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What is a straw boss and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreStraw BossUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,739

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.11%

Asian 1.46%

Black or African American 5.94%

Hispanic or Latino 21.08%

Unknown 3.91%

White 66.50%

Gender

female 9.46%

male 90.54%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Straw boss career paths

Key steps to become a straw boss

  1. Explore straw boss education requirements

    Most common straw boss degrees

    High School Diploma

    57.0 %

    Bachelor's

    18.4 %

    Associate

    12.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific straw boss skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Pipeline Construction51.64%
    RAN11.52%
    Equipment Operation5.88%
    Construction Sites5.54%
    DUG4.46%
  3. Complete relevant straw boss training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New straw bosses learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a straw boss based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real straw boss resumes.
  4. Research straw boss duties and responsibilities

    • Manage HVAC service and installation departments.
    • Use side boom when need.
    • Assist journeyman in running pigs in order to dry and clean the pipe.
    • Work directly with EI team to ensure compliance with ECD installations, maintenance and repairs.
  5. Prepare your straw boss resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your straw boss resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a straw boss resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable straw boss resume templates

    Build a professional straw boss resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your straw boss resume.
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    Straw Boss Resume
    Straw Boss Resume
  6. Apply for straw boss jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a straw boss job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first straw boss job

Zippi

Are you a straw boss?

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Average straw boss salary

The average straw boss salary in the United States is $57,739 per year or $28 per hour. Straw boss salaries range between $31,000 and $104,000 per year.

Average straw boss salary
$57,739 Yearly
$27.76 hourly

What am I worth?

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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