How to become a Supervisor
Official title: Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing
Also called: Shipbuilding supervisor, Electroplating supervisor, Metal buffers foreman/woman, Metal buffing foreman/woman, Aircraft assembly supervisor, Helicopter assembly supervisor, Snowmobile assembly supervisor, Mobile home assembly supervisor, Small engine assembly supervisor, Truck trailer assembly supervisor, Tractor-trailer assembly supervisor, Engine assembly supervisor (except aircraft)
Supervisors in other mechanical and metal products manufacturing supervise and coordinate the activities of workers who fabricate, assemble and inspect mechanical and metal products, such as aircraft and aircraft parts, heavy trucks, buses, trailers, motor vehicle engines, transmissions, heating equipment, commercial refrigeration and similar metal products. They are employed by a wide variety of manufacturing companies.
Main tasks
- Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule activities of workers who assemble and inspect products such as aircraft, buses, heavy trucks, transmissions, automobile engines and refrigeration and heating equipment
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
- Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
- Prepare production and other reports
- May set up machines and equipment
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Post-secondary education may be required for some occupations in this group. Several years of experience as an assembler or inspector in the same company are usually required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $70,200 a year The middle half earn $59,280 to $81,569.
- About 18,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 19,000 are projected by 2033. (+2.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling
- Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing
- Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing
- Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Post-secondary education may be required for some occupations in this group. Several years of experience as an assembler or inspector in the same company are usually required.
How much does a Supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $70,200 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $59,280 to $81,569.
Is a Supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2033, from about 18,600 to about 19,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Supervisor?
Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03