First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
SOC Code: 51-1011
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $71,190 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 698,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, First-line supervisors of production and operating workers sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where First-line supervisors of production and operating workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers (SOC 51-1011) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 698,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $71,190, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes First-line supervisors of production and operating workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.
- 2. Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.
- 3. Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
- 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. Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.
- 6. Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments.
- 7. Interpret specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers.
- 8. Observe work and monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that operators conform to production or processing standards.
- 9. Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods, such as inspectors, machine setters, or fabricators.
- 10. Conduct employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assign employee training to experienced workers.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace First-line supervisors of production and operating workers?
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for First-line supervisors of production and operating workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, First-line supervisors of production and operating workers is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 698,600 workers.
What skills are needed for First-line supervisors of production and operating workers?
Key skills for First-line supervisors of production and operating workers include Active Listening, Speaking, Time Management, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much 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, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for First-line supervisors of production and operating workers?
The typical entry-level education for First-line supervisors of production and operating workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ First-line supervisors of production and operating workers?
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).