As new technologies begin to reshape the construction industry, the foreman’s role is becoming more important than ever. New methods and equipment require highly skilled teams to navigate, and foremen are often tasked with leading teams through these changes. If you’re new to the industry or haven’t worked with a foreman before, you might be wondering: What is a construction foreman, and what exactly do they do?
A construction foreman works below the superintendent and project managers but above regular construction workers. This places them in a unique position on construction sites, allowing them to serve as a bridge between workers on the ground and upper management. The best foremen have years of experience working in their selected trade, and they coordinate with everyone on the crew to ensure that projects are completed successfully.
What Does a Construction Foreman Do?
A construction foreman is responsible for coordinating and supervising a team of crew members. This can involve a wide range of tasks, from training new employees to creating reports for project managers and supervisors. While daily responsibilities can vary depending on the project, some of the most common tasks include:
- Reading project plans and specifications
- Creating schedules
- Supervising and coordinating crew members
- Identifying and addressing problems as they arise
- Ensuring that equipment is properly maintained
- Keeping employees and the project on schedule
- Being aware of and enforcing current OSHA regulations
- Ensuring that projects are completed successfully
- Calculating productivity rates
How Much Does a Construction Foreman Make?
The average salary for a construction foreman in the United States ranges from $52,475 to $73,956. Education, location, certifications and years of experience all factor into how much a foreman can expect to make, and starting salaries can vary by industry. For example, a foreman that specializes in roofing could make a different starting salary than a foreman working in commercial construction.
Necessary Skills and Qualifications
Because a construction foreman holds an experience-based role that can vary by industry, there is no single set of qualifications required for the job. Some employers may require a diploma in a skilled trade, but most foreman positions only require a high school diploma.
That said, many foreman positions require extensive knowledge of the trade acquired through years of experience. Because they oversee a team of workers, construction foremen in any industry also need a range of general skills to perform their roles successfully.
Effective Communication
A construction foreman must be able to communicate effectively with other crew members to keep operations running smoothly. This involves relaying messages and important information from upper management, giving detailed instructions, communicating changes with the crew and providing performance feedback.
The best foremen use their communication skills to form healthy working relationships with crew members. By getting to know each employee and their unique work style, a foreman can personalize their management approach and ensure that everyone is performing at their best. This also helps employees feel more comfortable asking questions and creates a positive, welcoming work environment.
Organization and Planning
A disorganized crew or job site can be detrimental to a construction project. While much of the original planning and strategy comes from contractors and upper management, the foreman plays an important role in keeping projects organized as they progress. Foremen are often responsible for monitoring the budget and schedules, assigning tasks to crew members and minimizing errors caused by a lack of organization.
A foreman can expect to plan out tasks a few weeks in advance and make small adjustments when needed. Because construction projects involve so many moving parts, this requires a high level of strategic planning skills.
Decision-Making
A foreman’s ability to make quick, well-informed decisions can have a big impact on a project’s success. Rather than simply following orders from upper management, the foreman must modify day-to-day tasks and successfully solve problems whenever they arise. Worker safety, productivity and project schedules all rely on the foreman’s ability to use their experience and critical thinking skills to make the right decision in tough situations.
Administrative Skills
Foremen are often responsible for several administrative tasks, including scheduling, time tracking, budgeting, assisting with hiring and filling out employee evaluations. These are some of the biggest responsibilities that set foremen apart from other construction workers, so it’s important to master these skills early on in their careers.
Training and Mentoring
Because a construction foreman has already mastered their trade, they serve as a valuable resource for crew members with less experience. New employees rely on the foreman for on-the-job training, and the best foremen serve as mentors for crew members who are still advancing in their roles. Some companies may even require a new foreman to take a course on leadership and training skills before they start.
How To Become a Construction Foreman
The path to becoming a construction foreman will look a little different for everyone. However, the following steps are a great place to start if you’re seeking a new position in the construction industry.
Step 1: Choose a Trade
The first step to becoming a foreman is choosing which subset of the construction industry you want to work in. Foremen need multiple years of experience working in their chosen trade, so it’s important to choose one that you enjoy. If you’re thinking about switching trades, be sure to do some research on the specific roles and expectations before making the jump.
Step 2: Gain Hands-on Experience
Once you’ve chosen a trade, you’ll need to gain hands-on skills and experience. While construction trades take time to master, you can help speed up the process by seeking out apprenticeships or earning a skilled trade degree. Foreman positions typically don’t require a four-year degree. However, some foremen choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in business or management before entering the workforce full time.
Step 3: Complete Certifications and Training
Many foreman positions require applicants to obtain a commercial driver’s license or complete training on OSHA regulations. Specific trades may require additional certifications, so check with prospective employers ahead of time to ensure that you meet all of the requirements.
If becoming a foreman is the next step in your career, now is a great time to make the leap. Older generations are beginning to retire, and advancing technology and new management styles pose an opportunity for young skilled workers to advance into the position.