First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers fall under the Production category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn a median salary of $71,190 per year, ranking in the top 32% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than 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 production and operating workers earn?

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers is $71,190. That puts first-line supervisors of production and operating workers at #263 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 production and operating workers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers is +1.2%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 698K positions in 2024 to 706K in 2034, a net change of 8K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do first-line supervisors of production and operating workers do every day?

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

1. 1.Conduct employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assign employee training to experienced workers.
2. 2.Evaluate employee performance.
3. 3.Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
4. 4.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.
5. 5.Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods, such as inspectors, machine setters, or fabricators.
6. 6.Calculate labor and equipment requirements and production specifications, using standard formulas.
7. 7.Maintain operations data, such as time, production, and cost records, and prepare management reports of production results.
8. 8.Set up and adjust machines and equipment.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers

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 production and operating worker?

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 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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Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of production and operating workers