles to perform maintenance, construction, and emergency roadway tasks.

  • Perform manual labor tasks, including manual maintenance, project completion activities, and manual labor as part of a crew.

  • Install, maintain, and remove traffic control devices for work zones, detours, and lane closures using MUTCD standards.

Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

594th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


Perform a combination of equipment operations, preventive maintenance, and manual labor tasks related to roadway maintenance. Perform a combination of skilled equipment operations, preventive maintenance and manual labor tasks in roadway maintenance. Perform emergency roadway operations as an essential employee.
How you will contribute:
  • Emergency Operations: Operate and maintain light and medium-duty equipment to perform maintenance and construction related work tasks.
  • Emergency Operations: Prepare and operate equipment for snow and ice removal or other types of emergency operations. Clear roadways of snow, ice and debris, and clean up after accidents. Provide traffic control.
  • Equipment Operations: Operate and maintain light, medium and heavy-duty highway equipment and vehicles to perform maintenance and construction related work tasks.
  • Job Safety: Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Identify workplace safety hazards and make suggestions for improvement. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Develop and maintain knowledge of current 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.
  • Job Safety: Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Identify workplace safety hazards and make suggestions for improvement. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws and procedures (OSHA and 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.
  • Manual Labor: Participate as a working member of the crew to complete projects and accomplish objectives. Perform manual labor and other maintenance tasks to complete assigned work. Use a variety of hand and power tools to completed assigned tasks.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Perform maintenance repair, replacement and preventive maintenance. Complete pre-trip inspections for any vehicle or equipment operated.
  • Traffic Control Devices: Install, maintain and remove traffic control devices for work zones, detours, lane closures, etc., in assigned areas using the MUTCD. Assist in tracking inventory and maintaining records.

    • What will make you successful:
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions, read and interpret work plans and specifications, and complete accurate work documentation.
  • Ability to maintain inventory records and complete simple paperwork.
  • Ability to obtain valid CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
  • Ability to operate and maintain hand and power tools.
  • Ability to operate and maintain light and medium duty equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
  • Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and sketches.
  • Ability to work on a team to complete work assignments.
  • Knowledge and application of work zone safety, traffic controls and flagging operations to include the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding traffic control devices.
  • Knowledge of highway maintenance equipment, materials, methods, and procedures.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of light, medium, and heavy duty equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.
  • Skills related to materials, methods, and procedures for performing highway maintenance and operating equipment.
  • Working knowledge of work zone traffic control standards and techniques.

    • Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to obtain CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
  • Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Knowledge of highway maintenance equipment, materials, methods, and procedures.
  • Safety shoes required.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of light, medium, and heavy duty equipment used for highway maintenance and repair.

    • Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Maintenance, Vehicle Operations or related field desired.
  • Experience in emergency operations to include snow removal, storms and accident clean-up.
  • Experience in roadway maintenance and construction.
  • Experience performing preventive maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
  • Valid Commercial Drivers License with appropriate endorsements.

    • 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

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

    Apply