Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $13,215 more a year than ironworkers (21%). In the 155 metros where BLS publishes both, construction supervisors earn more in 136 and ironworkers in 19.
| Construction Supervisor | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $77,215 | $64,000 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,130 | $31,480 |
| Highest metro median | $130,790 | $120,840 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | +3.1% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 67,000 | 5,900 |
| Self-employed | 11% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | 5+ years of trade experience | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 72 | 131 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 155 |
On safety, ironworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 72 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 construction supervisors out-earn ironworkers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where ironworkers out-earn construction supervisors the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, construction supervisors earn more in 45 states and ironworkers in 5. The gap favors construction supervisors most in Wyoming ($30,770) and ironworkers most in Massachusetts ($22,990).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: very often for construction supervisors, sometimes for ironworkers. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: occasionally for construction supervisors, sometimes for ironworkers.
| Construction Supervisor | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Construction Supervisor
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Ironworker
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
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