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.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: Unknown
Annual job openings: 61 300
Direct AI exposure: 20% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 51% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture Services. According to the wage tables, average income is $62K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $44K per year | $52K per year | $62K per year | $75K per year | $85K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $3K below the national average. | ||||
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.
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.
Most Supervisors of Laborers have a high school diploma or equivalent. The role is commonly attained through work experience, with vocational training or a college diploma in construction, manufacturing, or business management supporting career advancement.
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.