First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
Median pay: $74,450/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 67,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.
• Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.
• Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
• Read and analyze charts, work orders, production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs.
• Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.
• Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments.
• Interpret specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers.
• Observe work and monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that operators conform to production or processing standards.
What's the median pay for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
The median pay for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers is $74,450 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Employment for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers is projected to change +1.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
About 67,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.