First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers to increase by 1.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 679,900 to 692,300 jobs. Its estimate of 61,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($74,450), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
679,900
Projected employment (2034)
692,300
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
61,000
Pay & Preparation
$74,450
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
None
Essential Skills
Time Management (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5) • Management of Personnel Resources (3.88/5) • Monitoring (3.75/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.75/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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