Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $18,930 more a year than solar installers (32%). In the 44 metros where BLS publishes both, construction supervisors earn more in 44 and solar installers in 0.
| Construction Supervisor | Solar Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $77,215 | $58,285 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,130 | $26,340 |
| Highest metro median | $130,790 | $78,360 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | +36.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 67,000 | 4,200 |
| Self-employed | 11% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | — | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 72 | 101 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 44 |
On safety, solar installers report more injuries that cause missed work (101 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 solar installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Construction Supervisor
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
Solar Installer
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Compare one trade across two cities →