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What is a 2nd shift supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A 2nd shift supervisor is an individual who manages a team of employees during the second shift of a workday. They are responsible for ensuring that the team meets production goals, stays on schedule, and maintains quality control. A 2nd shift supervisor must be able to communicate effectively with their team and provide guidance. A 2nd shift supervisor must have strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Score2nd Shift SupervisorUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,465

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 5.35%

Black or African American 12.06%

Hispanic or Latino 13.88%

Unknown 4.20%

White 63.80%

Gender

female 17.29%

male 82.71%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a 2nd shift supervisor?

Pros

  • Higher pay differential compared to day shift supervisor

  • More autonomy and responsibility in decision-making

  • Less competition for promotions due to fewer individuals seeking 2nd shift positions

  • Reduced traffic and commute time during off-peak hours

  • Fewer distractions and interruptions from upper management

Cons

  • Limited social life due to working during the evening and night hours

  • Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to fatigue or lack of sleep

  • Reduced accessibility to resources and support staff during off-hours

  • Limited professional development opportunities due to fewer training sessions offered during evening hours

  • Possible difficulty in managing employees who may have difficulty adjusting to non-traditional hours.

2nd shift supervisor career paths

Key steps to become a 2nd shift supervisor

  1. Explore 2nd shift supervisor education requirements

    Most common 2nd shift supervisor degrees

    High School Diploma

    32.7 %

    Bachelor's

    29.0 %

    Associate

    24.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific 2nd shift supervisor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service9.56%
    Continuous Improvement6.50%
    Pallets5.05%
    OSHA4.90%
    Work Ethic4.71%
  3. Complete relevant 2nd shift supervisor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 2nd shift supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a 2nd shift supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real 2nd shift supervisor resumes.
  4. Gain additional 2nd shift supervisor certifications

    2nd shift supervisor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific 2nd shift supervisor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for 2nd shift supervisors include Forklift Safety and Inspector and Commercial Driver License (CDL).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research 2nd shift supervisor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage 2nd shift plant operations for a contract packager specializing in products regulate by both the FDA and DEA.
    • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
    • Certify in first aid & CPR.
    • Make sure work areas stay safe with the use of PPE.
  6. Prepare your 2nd shift supervisor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 2nd shift supervisor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a 2nd shift supervisor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable 2nd shift supervisor resume templates

    Build a professional 2nd shift supervisor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your 2nd shift supervisor resume.
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
    2nd Shift Supervisor Resume
  7. Apply for 2nd shift supervisor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 2nd shift supervisor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first 2nd shift supervisor job

Zippi

Are you a 2nd shift supervisor?

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Average 2nd shift supervisor salary

The average 2nd shift supervisor salary in the United States is $34,465 per year or $17 per hour. 2nd shift supervisor salaries range between $27,000 and $43,000 per year.

Average 2nd shift supervisor salary
$34,465 Yearly
$16.57 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do 2nd shift supervisors rate their job?

-/5

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1 star

2nd shift supervisor reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Being able to create a work environment where people flourish, come together, build good relationships form positive teamwork, watching work flow smoothly, reaching or exceeding goals, and be accountable. 2. An opportunity to learn shop floor activities technically and also to develop managerial skills.

Cons

When my children were young and still in school, I didn't like not having a work-life balance to be with the family. But now my family is grown up with there own families.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like getting to know the company's operation and running numbers to see what opportunities there are for improvement.

Cons

I don't dislike anything about supervising, however the most difficult part of this position for me was managing people. This is a challenge when turnover rates are high.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Diversity of day to day operations

Cons

Stress and the babysitting nature of job.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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