Okay, so Kareem has 14 years of experience in labor-intensive roles, which is a good starting point. However, the construction industry is highly localized, and rates can vary significantly depending on the location. The Greater Chicago Area is considered a mid-tier market for construction labor. Considering his experience and location, I'd estimate Kareem's hourly rate to be around $25, which is a common rate for general laborers in the region. This rate is lower than average, possibly due to a lack of specialized skills or certifications. To give you a better idea, here are some average hourly rates for general laborers in the Chicago area:

* $30-$50 per hour for experienced laborers

So, while $25 is a bit on the lower side, it's still a reasonable estimate based on the available data.