Looking to step up in construction or wondering if your paycheck matches your crew leadership skills? The salary of a construction foreman in 2026 averages between $76,000 and $95,000 annually across the United States. That breaks down to roughly $31 to $46 per hour, depending on your location, experience, and project type.

But that number tells only part of the story. Real earning potential shifts based on where you work, what skills you bring to the table, and how well you lead people under pressure.

What Influences Foreman Pay in 2026

Your paycheck does not arrive by accident. Three main factors control how much does a foreman earn.

Location drives everything.

Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York pay foremen $50 to $60 per hour. Compare that to smaller towns in the Southeast or Midwest, where hourly rates hover between $28 and $35. Higher cost of living equals higher pay.

Experience separates the entry level from the experts.

A foreman fresh into the role might start around $73,000 annually. Stick with it for five to eight years, and you climb to $92,000 or more. Push past a decade of leadership, and six figures become realistic.

Specialized skills boost your value fast.

Can you read plans, run scheduling software, or manage multiple trades at once? Those abilities push you toward the top of the pay range. Certifications like OSHA training add weight to your resume.

Foreman vs. General Foreman vs. Superintendent: The Pay Ladder

The salary of a construction foreman sits at the base of field leadership. Move up, and the numbers change quickly.

• A standard foreman earns $73,000 to $104,000 per year. You manage one crew, handle daily tasks, and report up the chain. 
• General foremen pull $83,000 to $115,000. They oversee multiple crews, coordinate trades, and solve bigger scheduling problems. 
• Superintendents command $95,000 to $135,000 or more. They run entire projects, manage subcontractors, and own site safety.

When comparing general foreman vs superintendent salary, the gap widens with scope. A superintendent carries more responsibility, faces tighter deadlines, and deals with owners and inspectors. That pressure earns higher pay. Building strong superintendent skills matters if you want to close that gap.

How to Earn More as a Foreman

Want to move up the pay scale? Focus on three areas.

Build your technical skills. 

Learn project management software. Get comfortable with blueprints and specifications. The more you know, the less your team waits for answers.

Lead people, not just tasks. 

Construction crews follow leaders who communicate clearly and solve problems without drama. Strong leadership skills separate average foremen from those who get promoted.

Pursue training that matters. 

Depth Builder offers programs built for construction professionals who want to level up. Our Field Leaders Planning Toolbox (Construction Leadership Essentials) teaches the planning and scheduling skills that superintendents use daily. The Sweat Equity Improvement (Jobsite Efficiency & Worker Care) training helps you reduce inefficiencies and increase jobsite productivity. These are not theory courses. They deliver real tools you apply Monday morning.

Ready to Lead and Earn What You Deserve?

Your salary grows when your skills grow. Construction rewards professionals who take ownership, lead with confidence, and deliver results under pressure.

We help foremen, superintendents, and crew leaders develop the planning, communication, and leadership abilities that unlock higher pay and better opportunities. Whether you want to sharpen your scheduling skills or prepare for your next promotion, Depth Builder can help you get there.

Reach out today and invest in the skills that move your career forward.