careers in Manufacturing

At the intersection of technology, innovation, and precision lies the field of manufacturing. From hands-on roles in quality control to operating advanced machinery and robotics, careers in manufacturing focus on creating and refining products that power our world. This field calls for individuals who are detail-oriented and technically skilled, with a passion for solving problems and building the future.
Log In to discover pathwayView Handoutview handout
Header image

find your career pathway

Manufacturers rely on a wide range of occupations to deliver finished goods to their customers. Below are in-demand manufacturing occupations organized in a potential career progression by experience level to help guide your career exploration.

Entry
intermediate
mid
Advanced
Expert

entry Level careers

Jobs at this experience level typically require a high school diploma and anywhere from a few months to one year of on-the-job training. Average annual wages range from $36,000 to $40,000.
job title
high demand
high skill
high wage
installation, maintenance, and repair helpers
production associates
production helper

intermediate Level careers

Jobs at this experience level typically require a high school diploma and one to two years of on-the-job training. Average annual wages range from $36,000 to $52,000.
job title
high demand
high skill
high wage
electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers
general maintenance and repair workers
machine operators
prodcution planners
quality control inspectors
welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Mid Level careers

Jobs at this experience level typically require either a high school diploma and a couple years of on-the-job training or an Associate's degree. Average annual wages range from $51,000 to $64,000.
job title
high demand
high skill
high wage
cNC Programmer
electrical and electronic engineering technologist and technician
electrical and electronic repairer, commercial and industrial equipment
electrical drafter
industrial engineering technician
industrial machinery mechanic
machinery maintenance worker
Machinist
mechanical drafter

advanced Level careers

Jobs at this experience level typically require several years of work-related experience in addition to either a high school diploma and a couple years of on-the-job training or an Associate's degree. Average annual wages range from $58,000 to $70,000.
job title
high demand
high skill
high wage
maintenance supervisors
mechanical engineering technicians
production supervisors
tool and die makers

expert Level careers

Jobs at this level typically require a Bachelor's Degree and may require several years of experience. Average annual wages range from $86,000 to $130,000.
job title
high demand
high skill
high wage
architectural and engineering managers
industrial engineers
mechanical engineers

Find Your career Pathway

Manufacturers rely on a wide range of occupations to deliver finished goods to their customers. Below are in-demand manufacturing occupations organized in a potential career progression by experience level to help guide your career exploration.

Entry
Mid
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert

high demand

high wage

high skill

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Helpers
Production Associates
Production Helper

high demand

high wage

high skill

General Maintenance and Repair Workers
Machine Operators
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers
Production Planners
Quality Control Inspectors
Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers

high demand

high wage

high skill

CNC Programmers
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial, and Industrial Equipment
Electrical Drafters
Industrial Engineering Technicians
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Machinery Maintenance Workers
Machinists
Mechanical Drafters

high demand

high wage

high skill

Maintenance Supervisors
Mechanical Enginering Technicians
Production Supervisors
Tool and Die Makers

high demand

high wage

high skill

Architectural and Engineering Managers
Industrial Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
facebookYouTubeinstagramLinkedin

Menu

Blog

Resources

Copyright © 2025 CareerPathway.com. All rights reserved.