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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 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Construction trades helpers and labourers
2023 OaSIS: 75110.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
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 233 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 07, 2025 and Nov 03, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Load, unload and transport construction materials | 216 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites | 200 |
| Tasks: Clean and pile salvaged materials | 162 |
| Tasks: Mix, pour and spread materials | 153 |
| Experience: Will train | 123 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 113 |
| Tasks: Erect and dismantle concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks shoring and barricades | 113 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 113 |
| Tasks: Clean up chemical spills and other contaminants | 111 |
| Tasks: Perform routine maintenance work | 106 |
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 program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
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: 2021-2025 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.
Construction trades helpers and labourers
2016 NOC: 7611
79.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
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 examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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 examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
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 examples, see Note.
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 2021 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 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 | $16.60 | $32.75 | $22.23 | $22.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $43.27 | $27.84 | $26.85 |
| Top | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.41 | $32.00 |
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 | $56,025 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $55,171 |
| Construction | $56,530 |
| Manufacturing | $54,409 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $51,284 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $41,787 |
| Public Administration | $48,256 |
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.
