A guide to hiring construction workers
Quick insights
- Hiring construction workers enables your business to take on more projects and meet seasonal demand.
- You can choose between full-time employees and contract workers depending on your business needs.
- Depending on your project, you might consider hiring general laborers, those in skilled trades (like painters or electricians) or equipment operators.
When your construction business starts growing, you may find yourself needing more support on site. Bringing on construction workers could help your business take on bigger jobs, meet project deadlines and reduce the strain on your existing crew.
For growing businesses, hiring employees could be an important step toward long-term growth. Here's a look at what you might consider when hiring construction workers, from reviewing costs to interviewing candidates.
Considering the cost of hiring a construction worker
The cost of hiring a construction worker goes beyond wages. You might also factor in workers' compensation insurance, equipment, safety gear and training time. Skilled trades tend to command higher pay than general labor, which could influence your budget. Some states may require you to post a salary range with your job listing, so checking local requirements can help you stay compliant. Reviewing employee onboarding costs ahead of time might help you budget more accurately.
Weighing full-time vs. contract construction workers
One key decision is whether to hire full-time employees or work with contract construction workers. Full-time hires can offer stability and team cohesion for ongoing projects. Contract workers, on the other hand, might provide flexibility for short-term jobs and seasonal surges.
A temp-to-hire approach could also give you a chance to evaluate a worker's skills and fit before committing to a permanent role. If you're considering hiring a part-time employee, that flexible option might also be worth exploring.
Types of construction workers
Construction encompasses a range of roles, and the type of worker you need can depend on your project.
General laborers
General laborers handle physical tasks like site preparation, handling materials and cleanup. They typically require less specialized training and may be able to fill roles quickly.
Skilled trades
Examples of skilled trades include carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters. These roles require specific training or licenses and might take longer to fill.
Equipment operators
Equipment operators run machinery like forklifts, excavators and cranes. Certifications may be required depending on the equipment and your state.
Finding construction workers for your project
Where you look for construction workers could affect both speed and quality. Employee referrals are often one of the fastest and most reliable channels, since current employees can vouch for the people they recommend. Union halls and construction-specific staffing agencies might also connect you with verified candidates quickly. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs may take longer to produce results but could help you build a pipeline for future hiring needs. If you're managing human resources with a small team, specialized agencies might help reduce the workload.
Common skills in a construction worker
Beyond technical abilities, certain qualities might help you identify strong construction worker candidates.
Prioritizing safety
Safety awareness is foundational on any construction site. You might look for candidates who take safety protocols seriously, including proper use of personal protective equipment and relevant certifications.
Assessing physical readiness and reliability
Construction work is physically demanding, so stamina and endurance matter. Reliability, including showing up on time and following through on tasks, might also set strong candidates apart.
Verifying credentials
Depending on the role, you could check for safety certifications, trade licenses or work authorization. Verifying these credentials before making an offer can help you avoid issues later.
Writing a construction worker job description
A clear job description can help attract the right candidates. Including the job title, responsibilities, required skills, physical demands, safety expectations, pay rate and benefits could give candidates a realistic picture of the role. Being transparent about pay and expectations upfront may also help reduce mismatches. If the role involves onboarding new hires, mentioning your orientation process can signal that you invest in your team.
Interviewing construction worker candidates
Interviews can help you assess experience, safety habits and overall fit. One option might be to ask about previous job site experience and how candidates handle working in various weather conditions. Another prompt could focus on their approach to safety on site. Checking references from recent supervisors might also provide valuable insight.
If you plan to convert a temp worker to a permanent role, a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan could give the new hire a clear path forward. And since hiring is just the beginning, improving employee retention might help you keep the workers you've taken time to bring on.
The bottom line
Hiring construction workers could help your business take on more projects, meet deadlines and reduce strain on your current team. Whether you choose full-time employees, contract workers or a temp-to-hire approach, reviewing the costs, types and skills to look for might help you feel more prepared. A clear job description and thoughtful interview process can also help you attract and identify the right candidates for your next project.
