First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
O*NET 51-1011.00 · SOC 51-1011
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $74k a year with +1.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 61,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Schedule workers across production shifts to meet output goals
- →Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are met
- →Train new production workers on equipment and safety procedures
- →Track production output and report shortfalls to management
- →Enforce safety rules and correct unsafe worker behaviors
Education & How to Get In
Most First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker 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.
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
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 Production and Operating Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker?
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.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
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 Production and Operating Worker make?
The median First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker earns $74k 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 Production and Operating Worker jobs?
Our model puts First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 61,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker?
Most First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker 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 Production and Operating Worker?
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 Production and Operating Worker 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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