JRIJob Risk Index

Profession JRI–72 / Trades

Will AI replace production supervisors?

Production supervisors directly coordinate and oversee manufacturing and industrial workers, ensuring productivity and safety. Their role involves training employees, monitoring performance, enforcing regulations, and handling personnel actions.

The risk spectrum — where Production Supervisor sits
Production Supervisor vs the 82 other jobs
Risk rank72 / 83
Automation timeline5-10 years
Median salary$74,450
Projected growth+1.2% (2024–34)
01 / Your plan

The skills that keep you relevant.

Picked to match what this role actually asks for — refreshed weekly, never by what a platform pays.

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Updated Aug 10, 2026

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02 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 83 professions
Salary$74,450
$31k$171k
Growth+1.2% (2024–34)
-25.9%33.5%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a +1.2% change in employment for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, from a current base of 673,430 people employed earning a median of $74,450 a year.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 & OEWS May 2025.

AI adoption in postings →

03 / Real salaries

Production Supervisor salaries by city

Median pay from real records (H-1B filings and tech job postings), across the cities with most observations.

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04 / How to enter

How to become a production supervisor.

Typical preparation

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Job training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Getting in is one thing — the day-to-day runs on a specific set of tools and skills:

Skills employers ask for

From real job postings for this role — click to explore who asks for them.

Source: O*NET 30.0 database (CC BY 4.0).

06 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace production supervisors?
Automation may take over scheduling and data tracking within 5-10 years, yet the occupation registers a medium risk level. Motivating workers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to real-time problems resist programmable logic. The national workforce includes 673430 people in this job title.
02How soon or how fast could that happen for Production Supervisors?
Timeline estimates span 5-10 years for meaningful change. Widespread adoption of enterprise scheduling software and robotics will influence the pace, but the medium exposure rating indicates a gradual shift. Organizations still need human supervisors to resolve disputes and enforce safety, which can slow transition.
03What skills keep Production Supervisors relevant?
Three capabilities carry strong demand: Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, and Data Analysis and Reporting. Supervisors who pair these with active listening and personnel management stay effective as tools change. A medium risk level indicates these interpersonal and analytical skills provide meaningful stability.
04How does someone become one of Production Supervisors, or what preparation is needed?
Most positions require a vocational certificate, related work experience, or an associate's degree. Employers look for Active Listening, Management of Personnel Resources, and Speaking. Workers frequently move up from production roles after gaining practical knowledge of equipment and safety procedures.
05Is Production Supervisor a good career to start in 2026?
Considering a 2026 start, this occupation shows steady signs. The median pay is 74450 per year, and total employment numbers 673430. Projected growth of +1.2% (2024–34) signals modest expansion, making it a defensible pick for someone comfortable in a supervisory role.
06What are the typical daily responsibilities of Production Supervisors?
Daily work centers on training employees in equipment operations and safety, tracking attendance and hours, and evaluating performance. Supervisors also recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions, and enforce safety and sanitation regulations. They often rely on software like SAP and Microsoft Excel to manage schedules.