Manufacturing careers in Eastern Iowa offer strong wages and steady work. For many skilled trades professionals, the next question becomes clear.

How do I move into leadership?

How do I become a production supervisor?

The path from the production floor to management is possible and increasingly necessary. Manufacturers across Eastern Iowa are looking to develop leaders from within. The difference between staying in a technical role and stepping into supervision often comes down to preparation.

The Career Path

Manufacturing Job to Lead to Supervisor to Manager

Most manufacturing leaders begin in hands-on roles. They learn the equipment, the process, and the standards. As they gain experience, they begin leading others informally. A common pathway looks like this:

  • Production Worker or Skilled Trades Professional
  • Team Lead or Shift Lead
  • Production Supervisor
  • Manufacturing or Operations Manager

Each step requires stronger communication, decision-making, and people management skills. Technical ability alone is not enough to move up.

Manufacturing Leadership Training and Salary Growth in Iowa

Moving from production into supervision can significantly increase earning potential. Advancing into management brings even greater responsibility and compensation.

Leadership advancement often brings financial growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics:

  • Assemblers and Fabricators: Approximately $42,000 median annual wage
  • First-Line Supervisors of Production Workers: Approximately $65,000 median annual wage
  • Industrial Production Managers: Approximately $100,000 or more median annual wage

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Iowa data.

Leadership and Management Training Pathway at EICC

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) offers a structured leadership development pathway for individuals and employers.

Frontline Leadership builds foundational supervisory skills, including communication, accountability, performance management, conflict resolution, and leading teams with clarity.

  • Cost: $2,695
  • Format: Classroom or live online
  • Length: 5 to 10 weeks

Participants may take individual sessions or complete all five to earn an EICC microcredential. Topics include building and sustaining trust, bouncing back from workplace challenges, >the motivation mix, empathy as a competitive advantage, and problem-solving in leadership

  • Cost: $295 per session
  • Format: In person
  • Structure: Five sessions, three hours each

This management certificate for trades professionals bridges supervision and operational management. Participants develop competency in key performance indicators, HR compliance, financial fundamentals, budgeting, and AI and emerging manufacturing technologies.

  • Cost: $2,695
  • Length: 10 sessions, two hours each
  • Delivery: Online for the upcoming cohort, available in person or online

This refreshed program supports managers and directors stepping into broader organizational influence and strategic responsibility.

  • Cost: $1,495
  • Length: Five sessions, three hours each
  • Delivery: In person

Designed for business owners and senior leaders, this program strengthens strategic thinking, resilience, and disciplined decision-making.

  • Cost: $995
  • Length: Four sessions, three hours each
  • Delivery: In person

How Long Does It Take to Move Into Leadership?

A motivated, skilled trades professional can complete foundational leadership training in as little as five to 10 weeks. Within one year, employees can progress through multiple levels of leadership development, positioning themselves for supervisory or management opportunities.

How Much Does It Cost? 

  • Frontline Leadership: $2,695 
  • Advanced Frontline Leadership: $295 per session 
  • Manufacturing Management Certificate: $2,695 
  • Next Level Leadership for Managers: $1,495 
  • Strategic Executive Leadership: $995 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • How do I become a production supervisor in Iowa? 
    • Most production supervisors begin in skilled trades roles and advance through experience and formal manufacturing leadership training. Completing leadership programs strengthens readiness for promotion. 
  • Do I need a degree to move into manufacturing leadership? 
    • Not necessarily. Many supervisors advance through targeted leadership programs or a management certificate for trades professionals rather than a traditional degree. 
  • Can employers in Eastern Iowa customize leadership training? 
    • Yes. Programs can be delivered on-site in Davenport, Bettendorf, Muscatine, Clinton, and throughout the Quad Cities, or adapted to meet specific workforce needs. 

Ready to Advance Your Manufacturing Career? 


Explore Leadership and Management Training options here.

Strong manufacturing communities in Eastern Iowa are built by strong leaders.