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Construction Craft Labourer, Construction Worker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Construction craft workers work on a wide variety of buildings, structures and premises. Examples are sewer and water mains, industrial construction sites, roads, dams, bridges, tunnels, railways and pipelines.
Their duties vary from one job to another. But in general, they:
Construction craft workers work mainly outdoors. They work in all weather conditions. They often work overtime during peak construction periods.
There is some risk of injury when working on construction sites. Construction craft workers must wear safety gear (hardhats, gloves and steel-toed boots) and follow safety programs and legislation.
Construction craft workers sometimes have to work at heights.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing to sort, clean and pile salvaged materials; in removing rubble and other debris using rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and other equipment; in cleaning up chemical spills and other contaminants, and removing asbestos and other hazardous materials; and in directing traffic at, or near, construction sites
Interest in operating pneumatic hammers, vibrators and tampers; and in tending and feeding machines and equipment such as mixers, compressors and pumps
Interest in assisting to drill and blast rock, to align pipes and perform related activities during oil and gas pipeline construction and to demolish buildings using prying bars and other tools
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Construction craft workers need:
They should enjoy being physically active and doing work that produces visible results. They should be comfortable working outdoors and using hand and power tools.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 1239 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 15, 2024 and Apr 22, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Load, unload and transport construction materials | 1179 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites | 984 |
| Tasks: Mix, pour and spread materials | 978 |
| Tasks: Clean and pile salvaged materials | 806 |
| Experience: Will train | 791 |
| Tasks: Erect and dismantle concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks shoring and barricades | 629 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 608 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 594 |
| Tasks: Assist in framing houses, erecting walls and building roofs | 570 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 516 |
Construction craft worker is a designated trade in Alberta. Training and certification are not required in order to work, but trainees can apply to Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for a trade certificate.
To register for certification based on training, prospective trainees must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire them. They must also have completed grade 9, equivalent education, or pass the entrance exam. Most employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or related experience. Training for construction craft workers includes at least 2,000 hours and 12 months of work experience.
Applicants looking for certification based on work experience need at least 3000 hours and 18 months of hands-on experience as a construction craft worker.
Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit or certification. Credits may reduce the hours required.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Asbestos workers are employed in construction and other occupations requiring the removal of asbestos containing materials.
Under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code [pdf], workers who work with asbestos must be adequately trained to perform the work safely. An asbestos worker required to work in a restricted area must have successfully completed an asbestos training course approved by the Government of Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Asbestos Worker.
Construction craft workers prepare and clean up construction sites, move materials and equipment, and perform demolition, excavation and compaction activities. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
In Alberta, optional government-legislated certification is available for construction craft workers.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Construction Craft Worker.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Construction craft workers work for a variety of contractors.
Experienced construction craft workers may advance to supervisory or foreman roles.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7611: Construction trades helpers and labourers occupational group, 79.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7611: Construction trades helpers and labourers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 314 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment prospects in the construction industry change with the season and economy.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Experienced construction craft workers earn from $19 to $40 an hour plus benefits (2020 estimates).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $30.00 | $20.43 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $18.75 | $33.65 | $25.02 | $24.40 |
| Top | $21.00 | $42.60 | $30.44 | $28.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $48,346 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $49,679 |
| Construction | $48,217 |
| Manufacturing | $49,508 |
| Wholesale Trade | $58,248 |
| Retail Trade | $38,939 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $35,050 |
| Public Administration | $56,110 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
