Supervisor of Laborers

Your Fit

Income

$54K

Preparation

Some

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Supervisor of Laborers?

A Supervisor of Laborers is responsible for overseeing the work of laborers in various settings such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, or warehouses. They ensure that work is completed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations.

Sample job titles:

Receiving Supervisor, Shipping Supervisor, Warehouse Manager, Warehouse Supervisor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Supervisor of Laborers.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Supervisor of Laborers earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$47K per year	$54K per year	$61K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.82K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Supervisor of Laborers do?

Work environment

These supervisors typically work in the field alongside the laborers they oversee, whether on construction sites, in manufacturing facilities, or in logistic centers. The environment can be fast-paced and may involve outdoor work, exposure to the elements, and interaction with heavy machinery.

Quick task list

Oversees daily operations and laborer activities.
Ensures adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
Schedules shifts and manages labor resources.
Trains new staff and provides ongoing guidance.
Resolves workplace issues and conflicts.
Monitors project progress and ensures quality standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Construction site supervision
Manufacturing production supervision
Warehouse and logistics supervision
Quality control and safety management

Description

Supervisors of laborers are crucial in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of various labor-intensive projects. They act as the primary point of contact between laborers and higher management, translating project goals and objectives into actionable tasks. An essential part of their role is to maintain a safe work environment, which involves regular safety checks, enforcing compliance with safety regulations, and providing necessary training to their team.

Good communication skills are vital for this role, as these supervisors need to clearly instruct their team, manage expectations, and report progress or issues to management. They are also responsible for scheduling, resource allocation, and sometimes budgeting, ensuring projects are completed on time and within operational limits. Their leadership directly impacts team morale, productivity, and overall project success.

A Supervisor of Laborers needs to be adaptable, able to handle unexpected challenges such as equipment breakdowns, supply issues, or weather disruptions. They must also exhibit strong problem-solving skills, able to swiftly address and resolve conflicts or setbacks that may arise during operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Leading and mentoring a team to achieve collective goals.
The challenge and variety of managing different projects.
The tangible results of overseeing successful project completions.

You might make a good Supervisor of Laborers if you are...

A natural leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
Organized, with a knack for planning and resource management.
Adaptable, capable of handling unforeseen challenges.
Knowledgeable about safety practices and industry standards.
Keen on working in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Pros:

Opportunity for leadership and team management.
Varied work with tangible results.
Potential for career growth in various industries.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially stressful.
Responsibility for the safety and productivity of a team.
May involve long or irregular working hours.

How to become a Supervisor of Laborers

Typical education

Most Supervisors of Laborers have a high school diploma or equivalent. The role is commonly attained through work experience, with vocational training or an associate's degree in construction, manufacturing, or business management supporting career advancement.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business and management courses.
Vocational training in construction, manufacturing, or related fields.
Communication and conflict resolution.
Basic safety and first aid courses.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Take leadership roles in clubs or sports teams.
Seek part-time jobs or internships in relevant industries.
Volunteer for community service in team-based projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursue vocational training or an associate's degree in construction management, operations management, or business administration to support supervisory responsibilities.
Gain industry-recognized certifications in areas such as workplace safety, supervision, or project coordination (for example, occupational health and safety or leadership training).
Enter the workforce in a laborer or skilled trade role and build hands-on experience, progressing into lead or supervisory positions over time.

More resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - For safety standards and regulations.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) - Offers construction management and supervisor training.
American Management Association - Provides courses in management and leadership skills.
Institute for Supply Management - Offers resources and certifications for those interested in supply chain and logistics management.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.