Operation supervisor vs manufacturing supervisor

The differences between operation supervisors and manufacturing supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an operation supervisor and a manufacturing supervisor. Additionally, a manufacturing supervisor has an average salary of $71,330, which is higher than the $57,279 average annual salary of an operation supervisor.

The top three skills for an operation supervisor include logistics, safety procedures and OSHA. The most important skills for a manufacturing supervisor are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and safety regulations.

Operation supervisor vs manufacturing supervisor overview

	Operation Supervisor	Manufacturing Supervisor
Yearly salary	$57,279	$71,330
Hourly rate	$27.54	$34.29
Growth rate	6%	3%
Number of jobs	94,116	68,725
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does an operation supervisor do?

Operations supervisors manage a specific operations-related team or department. They ensure that all the agreed-upon key performance indicators are being met. They also address any performance challenges and strategize on how to improve different areas in the team. They communicate team goals and balance the organization's requirements with the team's profile. Operations supervisors also manage the employees under their department. They hire for vacancies and train new employees. They also ensure that employees are properly coached for improvement. Operations supervisors are expected to be strategic, personable, and good communicators.

What does a manufacturing supervisor do?

A manufacturing supervisor is a management-level employee who takes responsibility for the daily operations of the production processes in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing supervisors execute different roles as sponsors, coaches, directors, counselors, and educators. They supervise staff, organize the production team, and monitor the overall workflow. There are necessary skills for this position, including adaptability, cooperation, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution. The supervisors are also expected to be skilled in mentorship and in making a sound decision.

Operation supervisor vs manufacturing supervisor salary

Operation supervisors and manufacturing supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Operation Supervisor	Manufacturing Supervisor
Average salary	$57,279	$71,330
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $87,000	Between $55,000 And $92,000
Highest paying City	Kansas City, KS	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	Louisiana	Maine
Best paying company	Ropes & Gray	Boehringer Ingelheim
Best paying industry	Finance	Pharmaceutical

Differences between operation supervisor and manufacturing supervisor education

There are a few differences between an operation supervisor and a manufacturing supervisor in terms of educational background:

	Operation Supervisor	Manufacturing Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Operation supervisor vs manufacturing supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between operation supervisors' and manufacturing supervisors' demographics:

	Operation Supervisor	Manufacturing Supervisor
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2%	Male, 83.7% Female, 16.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 4.4% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between operation supervisor and manufacturing supervisor duties and responsibilities

Operation supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage labor and operating expenses to meet budget goals by utilizing KRONOS.
Manage the safety, quality, productivity, OEE, yields, & continuous improvement.
Manage the proper preparation of equipment for mechanical work as well as proper utilization of LOTO system.
Serve as member of HAZMAT team and manage all training, orientation and safety programs for entire facility.
Manage all inbound and outbound of product/inventory, and keep accurate counts in AS400 P.K.M.S warehouse management software.
Manage daily activities of up to 15 staff and up to 50 students at youth rehabilitation boarding facility.

Manufacturing supervisor example responsibilities.

Conduct all safety meeting and manage the employee's time keeping (Kronos).
Review and correct documentation and batch records while managing RODAC testing and leading CAPA investigations.
Lead, develop, and implement the KANBAN system by providing better flows of raw material and production.
Manage a team of 16-35 to insure packaging lines are running to standards as far as USDA guidelines and company productivity.
Lead sigma program driving quality, productivity and delivery improvements.
Manage a team of QC inspectors for inspecting automotive components from manufacturing line

Operation supervisor vs manufacturing supervisor skills

Common operation supervisor skills

Logistics, 7%
Safety Procedures, 7%
OSHA, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Customer Satisfaction, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%

Common manufacturing supervisor skills

Continuous Improvement, 10%
Lean Manufacturing, 9%
Safety Regulations, 5%
Quality Standards, 5%
GMP, 5%
Production Schedules, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Operation Supervisor
Operation Supervisor vs Manufacturing Supervisor

Updated January 8, 2025

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