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Manufacturing and production careers: pay and training

Production work runs from entry-level assembly to skilled machinist and power-plant operator roles that take years to qualify for. The skilled end is where the pay is: computer-controlled machine work, precision inspection and plant operation all sit well above the group median.

The list below ranks every production occupation by median annual pay.

Occupations
112
Pay range
$34,890–$122,890
Top median
$122,890

Manufacturing and production occupations, ranked by median pay

Median annual wage, national, BLS May 2025.

Nuclear Power Reactor OperatorsMedium preparation needed · 5,150 employed$122,890median / yrPower Distributors and DispatchersMedium preparation needed · 8,520 employed$106,730median / yrPower Plant OperatorsLittle to some preparation needed · 29,320 employed$102,040median / yrBiomass Plant TechniciansLittle to some preparation needed · 29,320 employed$102,040median / yrHydroelectric Plant TechniciansMedium preparation needed · 29,320 employed$102,040median / yrPetroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and GaugersLittle to some preparation needed · 33,160 employed$96,710median / yrGas Plant OperatorsLittle to some preparation needed · 18,030 employed$87,820median / yrStationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsMedium preparation needed · 28,250 employed$78,620median / yrChemical Plant and System OperatorsLittle to some preparation needed · 16,610 employed$78,120median / yrFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating WorkersMedium preparation needed · 673,430 employed$74,450median / yrComputer Numerically Controlled Tool ProgrammersGrowingLittle to some preparation needed · 28,500 employed$68,120median / yrAircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersLittle to some preparation needed · 34,020 employed$65,380median / yrTool and Die MakersMedium preparation needed · 56,930 employed$64,050median / yrLayout Workers, Metal and PlasticLittle to some preparation needed · 5,970 employed$63,870median / yrModel Makers, Metal and PlasticMedium preparation needed · 2,610 employed$63,340median / yrFabric and Apparel PatternmakersMedium preparation needed · 2,950 employed$62,750median / yrTiming Device Assemblers and AdjustersLittle to some preparation needed · 250 employed$62,620median / yrPlant and System Operators, All OtherPreparation level not rated · 14,080 employed$62,470median / yrBiofuels Processing TechniciansLittle to some preparation needed · 14,080 employed$62,470median / yrWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System OperatorsLittle to some preparation needed · 128,490 employed$60,020median / yrMachinistsMedium preparation needed · 287,050 employed$58,750median / yrChemical Equipment Operators and TendersLittle to some preparation needed · 139,630 employed$58,040median / yrPatternmakers, Metal and PlasticMedium preparation needed · 1,470 employed$58,000median / yrTire BuildersLittle to some preparation needed · 20,770 employed$57,390median / yrModel Makers, WoodMedium preparation needed · 280 employed$56,550median / yrMetal-Refining Furnace Operators and TendersLittle to some preparation needed · 16,780 employed$54,430median / yrWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and BrazersLittle to some preparation needed · 416,210 employed$53,750median / yrEngine and Other Machine AssemblersLittle to some preparation needed · 34,000 employed$53,710median / yrMilling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLittle to some preparation needed · 12,460 employed$52,800median / yrJewelers and Precious Stone and Metal WorkersMedium preparation needed · 22,440 employed$52,540median / yrGem and Diamond WorkersMedium preparation needed · 22,440 employed$52,540median / yrPourers and Casters, MetalLittle to some preparation needed · 4,560 employed$51,810median / yrSeparating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersLittle to some preparation needed · 60,100 employed$51,610median / yrSemiconductor Processing TechniciansGrowingLittle to some preparation needed · 31,460 employed$51,430median / yrStructural Metal Fabricators and FittersLittle to some preparation needed · 52,360 employed$51,330median / yrComputer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsLittle to some preparation needed · 169,450 employed$50,690median / yrLathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLittle to some preparation needed · 16,710 employed$50,620median / yrPaper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersLittle to some preparation needed · 96,130 employed$50,270median / yrRolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticLittle to some preparation needed · 25,250 employed$50,140median / yrTool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersLittle to some preparation needed · 5,600 employed$50,060median / yr

Fastest growing manufacturing and production occupations

Projected employment growth, 2024–34.

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