Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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First-line supervisors of production and operating workers oversee and coordinate the work of employees involved in manufacturing and related operations. Nationally, about 699,000 people work in this role, reflecting a large employment base across the country. The national median annual salary is $71,190, offering earnings that can vary by location. Projected employment growth of 1.2% suggests that overall demand is expected to continue, with an estimated 68,000 annual openings combining new positions and turnover needs. This role calls for strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities, along with interpersonal and communication strengths. Mechanical understanding, critical and analytical thinking, and adaptability are also important. For individuals interested in supervising day-to-day production activities and guiding teams toward operational goals, this occupation can provide stable opportunities in many regions. Those considering similar paths might also explore supervisory roles in transportation and material moving, mechanics and repair, construction trades, or broader industrial production management and agricultural management positions.
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers earn a national median annual salary of $71,190, with pay differing by state and metro area. Several locations stand out with higher median salaries. Among states, Washington reports $79,310, Massachusetts $79,920, New York $78,580, Colorado $78,890, and California $76,840. At the metro level, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports the highest listed median salary at $91,500, followed by San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $89,970 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $82,660. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro lists $81,790, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV reports $77,990. These figures show that earnings for this occupation can be substantially higher than the national median in several major metros and certain states. Individuals interested in maximizing earning potential may want to compare state and metro-level medians alongside other personal and professional factors.
Employment for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers is 699,000 nationally, indicating a sizable workforce. Projected employment growth for this occupation is 1.2%. While this is a modest rate, the role still shows steady demand. The occupation is also expected to have about 68,000 annual openings. These openings reflect a combination of new positions and the need to replace workers who retire, change careers, or leave the workforce for other reasons. Taken together, the current employment level, projected growth rate, and annual openings suggest that opportunities will continue to arise over time. Job seekers may find that this role offers ongoing prospects across different regions, particularly for those who bring strong supervisory abilities and the core skills associated with managing production and operating teams.
Location can significantly shape opportunities for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington all show CareerGPS opportunity scores above 56, with California at 67.38 and Massachusetts and New York in the mid‑60s. These states combine varying levels of employment, growth, and median salary. For example, California has 48,550 employed in this role with a median salary of $76,840, while Massachusetts has 12,390 employed and a higher median salary of $79,920. Washington shows a median salary of $79,310 with 14,500 employed. At the metro level, opportunities can be even more concentrated. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $89,970, while New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ has a similar opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 19,220. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA stands out with a $91,500 median salary. These differences highlight how both pay levels and job concentration vary meaningfully by region.
The typical education requirement for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers is a high school diploma or equivalent. While this is the standard educational baseline, success in this role also depends heavily on a broad set of skills. Leadership and project management are central, reflecting the need to guide teams and coordinate work activities. Problem solving and decision making, along with critical and analytical thinking, support effective responses to day-to-day challenges in production environments. Strong speaking and listening skills, as well as interpersonal abilities, help supervisors communicate with workers and other stakeholders. Mechanical skills and mathematics provide a foundation for understanding processes and addressing operational issues. Creativity and innovation, together with adaptability, allow supervisors to adjust to changing conditions and improve how work gets done. Individuals who combine the typical educational requirement with these skills can be better prepared to compete for and succeed in this occupation.
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