Highest-Paying Shift Leader Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of shift leaders that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of shift leaders:

• Leader is the highest-paid type of shift leader with an average salary of $86,964 and an average hourly rate of $41.81.

• The second highest-paying type of shift leader is team leader, with an average salary of $68,817.

• The average shift leader salary is $33,841 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.27.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a shift leader, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of shift leaders are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of shift leaders:

1. Leader

   Average Salary: $86,964

   Leaders pave the way for a company to achieve certain goals. They are in charge of bringing the organization to greater heights. They set the direction of the organization, much like how a captain sets the sails of the ship. They are responsible for coming up with main strategies and alternatives should there be challenges along the way. Leaders ensure that the company is guided by its vision and mission and that the employees emulate company values. They do so through leading by example. Leaders should have strategic skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills.

2. Team Leader

   Average Salary: $68,817

3. Sales Leader

   Average Salary: $68,699

   A Sales Leader’s responsibility is more than just leading. Most of the tasks involve monitoring the progress of sales, creating strategies to attain financial gains, managing the workforce, and as well as suggesting and enforcing particular options that would be beneficial for the sales and the company. All while making sure that all actions adhere to the policies and standards of the company. Above all, a Sale’s Leader must have the passion and determination to drive a team towards the company’s goal.

4. Team Leader/Trainer

   Average Salary: $43,044

   The team leader or the trainer primarily focuses on supporting the engineering team and is committed to fostering communication and leadership and giving training to the aspirants. Other duties include planning, executing, budgeting, monitoring, controlling, consulting, and collaborating with his/her teams.

5. Assistant Shift Supervisor

   Average Salary: $41,133

   An assistant shift supervisor helps shift supervisors maintain smooth operations and provide optimal services to clients. Their tasks often include handling calls and correspondence, preparing documentation and presentations, conducting reviews and assessments, coordinating with different teams, managing staff, and overseeing schedules. There are also times when they participate in setting goals, establishing timelines and guidelines, liaising with external business partners, and addressing issues and concerns. Moreover, in the absence of the shift supervisor, an assistant shift supervisor may assume their duties to maintain the smooth workflow of the establishment.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various shift leader that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Shift Leaders

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for shift leaders.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Shift Leader Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid shift leader job?

   The highest-paid shift leader job is a leader. Leaders earn an average salary of $86,964, which is $ 41.81 hourly.

   Leaders pave the way for a company to achieve certain goals. They are in charge of bringing the organization to greater heights. They set the direction of the organization, much like how a captain sets the sails of the ship. They are responsible for coming up with main strategies and alternatives should there be challenges along the way. Leaders ensure that the company is guided by its vision and mission and that the employees emulate company values. They do so through leading by example. Leaders should have strategic skills, decision-making skills, and interpersonal skills.

2. What is a good salary for a shift leader?

   A good salary for a shift leader is $33,841 or more. The average shift leader salary is $33,841, so those making at least $33,841 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average shift leader salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a shift leader, the average entry level salary is $25,945, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $33,841 average, as this includes all shift leaders of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Shift Leader jobs pay well?

   No, shift leader jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some shift leader jobs pay better than others, but the average shift leader salary of $33,841 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many shift leader jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of shift leaders earning $59,385 a year on average.

   Shift Leaders’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a shift leader. Do your research on the going rate for a shift leader in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do shift leaders get paid the most?

   Shift Leaders get paid the most in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, shift leaders earn an average annual salary of $40,935 and an average hourly wage of $19.68.

   Following MA, the states with the highest-paid shift leaders are Minnesota, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, with average annual salaries of $35,386, $38,934, and $39,457 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid shift leader salaries are:

   1. Boston, MA – $40,980

   2. Richmond, CA – $39,377

   3. Seattle, WA – $39,288

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.