Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $19,970 more a year than concrete finishers (35%). In the 333 metros where BLS publishes both, concrete finishers earn more in 2 and construction supervisors in 331.
| Concrete Finisher | Construction Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $57,245 | $77,215 |
| Lowest metro median | $27,610 | $34,130 |
| Highest metro median | $104,450 | $130,790 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.6% | +5.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 13,600 | 67,000 |
| Self-employed | 2% | 11% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | 5+ years of trade experience |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 25 | 72 |
| Metros with pay data | 334 | 392 |
On safety, construction supervisors report more injuries that cause missed work (72 vs. 25 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where concrete finishers out-earn construction supervisors the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where construction supervisors out-earn concrete finishers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, concrete finishers earn more in 0 states and construction supervisors in 51. The gap favors construction supervisors most in Hawaii ($6,740) and construction supervisors most in New Jersey ($44,100).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Standing, bending, kneeling and walking: very often for concrete finishers, sometimes for construction supervisors. Sitting: rarely for concrete finishers, occasionally for construction supervisors.
| Concrete Finisher | Construction Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Often |
| Working at heights | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Very often | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Rarely | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Concrete Finisher
Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
Construction Supervisor
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
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