Highest-Paying Shift Supervisor Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for shift supervisor roles across the United States, utilizing a blend of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings. This analysis aims to identify the highest-paid types of shift supervisors in 2026 based on these average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of shift supervisors:
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Supervisor is the top-paying type of shift supervisor, boasting an average salary of $53,902 and an hourly rate of $25.91.
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The second highest-paid type is Case Manager Supervisor, with an average salary of $51,023.
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The average salary for all shift supervisors is $34,141 per year, equating to an hourly wage of $16.41.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while compensation shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, it is certainly an important one. If you aspire to work as a shift supervisor, understanding the highest-paying roles can help you navigate your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various types of shift supervisors:
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Supervisor
Average Salary: $53,902
Supervisors are tasked with overseeing daily operations within a specific team, department, or shift. They are responsible for creating work schedules, organizing workflows, training new employees, and monitoring team performance. They also provide guidance to staff, ensuring that departmental goals are achieved while fostering a positive work environment. Essential skills include leadership, management, decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
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Case Manager Supervisor
Average Salary: $51,023
Case manager supervisors oversee case managers in healthcare or social work settings, typically working in organizations that provide services for vulnerable populations. Their responsibilities include maintaining client files, coordinating services, and monitoring staff performance. Key traits for success in this role include compassion, critical thinking, and strong communication skills.
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Department Supervisor
Average Salary: $47,300
Department supervisors ensure operational efficiency in a designated area. They develop strategies to meet organizational goals and oversee employee performance, training, and adherence to company policies. Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills are critical in this position.
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Assistant Shift Supervisor
Average Salary: $41,133
Assistant shift supervisors support the shift supervisor in maintaining operational flow. Their duties often encompass managing schedules, preparing documentation, and collaborating with various teams. They may also take over supervisory duties when the main supervisor is unavailable.
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Area Supervisor
Average Salary: $40,965
Area supervisors manage operations within a specific geographical area, including staff oversight, scheduling, and addressing customer inquiries. Their role is vital in ensuring a smooth operational flow and maintaining a positive customer experience.
Below is a detailed table showcasing the average salaries for various shift supervisor roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Shift Supervisors
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supervisor | |
| 2 | Case Manager Supervisor | |
| 3 | Department Supervisor | |
| 4 | Assistant Shift Supervisor | |
| 5 | Area Supervisor | |
| 6 | Sales Supervisor | |
| 7 | Operation Shift Supervisor | |
| 8 | Stock Supervisor | |
| 9 | Night Shift Supervisor | |
| 10 | Retail Supervisor | |
| 11 | Shift Lead Manager | |
| 12 | 2nd Shift Supervisor | |
| 13 | Merchandising Supervisor | |
| 14 | Stores Supervisor | |
| 15 | Shift Leader | |
| 16 | Night Shift Manager | |
| 17 | 3rd Shift Supervisor | |
| 18 | Shift Manager | |
| 19 | Cashier Supervisor | |
| 20 | Floor Supervisor |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available data 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 generate salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources to ensure our salary information is current and accurate. They calculate a weighted average for each job title based on the gathered data. For more details on our methodology, you can read the detailed methodology.
FAQs About the Highest-Paying Shift Supervisor Jobs
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What is the highest-paid shift supervisor job?
The highest-paid shift supervisor job is a Supervisor. Supervisors earn an average salary of $53,902, which is equivalent to $25.91 per hour.
They oversee daily employee functions within a team, department, or shift, managing schedules, workflows, and performance evaluations while providing guidance and support to staff in achieving their goals. To excel, they need strong leadership, management, and analytical skills.
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What is a good salary for a shift supervisor?
A good salary for a shift supervisor is $34,141 or more. This figure represents the average salary for shift supervisors, meaning those earning at least this amount are above-average earners.
It’s essential to note that salaries can vary by location due to cost-of-living adjustments. Researching local averages based on your expertise and experience can provide a clearer understanding of your salary’s competitiveness.
If you are entering the field, the average starting salary is approximately $23,045, which should be considered when evaluating your compensation relative to the average.
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Do shift supervisor jobs pay well?
While the average salary of $34,141 may seem low compared to some industries, many shift supervisor positions offer significant earning potential. The top 10% of shift supervisors can earn around $74,720 annually.
Compensation varies based on experience, industry, and location. Conducting thorough research on market salaries and negotiating based on your findings is advisable.
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Where do shift supervisors earn the most?
Shift supervisors earn the highest salaries in Hawaii,
Following Hawaii, the states with the highest salaries for shift supervisors include Michigan, California, and Indiana, offering average annual salaries of $34,204, $40,634, and $33,615, respectively.
The cities with the most lucrative shift supervisor salaries are:
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San Jose, CA – $41,146
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Washington, DC – $40,323
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Seattle, WA – $39,361
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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.
