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Tunnel Labourer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

The twin 45' diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2027. Key ...

FIELD LABORER

San Angelo, TX ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

FIELD LABORER

Bryan, TX

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

FIELD LABORER

Bryan, TX ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

FIELD LABORER

San Angelo, TX ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

FIELD LABORER

San Angelo, TX

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

FIELD LABORER

Bryan, TX ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air ...

Skilled Laborer

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The twin 45' diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2027. Key ...

Showing results 41-60

Tunnel Labourer information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do tunnel labourer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for tunnel labourer in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tunnel labourer?

Tunnel labourers are construction workers who assist with the building, maintenance, and repair of tunnels. Their tasks include preparing work sites, transporting materials, operating basic machinery, and supporting skilled tradespeople such as tunnel engineers and miners. Tunnel labourers often work in challenging environments, including underground or confined spaces, and must follow strict safety protocols. This job requires physical strength, teamwork, and a willingness to work in potentially hazardous conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a tunnel labourer?

To thrive as a Tunnel Labourer, you need physical stamina, basic construction knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with construction tools, heavy machinery, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient tunnel construction and help prevent accidents in challenging underground environments.

What challenges do tunnel labourers face on site, and how are they addressed?

Tunnel labourers often work in confined, low-light environments where safety is paramount. Challenges can include exposure to dust, noise, and the need to operate heavy machinery in tight spaces. Teams address these issues through strict adherence to safety protocols, regular training, and the use of personal protective equipment. Collaboration with engineers, supervisors, and fellow crew members is essential to maintain workflow and ensure everyone's safety during excavation, support installation, and material handling tasks.

What is the difference between Tunnel Labourer vs Tunnel Miner?

AspectTunnel LabourerTunnel Miner
CredentialsBasic safety training, site-specific certificationsAdditional certifications for operating machinery and blasting
Work EnvironmentAssisting with site preparation, cleanup, and support tasks in tunnelsExtracting minerals or resources from underground tunnels
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure, and tunneling projectsMining companies and resource extraction industries
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level roles in tunnelingMore specialized, focused on resource extraction

The main difference is that a Tunnel Labourer provides support and assistance in tunnel construction projects, while a Tunnel Miner is involved in extracting minerals or resources from underground tunnels. The Labourer role is more general and entry-level, whereas the Miner has specialized skills and certifications for resource extraction activities.

How to get work as a tunnel labourer?

To work as a tunnel labourer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and the ability to work in confined and challenging environments. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, use of hand tools, and sometimes a construction or safety certification; experience in construction or underground work can improve job prospects.
More about Tunnel Labourer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Tunnel Labourer jobs?

The most popular types of Tunnel Labourer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Tunnel Labourer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,442 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Laborer (ALL SHIFTS OPEN)

Obayashi Corporation

Manchester, NH โ€ข On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

OBAYASHI - JAY DEE, JV is seeking a Laborer to provide essential support for our project in Manchester, NH. This position reports to the Foreman and plays a key role in maintaining site safety and efficiency. This is an hourly, nonexempt position. Start pay at $23.00/hr DOE.
The Department of Labor Standards (DLS) establishes prevailing wage rates for construction and other public works projects. These wage schedules are issued to cities, towns, counties, districts, authorities, and state agencies. All workers on public projects must be paid the applicable prevailing wage. Rates vary by region, type of work, and other factors.
Responsibilities
  • Clean and prepare the job site, maintain a safe work environment, inspect the work area for hazards, and report any potential issues.
  • Perform general site cleanup and debris removal.
  • Assist with unloading materials and deliveries.
  • Hand excavation, trenching, grading, and backfilling.
  • Support concrete work: placing, vibrating, screeding, and patching.
  • Set up ladders, scaffolding, and temporary weather protection.
  • Safely operate a variety of hand tools (shovels, picks, digging bars) and power tools (jackhammers, drills, concrete saws), and potentially heavy machinery.
  • Assist with installing drains, sewers, and piping.
  • Perform demolition, fire watch, and erosion control tasks.
  • Tend to other trades and provide material handling support
  • Able to carry or move 40lbs of materials multiple times an hour without any assistance; stand or move materials.

Work Environment
  • Above ground supporting the tunneling operation underground
  • The job is physically demanding and requires working in various climates and temperatures, often in noisy, dirty, and wet conditions.
  • May require extended hours, nights, weekends, and on-call for emergencies.
  • A willingness to work shifts, which may include weekends and overtime, as necessary.
  • Able to maintain composure in potentially stressful situations.
  • Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
  • Involves close collaboration with a team of engineers, geologists, equipment operators, and safety officers.

Qualifications
  • Safety Orientation: A strong commitment to safety protocols and the ability to comply with all federal and state safety regulations (OSHA certification is often required).
  • Experience: Previous experience in the construction industry, particularly underground construction, mining, or drilling, is preferred.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Familiarity with operating and maintaining a range of construction tools and equipment.
  • Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, the ability to work effectively in a team, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are essential.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
  • OSHA 10 or 30 trained required

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with tunnel-specific equipment (TBM, locomotives, slurry systems).
  • Familiarity with underground construction practices.
  • Qualified Rigger or Certified Rigger preferred

Physical requirements
Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. unassisted, and the capacity to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces. Tunnel work also demands high stamina for activities like climbing, balancing, and handling materials, often for extended hours and in challenging conditions.
Strength and mobility
  • Lifting: Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs. unassisted.
  • Movement: Requires the ability to stoop, bend, crawl, twist, and move the entire body, often in tight or confined spaces.
  • Endurance: Needs to use muscles for extended periods, such as for climbing, balancing, and handling materials.

Stamina and physical activity
  • Stamina: Must have the stamina to work long hours, which can include extended periods and weekends.
  • Manual Dexterity: May need to use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.

Work environment and conditioning
  • Environmental tolerance: Must be able to work in various environments, such as underground, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures.
  • Physical conditioning: The role involves performing constant, strenuous physical activities, which can be challenging.
  • Shift work: A willingness to work shifts, which may include weekends and overtime, as necessary.
  • Willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
BENEFITS
Obayashi Offers Competitive Market Salaries and a Benefits Package including:
  • Medical PPO Plan
  • Dental DPO Plan
  • Vision Insurance
  • Employee Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan Matching

About Obayashi
Obayashi Corporation has delivered quality solutions to infrastructure challenges across the globe for more than 130 years. Founded in 1892, Obayashi is the largest Japanese Contractor and the fourth-largest International Contractor conducting business in the United States. Obayashi has been operating and completing projects in the United States since 1979. Obayashi provides a full range of general contractor services in both public works and private sectors including: office buildings, residences, tunnels, highways, rail systems, bridges, artificial islands, airports and nuclear power plants. Other services include urban planning and architecture, real estate and property development, environmental, and waste services. The North American Operations consolidated revenue is over $3 billion in the United States and Canada.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Obayashi Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. The Company is committed to compliance with all applicable laws, providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of the Company, including supervisors and coworkers.
To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the Company will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result. If you need accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department by either visiting Obayashi Corporation at 950 Tower Lane, Ste 800, Foster City, CA 94404 or call (650) 952-4910.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.