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What is a production leader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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A production leader is accountable for the entire production process for all or some products. They plan, organize, and recommend strategies to ensure that the product is developed in line with all specifications. They lead teams working in operations and product development. Additionally, they suggest operational changes, evaluate risks, and ensure adherence to safety procedures. Furthermore, they resolve production problems and conduct performance evaluations. Also, they prepare relevant reports and daily status updates as required. Moreover, they perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

To work as a production leader, you need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business management or a related field. Having relevant certifications is a plus. Candidates must have at least a year of relevant work experience. You must have problem-solving, communication, troubleshooting, organization, planning, and project management skills. Production leaders make an average salary of $59,261 annually. This falls between $33,000 and $107,000.

ScoreProduction LeaderUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,563

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.71%

Asian 5.09%

Black or African American 10.97%

Hispanic or Latino 19.78%

Unknown 4.16%

White 59.30%

Gender

female 29.37%

male 70.63%

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

Production Leader career paths

Key steps to become a production leader

  1. Explore production leader education requirements

    Most common production leader degrees

    Bachelor's

    35.9 %

    High School Diploma

    28.4 %

    Associate

    21.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific production leader skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service11.12%
    Continuous Improvement6.68%
    Safety Procedures6.15%
    Quality Standards4.96%
    Customer Orders4.61%
  3. Complete relevant production leader training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New production leaders 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 production leader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real production leader resumes.
  4. Gain additional production leader certifications

    Production leader 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 production leader certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for production leaders include Forklift Safety and Inspector and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  5. Research production leader duties and responsibilities

    • Manage PC production line personnel.
    • Manage the operation of three alkalize systems from a PLC.
    • Manage employee's schedules, time off requests, vacation and payroll with the KRONOS time management software.
    • Maintain maximum yields in accordance with company policies and USDA food and safety guidelines.
  6. Get production leader experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a production leader. The most common roles before becoming a production leader include machine operator, cashier team lead and production supervisor.
  7. Prepare your production leader resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your production leader 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 production leader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Production Leader Resume templates

    Build a professional Production Leader 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 Production Leader resume.
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  8. Apply for production leader jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a production leader 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 Production Leader Job

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Average production leader salary

The average Production Leader salary in the United States is $44,563 per year or $21 per hour. Production leader salaries range between $31,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average Production Leader Salary
$44,563 Yearly
$21.42 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do production leaders rate their job?

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Production Leader reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Being part of the core team, making desicions and having a positive impact on my team daily , Expressing my abilities to grow as a leader face new challenges day to day. Put all my expierences and acknowlegment into action creating a postive enviroment to work.

Cons

There are ups and down but it is gratifying when you come out on top


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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.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

A great leader, leads by example. Leading organization with team effort, to learn and grow.


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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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