--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 24,770
  annual_median    : $42,670
  annual_pct10     : $32,900
  annual_pct25     : $37,030
  annual_pct75     : $48,880
  annual_pct90     : $60,080
  annual_mean      : $45,140
  hourly_median    : $20.51

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Washington ($61,750)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($22,910)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.695x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (41 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:   20,640  median: $  42,580
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      960  median: $  42,620
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      850  median: $  51,630
  Manufacturing                            emp:      730  median: $  36,270
  Retail Trade                             emp:      480  median: $  38,700
  Educational Services                     emp:      320  median: $  46,930
  Utilities                                emp:      140  median: $  47,400
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      140  median: $  48,000
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:       70  median: $  44,150
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       70  median: $  26,000

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (11 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:   20,640  median: $  42,580
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      960  median: $  42,620
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      850  median: $  51,630
  Manufacturing                            emp:      730  median: $  36,270
  Retail Trade                             emp:      480  median: $  38,700
  Educational Services                     emp:      320  median: $  46,930
  Utilities                                emp:      140  median: $  47,400
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      140  median: $  48,000
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:       70  median: $  44,150
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       70  median: $  26,000

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T22:45:24.608428Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: North America's Building Trades Unions (similarity: 0.3896)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America's_Building_Trades_Unions
  QID: Q30640681
  Extract: The Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD), commonly known as North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), is a trade department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO) with 14 affiliated labor unions in the building trades. It was origin

  Title: Commission de la construction du Québec (similarity: 0.4615)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_de_la_construction_du_Qu%C3%A9bec
  QID: Q2986490
  Extract: The Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) is responsible for the application of the laws and regulations that govern the construction industry in the province of Quebec. Funded by the industry's employers and employees, the CCQ offers numerous services in the areas of social services, vocati

  Title: Superintendent (construction) (similarity: 0.4706)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superintendent_(construction)
  QID: Q15475273
  Extract: On large construction projects, the superintendent's job is to run the day-to-day operations on the construction site and control the short-term schedule. The role of the superintendent also includes important quality control and subcontractor coordination responsibilities. It is common for most fin

  Title: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (similarity: 0.1045)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Brotherhood_of_Boilermakers%2C_Iron_Ship_Builders%2C_Blacksmiths%2C_Forgers_and_Helpers
  QID: Q6048865
  Extract: The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (IBB), sometimes referred to as the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, is a trade union in the United States and Canada. It is for boilermakers and related occupations, and is affiliated with 

  Title: Blue-collar worker (similarity: 0.1404)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-collar_worker
  QID: Q1191714
  Extract: A blue-collar worker is a person who performs manual labor or skilled trades. Originating and used most frequently in the United States, the term 'Blue-collar work' may involve skilled or unskilled labor. The type of work may involve manufacturing, warehousing, mining, carpentry, electrical work, cu

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes     : Confidence is medium due to the catch-all nature of this occupation category and limited detailed skill/activity data, though wage data and job titles provide clear indicators of role scope and career pathways.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T23:46:39.228316+00:00
tokens_input         : 2,323
tokens_output        : 3,112
cost_usd             : $0.034326
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, with closest matches relating to construction trade organizations and educational institutions rather than the helper role itself.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other encompasses support workers across various construction specialties who assist skilled tradespeople with tasks like material handling, tool preparation, and basic construction activities. These workers serve as apprentice-level assistants in specialized trades not classified elsewhere, including asbestos work, ironwork, carpet laying, and concrete finishing. The role provides essential support that keeps construction projects moving efficiently while offering entry-level workers exposure to diverse construction trades.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Construction trade helpers start their day by gathering tools and materials for skilled tradespeople, often loading trucks or organizing job sites before work begins. Throughout the day, they assist with specific trade activities such as mixing cement, carrying materials to elevated work areas, holding equipment in place during installations, or helping position heavy building components. They frequently clean work areas, dispose of debris, and maintain tool inventories while observing safety protocols. Many helpers spend time learning trade-specific techniques by watching experienced workers and gradually taking on more complex tasks as they gain experience.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful construction trade helpers are physically strong individuals who can handle demanding manual labor in various weather conditions and environments. They possess strong attention to detail and safety awareness, as construction sites present numerous hazards that require constant vigilance. These workers typically have good communication skills to follow complex instructions from multiple tradespeople and coordinate with team members effectively. Individuals who thrive in this role often have a genuine interest in learning construction trades and view the position as a stepping stone to skilled employment, demonstrating patience and persistence as they develop expertise.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most construction trade helper positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent, with extensive on-the-job training provided by employers and skilled tradespeople. Many workers enter through direct hiring by construction companies or through union apprenticeship programs that combine helper duties with formal instruction. Some candidates benefit from basic construction or trade school exposure, though this is typically not required for entry-level positions.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Construction trade helpers often advance to become skilled tradespeople in their chosen specialty through apprenticeship programs or continued on-the-job training. Many transition to roles like cement finisher, ironworker, carpet installer, or other specialized trades after gaining 2-4 years of experience. Some helpers eventually move into supervisory positions or start their own contracting businesses after developing expertise and industry connections.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, construction trade helpers earn a median annual wage of $42,670, with employment of 24,770 workers nationwide. Geographic wage variation is substantial, ranging from $61,750 in Washington state to $22,910 in Puerto Rico, reflecting regional differences in construction demand and cost of living. The vast majority of employment (20,640 workers) occurs in the construction industry itself, with smaller numbers in administrative services and government. This occupation serves as an important entry point into construction trades, with demand typically following overall construction activity and infrastructure investment patterns.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Construction trade helper roles have low automation risk due to the physical, adaptive nature of construction work and the need for human judgment in safety-critical situations. While some material handling may become mechanized, the diverse, site-specific tasks and close collaboration with skilled tradespeople will continue to require human workers.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers (47-2051) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Job titles include Cement Finisher Helper and Cement Mixer, indicating direct advancement pathway to skilled concrete work.
    data: Cement Finisher Helper job title
    data: Cement Mixer job title
    data: construction industry employment
  [career_pathway] Tile and Stone Setters (47-2044) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Carpet Layer Helper titles suggest pathway to flooring installation trades including tile and stone work.
    data: Carpet Layer Helper job title
    data: Carpet or Rug Layer Helper job title
  [career_pathway] Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers (47-2171) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Bridge Ironworker Helper and Construction Ironworker Helper titles indicate direct pathway to ironwork specialties.
    data: Bridge Ironworker Helper job title
    data: Construction Ironworker Helper job title
  [career_pathway] Insulation Workers, Mechanical (47-2131) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Boiler Coverer Helper and Cellulose Insulation Helper titles suggest advancement to insulation work.
    data: Boiler Coverer Helper job title
    data: Cellulose Insulation Helper job title
  [skill_overlap] Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (47-2081) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Construction helper experience provides foundational skills applicable to interior finishing trades like drywall installation.
    data: Construction Helper job title
    data: construction industry employment
    data: material handling activities

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['construction helper', 'trade helper', 'construction assistant', 'helper construction', 'cement mixer', 'construction flagger', 'ironworker helper', 'carpet helper']
  exclude_keywords : ['supervisor', 'foreman', 'manager', 'skilled tradesperson', 'journeyman']
  title_patterns   : ['Helper', 'Assistant', 'Mixer', 'Flagger', 'Axman']
  common_variations: ['Construction Helper', 'Trade Helper', 'Building Helper', 'Construction Assistant', 'Helper - Construction', 'Construction Worker Helper', 'Trades Assistant', 'Construction Support']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['construction', 'trade', 'trades', 'helpers', 'skilled', 'tradespeople', 'building', 'blue', 'collar', 'many', 'helper', 'services', 'superintendent', 'control', 'term', 'project', 'boilermakers', 'entry', 'safety', 'typically']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
construction               29  0.06263  inference            inference:72%  wikipedia:28%
trade                      12  0.02592  inference            inference:83%  wikipedia:17%
trades                     10  0.02160  inference            inference:60%  wikipedia:40%
helpers                     8  0.01728  inference            inference:88%  wikipedia:12%
skilled                     8  0.01728  inference            inference:75%  wikipedia:25%
tradespeople                6  0.01296  inference            inference:100%
building                    4  0.00864  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
blue                        4  0.00864  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
collar                      4  0.00864  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
many                        4  0.00864  inference            inference:75%  wikipedia:25%
helper                      4  0.00864  inference            inference:100%
services                    3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  inference:33%
superintendent              3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
control                     3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
term                        3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
project                     3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
boilermakers                3  0.00648  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
entry                       3  0.00648  inference            inference:100%
safety                      3  0.00648  inference            inference:100%
typically                   3  0.00648  inference            inference:100%
unions                      2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
american                    2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
federation                  2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
organizations               2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
afl                         2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
cio                         2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
affiliated                  2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
ccq                         2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
application                 2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
numerous                    2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
social                      2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
projects                    2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
important                   2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
responsibilities            2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
manager                     2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
effectively                 2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
international               2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
brotherhood                 2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
union                       2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
united                      2  0.00432  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%