Helpers--Production Workers
SOC code 51-9198 · O*NET-SOC 51-9198.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Helpers--Production Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$39,070
a year
Hourly
$18.78
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$41,120
$19.77 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,220 – $45,990
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$31,140 – $53,410
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
165,700
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $31,140
- $14.97/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,220
- $16.93/hr
- Median percentile
- $39,070
- $18.78/hr
- 75th percentile
- $45,990
- $22.11/hr
- 90th percentile
- $53,410
- $25.68/hr
What does a helpers--production worker do?
Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
- Mark or tag identification on parts.
- Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
- Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.
- Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
- Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
- Prepare raw materials for processing.
- Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
How to become a helpers--production worker
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma35%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
- Post-Secondary Certificate20%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.8%
Common questions
How much does a helpers--production worker earn?
The national median is $39,070 a year. The full range runs from $31,140 at the 10th percentile to $53,410 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a helpers--production worker without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening2.8/5
- Monitoring2.8/5
- Reading Comprehension2.6/5
- Speaking2.6/5
- Critical Thinking2.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Mechanical2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Public Safety and Security2.6/5
- Computers and Electronics2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.