Foreman

Impact: Direct operational and project success.

Supervises and coordinates the activities of workers engaged in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, or other operational tasks. Ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards, while maintaining a safe work environment.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Occasional local travel between job sites.
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40-50 hours per week
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$65,000
Entry-level
$45,000
Senior
$90,000
Growth by 2033
8%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
35%
Typical student debt
$0 - $10,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Project Management
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Safety Regulations
  • Equipment Operation
  • Quality Control

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Decision-making
  • Time Management

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma or GED
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Lead Hand
      2. Foreman
      3. Superintendent
      4. Project Manager

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      5%
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      2.5/10
      Prestige
      6.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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