How to become first-line supervisors of production and operating workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$74,450
25th–75th pct. $58,630–$91,680
Top pay (est.)
$141,400
Top 10% $108,750
Pay in 5 years
$85,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$99,200est.
$85,300–$115,200
Outlook score
50/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
47%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.8%
61K openings / yr
How to become first-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningOriginality
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as first-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.