Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $15,785 more a year than plumbers (26%). In the 387 metros where BLS publishes both, construction supervisors earn more in 360 and plumbers in 27.
| Construction Supervisor | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $77,215 | $61,430 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,130 | $29,690 |
| Highest metro median | $130,790 | $107,560 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | +6.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 67,000 | 42,000 |
| Self-employed | 11% | 8% |
| 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 | 144 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 387 |
On safety, plumbers report more injuries that cause missed work (144 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 plumbers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plumbers 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 48 states and plumbers in 3. The gap favors construction supervisors most in Washington ($28,540) and plumbers most in Washington, DC ($14,500).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: occasionally for construction supervisors, often for plumbers. Cramped spaces and awkward positions: occasionally for construction supervisors, often for plumbers.
| Construction Supervisor | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| 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 | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Often |
| 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.
Plumber
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Compare one trade across two cities →
More comparisons
More trade comparisons
Still deciding? Rank every trade by what matters to you with which trade fits me.