Aptly
Careers · Construction and extraction

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers directly oversee and coordinate the daily activities of construction crews and mining or quarrying workers. These supervisors work on job sites, in mines, or at quarries, managing schedules, safety compliance, quality control, and worker productivity while reporting to upper management.

$79,920median pay, U.S., per year
$63,400–$101,460middle half earn
812Kemployed in the U.S.
Certificate or training programtypical education · 10% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves reviewing project plans, assigning tasks to crew members, and inspecting work for quality and safety standards. Supervisors monitor equipment operation, track progress against timelines, handle scheduling adjustments, and address problems that arise on site. They document work completed, communicate with project managers, and may spend time training or mentoring workers on proper techniques and safety procedures.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
83Conventional
66Realistic
61Social
32Investigative
15Artistic
0

Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy organizing people and processes to reach clear goals, and you're comfortable making decisions that affect operations and budgets. You do well in this role if you value practical solutions, have learned a trade or construction skill, and can balance maintaining standards with keeping projects moving forward.

What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

CoordinationActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingManagement of Personnel ResourcesReading ComprehensionMonitoringTime Management

Knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageDesign

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Washington$85,790$109,570$137,92019,550
Illinois$82,550$105,750$124,46019,340
New Jersey$79,970$105,510$131,71016,230
Oregon$78,410$103,070$129,1707,890
Hawaii$84,470$102,630$121,4902,890
Alaska$81,760$102,140$126,6802,690
Rhode Island$76,730$98,590$122,1102,060
Massachusetts$79,960$97,850$120,33018,330
California$76,740$97,680$128,69071,750
Minnesota$75,790$97,610$109,77013,580
New York$74,920$95,700$121,86029,600
Connecticut$77,960$92,260$103,7406,980
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 47-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.