Highest-Paying Operation Supervisor Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a mix of publicly available government data and insights from thousands of job postings to generate accurate average salary estimates for operation supervisor roles across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paying positions within the operation supervision field based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of operation supervisors:
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Managing Supervisor ranks as the highest-paid operation supervisor, boasting an average salary of $79,218, equivalent to an hourly rate of $38.09.
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In second place is the Regional Operation Manager, earning an average salary of $78,588.
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The overall average salary for operation supervisors stands at $57,279 annually, translating to an hourly wage of $27.54.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary should not be the sole factor in your decision-making, it plays a crucial role. If you aspire to work as an operation supervisor, understanding the highest-paying roles can help you strategically plan your career progression.
Below are the top salaries among different types of operation supervisors:
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Managing Supervisor
Average Salary: $79,218
A Managing Supervisor is responsible for overseeing staff members and reporting on their progress within the organization. They represent the company externally and exhibit strong leadership skills. In addition, they assist in hiring and training new staff while maintaining discipline to prevent conflicts within the team.
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Regional Operation Manager
Average Salary: $78,588
A Regional Operation Manager oversees multiple locations, ensuring efficiency and profitability. They set sales targets, create marketing strategies, and analyze data for progress reports. Addressing concerns promptly and leading the workforce while adhering to company policies is also crucial.
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Manufacturing Supervisor
Average Salary: $71,330
A Manufacturing Supervisor manages the day-to-day operations of production processes. They fulfill various roles, including sponsor, coach, and educator, while supervising staff and organizing the production workflow. Key skills required include adaptability, communication, and conflict resolution.
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Materials Supervisor
Average Salary: $67,592
A Materials Supervisor oversees the logistics of shipping, receiving, and warehousing materials. Responsibilities include ensuring operational efficiency and safety while mentoring team members for their professional development.
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Production Supervisor
Average Salary: $63,391
Production supervisors manage the production process and ensure that employees are working effectively. They communicate company goals, guide employees, and play a crucial role in hiring and training. Strong communication and decision-making skills are essential for success in this role.
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing average salaries for various operation supervisor positions, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Operation Supervisors
Methodology
Zippia leverages publicly available information from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to formulate its salary estimates.
Additionally, our data science team scrapes job postings and collects company-released salary information to ensure accuracy for operation supervisor roles.
After compiling the data, we calculate a weighted average for each job title. For more insight into our salary estimation process, you can read our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Operation Supervisor Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid operation supervisor job?
The highest-paid operation supervisor job is a managing supervisor. Managing Supervisors earn an average salary of $79,218, which is $38.09 hourly.
A managing supervisor is responsible for overseeing staff members and providing reports on their progress within the organization. They represent the company externally and are expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills. Their role includes assisting in the hiring process and training new employees while maintaining discipline to prevent conflicts.
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What is a good salary for an operation supervisor?
A good salary for an operation supervisor is $57,279 or more. This amount represents the average operation supervisor salary, so those earning at least this figure are receiving above-average pay.
However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on location, as companies often adjust their pay scales according to the local cost of living. Researching average salaries in your region for similar roles can provide a clearer picture of your earning potential.
Additionally, if you are beginning your career as an operation supervisor, the average entry-level salary is approximately $56,477, and it is wise not to compare your starting salary to the overall average.
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Do operation supervisor jobs pay well?
Yes, operation supervisor jobs typically offer competitive salaries. While income varies across sectors, the average salary of $57,279 significantly exceeds the average national income of around $44,225 per year.
Moreover, many operation supervisor positions provide high earning potential, with the top 10% of earners making an average of $72,378 annually.
Keep in mind that salaries for operation supervisors can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s essential to conduct thorough research on compensation trends in your area.
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Where do operation supervisors earn the most?
Operation supervisors earn the highest salaries in Iowa. In Iowa, operation supervisors make an average annual salary of $67,708, or approximately $32.55 per hour.
Other states with competitive salaries for operation supervisors include Wisconsin, Kansas, and Mississippi, with average annual salaries of $65,454, $74,803, and $67,443, respectively.
The following cities have the highest-paid operation supervisor salaries:
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Kansas City, KS – $74,632
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Washington, DC – $72,089
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San Francisco, CA – $69,066
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
