First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
SOC code 47-1011 · O*NET-SOC 47-1011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Construction supervisors — foremen and superintendents — run the crew: sequencing work, safety, quality and the daily coordination between trades. Almost all are promoted from the tools, which is why this occupation tops the pay ranking for non-degree construction work.
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$79,920
a year
Hourly
$38.42
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$86,450
$41.56 per hour
Middle 50%
$63,400 – $101,460
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$53,280 – $128,260
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
812,210
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $53,280
- $25.62/hr
- 25th percentile
- $63,400
- $30.48/hr
- Median percentile
- $79,920
- $38.42/hr
- 75th percentile
- $101,460
- $48.78/hr
- 90th percentile
- $128,260
- $61.66/hr
What do first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
- Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
- Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
- Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
- Coordinate work activities with other construction project activities.
- Estimate material or worker requirements to complete jobs.
- Analyze worker or production problems and recommend solutions, such as improving production methods or implementing motivational plans.
- Order or requisition materials or supplies.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 27% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate27%
- Less than a High School Diploma22%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)21%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
Common questions
How much does a first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers earn?
The national median is $79,920 a year. The full range runs from $53,280 at the 10th percentile to $128,260 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Learning Strategies3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Administration and Management4.1/5
- Building and Construction4.1/5
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Design3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Management of Personnel Resources, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.