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Construction helper vs construction worker

The differences between construction helpers and construction workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a construction helper has an average salary of $34,148, which is higher than the $31,842 average annual salary of a construction worker.

The top three skills for a construction helper include hand tools, construction sites and plumbing. The most important skills for a construction worker are roofing, safety rules, and sheetrock.

Construction helper vs construction worker overview

Construction HelperConstruction Worker
Yearly salary$34,148$31,842
Hourly rate$16.42$15.31
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs49,38153,067
Job satisfaction34.33
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age3939
Years of experience--

What does a construction helper do?

Construction helpers assist construction workers like carpenters, masons, painters, welders, etc. Their job is to help in unloading construction materials, setting up the equipment needed for the day's work, and cleaning up the worksite to prevent accidents during the night. Working as these helpers require skills like mechanical skills, organizational skills, and math skills. Aside from the mentioned skills, they also need to have stamina and strength to last the whole day lifting, stoop, and stand to complete the job on time.

What does a construction worker do?

Construction workers are part of a crew laborers responsible for a number of easy to extremely challenging and hazardous on-site constructions tasks such as preparing the area, clearing debris, building scaffolding, bracing, loading and unloading building materials, and assisting with operating heavy equipment like concrete mixers. They specialize in a variety of occupations that involve building homes and businesses, roads and highways, tearing down properties, removing high-risk materials, and in the digging of tunnels and mine shafts. They test machinery and equipment to ensure they are working properly. They may also transport stocks and materials from suppliers and vehicles to the job site.

Construction helper vs construction worker salary

Construction helpers and construction workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Construction HelperConstruction Worker
Average salary$34,148$31,842
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $43,000Between $23,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityLindenhurst, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyMorris & Ritchie Associates, Inc. (mra)CDM Smith
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between construction helper and construction worker education

There are a few differences between a construction helper and a construction worker in terms of educational background:

Construction HelperConstruction Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Construction helper vs construction worker demographics

Here are the differences between construction helpers' and construction workers' demographics:

Construction HelperConstruction Worker
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 89.1% Female, 10.9%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 30.6% Asian, 2.4% White, 48.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 27.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between construction helper and construction worker duties and responsibilities

Construction helper example responsibilities.

  • Unload equipment, such as shovels, lumber, hammers, power saws, air-compressors, powerdrills, concrete rebar.
  • Assist in a variety of construction jobs, including sheetrock installation and repair, painting, caulking, and general cleanup.
  • Set material in stands, racks, hoists, etc.
  • Assist carpenter in all formwork relate functions.
  • Help journeymen install HVAC and phone/data systems in commercial buildings.
  • Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations or compact and level earth to grade specifications.
  • Show more

Construction worker example responsibilities.

  • Manage and decide all remodel activities.
  • Operate cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments.
  • Operate the recycle baler machine.
  • Require PPE / OSHA requirements and respirator tests perform.
  • General cleaning responsibilities; run cash register and greet customers.
  • Assist in all phases of construction, demo, and remodeling on an apprentice basis
  • Show more

Construction helper vs construction worker skills

Common construction helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Construction Sites, 11%
  • Plumbing, 9%
  • Demolition, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 4%
Common construction worker skills
  • Roofing, 17%
  • Safety Rules, 12%
  • Sheetrock, 5%
  • Tape Measure, 4%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Masonry, 4%

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