Construction Laborers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (6%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 30 (94%)

• Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Spray materials, such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco, through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces, such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about construction laborers and AI