Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $20,380 more a year than rebar workers (36%). In the 24 metros where BLS publishes both, construction supervisors earn more in 23 and rebar workers in 1.
| Construction Supervisor | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $77,215 | $56,835 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,130 | $27,120 |
| Highest metro median | $130,790 | $102,080 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | -5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 67,000 | 1,000 |
| Self-employed | 11% | 18% |
| 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 | 34 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 24 |
On safety, construction supervisors report more injuries that cause missed work (72 vs. 34 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 rebar workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where rebar workers 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 27 states and rebar workers in 5. The gap favors construction supervisors most in Alaska ($40,660) and rebar workers most in Wisconsin ($36,270).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Sitting: occasionally for construction supervisors, rarely for rebar workers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: occasionally for construction supervisors, occasionally for rebar workers.
| Construction Supervisor | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Very 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.
Rebar Worker
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
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