Vacancies
Working in Construction in the USA: How to Apply
Why is construction a good option for immigrants in the US? See everything here: Openings, salaries, best regions, and how to apply.
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Work at construction in the United States It is one of the most common entry points for immigrants seeking opportunities to improve their lives, save money faster, and have financial stability in dollars.
This sector stands out for having high demand for labor, especially in states like Florida, Texas, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, and North Carolina, in addition to accepting people with varying levels of English and experience.
Vacancies in Civil Construction
Why is construction a good option for immigrants in the US?
1️⃣ High demand: There are projects all year round, from residential renovations to large commercial constructions, which keeps the market buoyant.
2️⃣ Possibility of earning per day: Many employers pay weekly or daily, which helps with financial planning.
3️⃣ Physical work, but with learning: You learn skills like carpentry, painting, drywall, electrical work, and roofing, allowing you to grow and earn more over time.
4️⃣ Quick Entry: Many companies will hire you even without prior experience, as long as you are willing to work.
5️⃣ Networking opportunity: Many Brazilians start out as assistants and then work directly with clients or through subcontracts.
Construction Salaries in the US
Salaries in construction vary depending on the type of job, region, and level of experience. In general:
- Construction helper (helper/labor): US$ 120 to US$ 160 per day
- Painting: US$ 130 to US$ 180 per day
- Drywall: US$ 140 to US$ 200 per day
- Carpentry: US$ 150 to US$ 220 per day
- Roofing: US$ 150 to US$ 220 per day (depending on the type of service)
- Specific functions (electrician, plumber, construction foreman): US$ 180 to US$ 300 per day
This results in a monthly average between US$ 3,000 and US$ 5,500, depending on hours worked and weekends.
It's worth remembering that states with a higher cost of living (New York, California) tend to pay more, but housing costs are also higher.
Common Construction Jobs for Beginners
✅ Labor (helper): Carry materials, clean the site, assist with wood cutting and demolition.
✅ Painter: Sanding walls, applying primers and final painting in indoor and outdoor environments.
✅ Drywall Installer: Installation of drywall walls and ceilings, cutting and installing panels, and finishing with putty.
✅ Carpenter: Woodwork in structures, frames and finishes.
✅ Roofing: Roof installation and repair, removal of old tiles, laying of new layers.
✅ Concrete Work: Mixing and applying concrete for foundations, sidewalks and floors.
✅ Tile Installer: Installation of floors and coverings in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
Even those without experience can join as an assistant and learn over time, progressing to more specific roles that pay better.
How to Find Construction Jobs in the US
✅ Job sites:
- Indeed (indeed.com): Search for “construction labor”, “painter”, “drywall helper”, “roofer”.
- Craigslist (craigslist.org): Go to the “jobs” tab in your city and select “general labor” or “skilled trade”.
- SimplyHired (simplyhired.com): It also has good opportunities in local companies.
- Facebook Marketplace and Brazilian groups in the US: Many employers post daily vacancies.
✅ Other forms:
- Ask construction sites in your city if they need help.
- Talk to Brazilian acquaintances who already work on construction sites.
- Stop by construction material stores where service providers usually look for workers.
How to apply and increase your chances of being hired
📌 Prepare a simple resume in English, highlighting:
- Name and contact (US number and email).
- Schedule availability.
- Previous experience (if any).
- Ability to work as a team, follow instructions and physical fitness.
📌 Interview Tips:
- Dress cleanly, even if you are working on a construction site.
- Arrive on time.
- Show willingness and desire to learn.
- If your English is basic, prepare simple sentences to communicate your experience and availability.
Everyday life in construction in the USA
- Time: It starts early, usually between 6 and 7 am, and ends around 3 or 4 pm.
- Working days: Many work Monday through Friday, but there are opportunities to work Saturdays for extra income.
- Physical work: It involves carrying weight, standing for long periods, and dealing with dust and weather.
- Use of PPE: Helmet, boots and gloves are important for safety.
- Payment: It can be in cash, check or bank deposit, varying from employer to employer.
Is it worth working in construction in the US?
If you are looking for save money, work hard and learn a trade, the construction industry in the USA is an excellent opportunity.
Many Brazilians manage to save money to buy a car, pay rent, or send money to Brazil by working on construction projects.
Furthermore, it's a way to learn English in practice and make contacts to grow in the field or even open your own service in the future.
Conclusion
THE construction in the USA is a stable sector, with high demand for labor, wages from US$1.20 to US$1.20 per day and possibility of growth, even for beginners.
Using sites like Indeed and Craigslist and local networking, you can easily find vacancies and quickly start your work journey in dollars.
If you're looking for an opportunity to change your life and build your future, construction could be your first step toward financial stability in the US.
