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Careersβ€ΊRolesβ€ΊOperations Supervisor
Senior-Level

Operations Supervisor

The front-line operations leader β€” supervising teams that execute daily operational activities.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
R
I
S
A
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Operations Supervisors
Retail Β· 13%Professional Services Β· 12%Construction Β· 8%Wholesale & Distribution Β· 8%Manufacturing Β· 7%Administrative Services Β· 7%
Job markets for Operations Supervisors
Where Operations Supervisor jobs concentrate Β· ~400 metro areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
Operations
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
Jump to:What it's likeCareer pathsBy the numbers
What it's like

What it's like to be a Operations Supervisor

As Operations Supervisor, you lead a team executing operational activities. You ensure daily operations run smoothly, manage team performance, maintain quality and safety standards, and handle operational issues. This is a front-line leadership role across various operational contexts.

Your days are operationally focused. You might conduct shift meetings, assign work, monitor performance, coach team members, address operational problems, and ensure compliance with procedures. You keep your team productive and your operation running.

The hardest part is balancing multiple operational priorities while leading a team with varying skill levels. Operations Supervisors who thrive are present and engaged leaders, maintain consistent standards, and build teams that perform reliably.

What people in this role value
Working ConditionsHigh
RecognitionAbove avg
IndependenceAbove avg
AchievementAbove avg
RelationshipsAbove avg
SupportModerate
O*NET Work Values survey
Role Profile
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Things that vary from job to job as a Operations Supervisor
Operations typeIndustry contextTeam sizeShift structureComplexity level
Operations Supervisor is a broad role that exists in many industries and contexts. Manufacturing, distribution, services, and facilities all have operations supervisors with different specific responsibilities. Team sizes, shift structures, and complexity vary significantly.
✦ Editorial β€” written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape β€” and where it can take you.

Earning potential across this track
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
Technology & Information$160K+37%
Professional Services$156K+33%
Financial Services$149K+27%
Energy & Utilities$142K+21%
Government$124K+5%
Compared to Operations average across all industries
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Operations Supervisors (SOC 11-1021.00, 11-3051.04), not just this title Β· BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Related rolesExplore Operations β†’
Operations SupervisorDistrict Wire ChiefDistrict Traffic ChiefDivision Toll Wire ChiefWater and Sewer Systems SupervisorSenior Drilling And Production SuperintendentMaintenance Supervisor
Exploring the Operations Supervisor career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit β€” and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
What it takes to advance
1
Operations management
Manager roles require broader perspective
2
Process improvement
Systematic improvement adds value
3
Financial awareness
Understanding costs helps in management
Lateral Moves
Operations Manager β†’
The natural progression to management
Supervisor (Different Function)
If you want supervisory experience in another area
Questions you might ask when interviewing
What operations will I supervise?
What is the team size and structure?
What are the key performance metrics?
What is the shift structure?
What are typical operational challenges?
✦ Editorial β€” career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape β€” helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$47K–$208K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
3.8M
U.S. Employment
+3.15%
10yr Growth
326K
Annual Openings

How Operations Supervisor pay & employment are changing

$110K$107K$104K$101K$99K201920202021202220232024$99K$110K
BLS OEWS May 2024 Β· BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

MonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCoordinationMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive Listening
O*NET OnLine Β· Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mapped SOC Codes
11-1021.0011-3051.04

Explore related roles

Roles with similar work and overlapping career paths

directorOperations Director$96KdirectorFacilities Operations Director (Facilities Ops Director)$105KdirectorFarm Operations Technical Director$88KmidBusiness Manager$93KmidOffice Manager$85KmidStore Manager$75K
View all Operations roles β†’

Common questions about what it's like to be an Operations Supervisor

What does an Operations Supervisor do?

The front-line operations leader β€” supervising teams that execute daily operational activities.

How much does an Operations Supervisor make?

Median pay for an Operations Supervisor is about $112K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $47K to $208K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).

What skills does an Operations Supervisor need?

Core skills for this role include Monitoring, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and Active Listening.

What education do you need to be an Operations Supervisor?

Most people in this role hold a bachelor's degree.

Is an Operations Supervisor in demand?

Employment in this field is projected to grow about 3.15% through 2034, with roughly 3.8 million people working in it today (BLS).

What jobs are similar to an Operations Supervisor?

Closely related roles include Operations Director, Facilities Operations Director (Facilities Ops Director), and Farm Operations Technical Director.

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) Β· BLS Employment Projections Β· O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.