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Profession JRI–73 / 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 83 other jobs
Risk rank73 / 84
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.

What you'll learn
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Updated Sep 21, 2026

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02 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 84 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.

See real salaries →

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:

Foundations
Core skills
Tools

Full skill path with courses →

06 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace production supervisors?
Automation effects could arrive within 5-10 years, yet the 36 risk score indicates only medium vulnerability. Essential duties like training employees and evaluating performance rely on interpersonal skills that remain difficult to automate.
02How soon could automation reshape Production Supervisors' duties?
Projections indicate a 5-10 year horizon for significant automation impact. A 36 risk score places the role at medium risk, so software will assist rather than replace human judgment in conflict resolution and real-time decisions.
03What skills keep Production Supervisors relevant?
Critical thinking, social perceptiveness, and data analysis and reporting are high-demand skills that sustain relevance. These support tasks like evaluating employee performance and enforcing safety regulations, which require human judgment.
04What preparation is needed to become a Production Supervisor?
Preparation usually includes vocational training, hands-on experience, or an associate's degree. Active listening, management of personnel resources, and speaking are high-demand skills for entering the role, and they support tasks like assigning training and keeping attendance records.
05Is Production Supervisor a good career to start in 2026?
Annual median earnings stand at $74,450, and the occupation size is 673,430. Projected growth is +1.2% for 2024-34, which is slow but positive, while the medium risk score of 36 suggests steady demand for human supervision.
06What software tools do Production Supervisors commonly use?
Common tools include SAP software, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Excel for planning and data tracking. Kronos Workforce Timekeeper handles attendance records, directly supporting the task of keeping employees' hours.