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 $79,860 per year, ranking in the top 27% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.1% job growth through 2035, 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 $79,860. That puts first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers at #225 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 +4.1%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 629K positions in 2024 to 654K in 2034, a net change of 25K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

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

• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  $74,340 median
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
  $74,330 median
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  $74,090 median
• Commercial Divers
  $72,990 median
• Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other
  $68,990 median
• Rail Car Repairers
  $67,530 median

Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers