Medical Appliance Technicians vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Who Earns More?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers out-earn Medical Appliance Technicians by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Medical Appliance Technicians land at $48,030 and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers at $74,450. The education gap is real: medical appliance technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while first-line supervisors of production and operating worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Medical Appliance Technicians is Arizona ($72,760); for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers it's Wyoming ($90,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Medical Appliance Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Medical Appliance Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn more nationally. The median is $48,030 for Medical Appliance Technicians versus $74,450 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Medical Appliance Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Medical Appliance Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 3.7% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Medical Appliance Technicians or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Medical Appliance Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Medical Appliance Technicians get paid the most?
Arizona is the top-paying state for Medical Appliance Technicians at $72,760/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Medical Appliance Technicians vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Arizona, Medical Appliance Technicians earn $72,760 vs. $75,330 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.