Italian Immigrant Labor

When coming to America, Italians had a good work ethic but limited education. Many were also illiterate and did not know the English language. This caused them to take labor jobs as opposed to the Germans who had certain skill sets. 

Arriving with strong backs, few skills, and little or no capital, most Italians turned to manual labor wherever they settled. In New York, Italian labor built the subways and bridges linking the boroughs. In 1879, over 75 percent of the workers on New York City construction projects were Italian. They rolled cigars by hand in Florida. They mined coal in Pennsylvania and Illinois. They groomed vineyards in California. On the prairies they laid the track linking coast to coast. Though many worked in factories, especially in New England textile mills and New York garment factories, most Italian males preferred working outdoors. Those Italian women who joined the work force took jobs as factory operatives. (1)

In addition, Italians replaced the Irish in construction jobs such as building railroads and paving streets. Many also became street vendors. “Other Italian occupations included vending. The pushcart became one of the stereotypes of Italian American life." (2)

1. Kraut, Alan M. The Huddled Masses Pg. 92
2. Daniels, Roger. Coming to America. Pg. 195