Construction Supervisor

    Construction Trades

    CIP Name: Construction Supervisor|CIP Code: 46.0000
    SOC Code: 47-1011

    Apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties.

    $79K
    Median Salary
    +5.3%
    Job Growth
    5mo-2yr
    Training
    74.4K
    Jobs/Year

    What Construction Supervisors Do

    Apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
    • 2Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
    • 3Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
    • 4Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
    • 5Coordinate work activities with other construction project activities.

    Types of Construction Supervisors

    Coal Mine Production ForemanConstruction ForemanConstruction SupervisorElectrical SupervisorField Operations SupervisorField SupervisorInsulation ForemanRoustabout Field SupervisorSheet Metal ForemanSite Superintendent

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Construction sites
    • • Commercial building projects
    • • Residential developments
    • • Industrial facilities
    • • Mining or extraction sites

    Schedule

    Work is usually full-time with a set daily schedule, but deadlines and site issues can create long days, early starts, and occasional weekends.

    Physical Demands

    The job mixes office and field time, with frequent standing and walking and occasional climbing, kneeling, and bending. Supervisors may handle materials, wear PPE, and work outdoors in heat, cold, or rain.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $78,690
    $51,292$126,692+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $51,292
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $62,400
    Median
    50th percentile
    $78,690
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $100,193
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $126,692+

    National Employment: 921,600 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Ongoing residential and commercial building, infrastructure upgrades, and disaster recovery work can increase the need for supervisors to coordinate crews and keep projects on schedule. Retirements among experienced foremen can also create openings.

    Skills You'll Need

    Blueprint and specification readingScheduling and crew coordinationJob-site safety and OSHA awarenessQuality control and inspection skillsClear communication and leadershipProblem-solving under pressureBasic estimating and material planningConflict resolution and coaching

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong pay compared with many trades roles
    • High number of annual job openings
    • Leadership role with clear advancement paths
    • Varied work across different projects and sites
    • Skills transfer across many construction sectors

    Cons

    • High time pressure and tight deadlines
    • Exposure to job-site hazards and weather
    • Long hours during critical project phases
    • Responsibility for safety, quality, and crew performance
    • Conflict management with workers, subs, and clients
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Construction Supervisor Trade

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