Tooling manager vs operation supervisor

The differences between tooling managers and operation supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tooling manager and an operation supervisor. Additionally, a tooling manager has an average salary of $118,897, which is higher than the $57,279 average annual salary of an operation supervisor.

The top three skills for a tooling manager include project management, continuous improvement and CNC. The most important skills for an operation supervisor are logistics, safety procedures, and OSHA.

Tooling manager vs operation supervisor overview

	Tooling Manager	Operation Supervisor
Yearly salary	$118,897	$57,279
Hourly rate	$57.16	$27.54
Growth rate	10%	6%
Number of jobs	6,020	94,116
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does a tooling manager do?

A tooling manager is primarily responsible for overseeing information and data regarding tool systems. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their industry or place of employment, it typically includes setting objectives and guidelines, coordinating with staff to gather and analyze data, liaising with internal and external parties, tracking tool locations, and maintaining records. Moreover, a tooling manager typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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.

Tooling manager vs operation supervisor salary

Tooling managers and operation supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tooling Manager	Operation Supervisor
Average salary	$118,897	$57,279
Salary range	Between $89,000 And $158,000	Between $37,000 And $87,000
Highest paying City	Cheyenne, WY	Kansas City, KS
Highest paying state	Wyoming	Louisiana
Best paying company	Meta	Ropes & Gray
Best paying industry	Automotive	Finance

Differences between tooling manager and operation supervisor education

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

	Tooling Manager	Operation Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Tooling manager vs operation supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between tooling managers' and operation supervisors' demographics:

	Tooling Manager	Operation Supervisor
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%	Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.5% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between tooling manager and operation supervisor duties and responsibilities

Tooling manager example responsibilities.

Manage fastener development and prototyping, and work to reduce cost across large part of fastener commodities.
Lead JSA prior to picking up tools to run in wellbore and to pulling out wellbore and laying down tools.
Supervise fishing operations and manage rig controls and risk analyses.
Manage daily operations of precision machining facility that produces components for the medical and aerospace industry.
Manage workflow and oversee strict cleanroom operations, assuring compliance with FDA specifications including labeling and packaging traceability.
Perform many duties including, manual machining, operation of CNC mills, lathes, sinker and wire EDM's.

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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.

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Tooling manager vs operation supervisor skills

Common tooling manager skills

Project Management, 21%
Continuous Improvement, 9%
CNC, 5%
CAD, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Process Improvement, 5%

Common operation supervisor skills

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

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Updated January 8, 2025

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