First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers earn a median salary of $78,300 per year, ranking in the top 26% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.1% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers earn?

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers is $78,300. That puts first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers at #207 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers is +3.1%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 617K positions in 2024 to 636K in 2034, a net change of 19K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.
2. 2.Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
3. 3.Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.
4. 4.Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.
5. 5.Perform skilled repair or maintenance operations, using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or shears, or welding equipment.
6. 6.Compute estimates and actual costs of factors such as materials, labor, or outside contractors.
7. 7.Monitor tool and part inventories and the condition and maintenance of shops to ensure adequate working conditions.
8. 8.Requisition materials and supplies, such as tools, equipment, or replacement parts.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairer?

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
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• Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
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• Avionics Technicians
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• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers