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Manufacturing

How to become a Production Supervisor

From production associate: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2–5 years
Typical pay
$58k–$80k
Starting from
Production associate

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from production associate and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Work the floor

    Supervisors promoted from operators have credibility that outside hires spend a year buying.

  2. Take lean training

    5S, standard work and kaizen — the shared language of manufacturing management.

    Course that covers thisGet Your Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certificate in 2 HoursUdemy · around $19.99
  3. Lead a shift

    One line, one shift, one set of people. Then a department.

  4. Destination

    Production Supervisor

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Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.