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Public Works Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Laborer (Streets Dept.)

Dayton, TX ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Public Works Laborer (Street) Job Summary: The Street Laborer performs labor and a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintenance, construction, and repair work. This position is authorized ...

Laborer - Public Works

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site

$51K/yr

... as a Laborer within the DuPage County Public Works Department. This position will be based out of the Woodridge-Greene Valley Wastewater Treatment Facility. This position is included in the ...

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Public Works Laborer information

See salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do public works laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works laborer in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker?

AspectPublic Works LaborerMaintenance Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CDL or safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, city infrastructure projectsIndoor and outdoor, facilities, equipment, and building maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public works departmentsPublic and private sector facilities, property management
Common Search & Comparison IntentPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance WorkerPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker

The Public Works Laborer and Maintenance Worker roles often overlap in outdoor work and basic manual tasks. However, Public Works Laborers typically focus on city infrastructure projects, construction, and public service tasks, while Maintenance Workers handle building repairs, equipment upkeep, and facility maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific duties and employer settings differ.

What are some common challenges faced by public works laborers and how can they be addressed?

Public Works Laborers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and adapting to different types of public infrastructure projects. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and following established protocols. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Additionally, ongoing training in equipment operation and maintenance can help laborers stay effective and reduce workplace risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail are important soft skills that help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. These abilities are essential for maintaining public infrastructure, adhering to safety standards, and supporting the overall effectiveness of municipal services.

What does a public works laborer do?

The duties of a public works laborer include various manual labor tasks in a city. In this career, you operate power tools and equipment like air compressors, chainsaws, and lawn mowers, as well as heavy machinery like backhoes and cranes. Common jobs you may work as a public works laborer include maintaining or building roads, parks, sewage systems, and more. Most positions require the use of company vehicles. Depending on your specialization or department, your duties may revolve around cleaning, repairing, or installing public structures.

What is a public works laborer?

Public Works Laborers are workers employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to maintain and repair public infrastructure. Their duties typically include tasks such as road maintenance, sidewalk repairs, landscaping, sanitation, and assisting with construction projects. They may also be responsible for operating various machinery, cleaning public spaces, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of community areas. Public Works Laborers play a crucial role in keeping cities and towns functioning smoothly and safely for residents.
What cities are hiring for Public Works Laborer jobs? Cities with the most Public Works Laborer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Works Laborer jobs? The top employers for Public Works Laborer jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works Laborer jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works Laborer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Laborer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Laborer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Laborer jobs? For Public Works Laborer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Works Laborer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,452 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Full-Time Public Works Laborer

Peters Township

Venetia, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Salary: $28.76/Hr.

Laborers perform strenuous physical duties such as, but not limited to lifting and moving of equipment, and shoveling or loading bulk quantities of materials associated with the repair or maintenance of public streets, parks, landscaped islands, open space and other township owned facilities. When assigned Laborers operate a variety of licensed and unlicensed motor vehicles including but not limited to cars, light duty trucks and medium duty trucks. These motor vehicles may be equipped with either automatic or manual transmissions and require a Commercial Drivers License to operate. Some of these motor vehicles are equipped for such work as snow removal from public streets and municipal parking lots, hauling bulk quantities of aggregate or soil and performing mowing using large tractors. Work assignments are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Manually operates hand tools and minor equipment such as, but not limited to, shovels, rakes,
hammers, drills, wrenches, saws, spreaders, lawn mowers and chain saws.
Operates trucks equipped with specialized attachments for spreading materials and removing snow
accumulations from streets and parking lots including trucks requiring a Class B Commercial Drivers
License with Air Brake Endorsement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Performs custodial duties including, but not limited to, sweeping and mopping floors in Township
owned buildings.


Performs grounds keeping duties on properties located throughout the Township
Performs duties of flag person controlling vehicular traffic at job sites located on public streets or
highways.


Planting, cultivating and pruning trees and shrubs.


Performs other essential duties as assigned or required.


Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Experience and Training:

Two years of experience in physical outdoor conditions similar to that described under Work
Environment.

Licenses/Certification:

Possesses and maintains a Class B Commercial Drivers License with Air Brake Endorsement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Residency Requirement:

If hired for the position, public works employees must live and maintain their primary residence within 10 miles of the Public Works Garage as determined by a Google Maps calculation of driving distance.

Examination:

Qualified Candidates will receive an offer by email to participate in the examination. The examination is scheduled for Friday, August 28th at 9:00 a.m. The initial testing process for Laborers will include three elements:

  • A physical agility/skills test will be administered to all individuals whose applications have been accepted. This will be graded on a rating basis where an average score of three (3) or higher will be considered passing, though individuals who demonstrate proficiency in certain exercises will be given additional credit.
  • Those applicants who pass the physical agility/skills test shall take a written examination. A passing score for the written test shall be 70%. Applicants with passing scores will be ranked according to their score.
  • The applications of applicants who pass the written examination shall be graded to assign a score based on the elements required for the position.

A make-up date for the examination will not be provided.