First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators

O*NET 53-1043.00 · SOC 53-1043

First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $63k a year with +3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 54,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+3%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$63k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
55k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Supervise forklift and crane operators during warehouse shifts.
  • →Inspect material-moving equipment for safety before each shift.
  • →Dispatch vehicle operators to loading docks or job sites.
  • →Investigate accidents involving material-moving vehicles or machinery.
  • →Review operator logs and vehicle maintenance records regularly.

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

See 50+ more jobs without a degree, ranked by growth →

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

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Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningSupervise forklift and crane operators during warehouse shifts.
MiddayInspect material-moving equipment for safety before each shift.
AfternoonDispatch vehicle operators to loading docks or job sites.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)5.2
Conventional (Organizers)4.8
Realistic (Doers)4.8
Social (Helpers)2.6
Investigative (Thinkers)1.8
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe OrganizerISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoENTJThe Captain

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

42/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator make?

The median First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator earns $63k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator jobs?

Our model puts First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.

Is First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 54,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator?

Most First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operator career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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