What First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Determine schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities, based on work priority, quantity of equipment, and skill of personnel"; "Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance"; "Examine objects, systems, or facilities and analyze information to determine needed installations, services, or repairs"; "Counsel employees about work-related issues and assist employees to correct job-skill deficiencies"; "Requisition materials and supplies, such as tools, equipment, or replacement parts".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 629,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 654,500 in 2035, an increase of 25,500 jobs (+4.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 48,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $79,860, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers earn the most
Across the 19 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $74,766 in Georgia to $93,979 in Washington, a gap of $19,213 (1.26 times). 15 of those 19 states average above the BLS national median of $79,860 and 4 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 72,950, which is 15.0% of the 485,990 counted across them. California follows with 49,950.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($93,979), New Jersey ($93,563) and New Hampshire ($93,166) lead the ranking, while Georgia ($74,766) and Florida ($75,376) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 22 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $46,312. The smallest margin is $30,125 in Miami-Dade County, FL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 22 of the 22 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 19.1% and 45.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
How much do First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $79,860. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $74,766 to $93,979.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $93,979. New Jersey is next at $93,563.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 48,900 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $46,312 on a median wage of $86,370.