First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median salary of $78,690 per year, ranking in the top 25% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.3% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers earn?

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers is $78,690. That puts first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers at #200 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers is +5.3%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 921K positions in 2024 to 970K in 2034, a net change of 49K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
2. 2.Train workers in construction methods, operation of equipment, safety procedures, or company policies.
3. 3.Arrange for repairs of equipment or machinery.
4. 4.Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
5. 5.Suggest or initiate personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, or hires.
6. 6.Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
7. 7.Order or requisition materials or supplies.
8. 8.Locate, measure, and mark site locations or placement of structures or equipment, using measuring and marking equipment.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction worker?

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers