The manufacturing industry produces nearly all the products and equipment used in daily life. Manufacturing transforms materials or parts into new products.
The manufacturing industry produces nearly all the products and equipment used in daily life. Manufacturing transforms materials or parts into new products. For example, a manufacturer takes a raw material—such as wood—and processes it into a ready-to-sell product like pulp, paper, and plywood. Or they may turn raw food ingredients into products like soup, pizza, or ice cream. Manufacturing locations are generally called plants or factories.
Career Spotlight | Industrial Maintenance Technician
Median Salary : $35,038
Industrial maintenance technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tasks such as installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining production and facility equipment. Key responsibilities of an industrial maintenance technician include many different things. They provide emergency and unscheduled repairs of production equipment that require mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, troubleshooting, and repair skills. It is also important to be able to read and understand equipment manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service.
IN-DEMAND CAREERS
Career
Salary
Education Level
Supervisors of Production & Operating Workers
$57,537
Some College Courses
Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, & Repairers
$64,699
High School Diploma
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Techs
$55,950
Bachelor's Degree
Maintenance & Repair Workers (General)
$35,364
High School Diploma
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
$47,157
Post-Secondary Certificate
Machinists
$44,332
High School Diploma
Production, Planning, & Expediting Clerks
$38,952
High School Diploma
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers
$37,332
Certificate Program
Industrial Engineering Technicians
$48,453
Associate's Degree
Assemblers & Fabricators
$30,413
High School Diploma
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, & Systems Assemblers
***
High School Diploma
Chemical Equipment Operators & Tenders
$59,573
High School Diploma
Cutting, Punching, & Press Machine Settlers
$35,234
High School Diploma
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
$39,077
High School Diploma
Engine & Other Machine Assemblers
***
High School Diploma
Coating, Painting, & Spraying Machine Setters
$37,304
High School Diploma
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Programmers
$48,833
Bachelor's Degree
Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers
$50,669
High School Diploma
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
$49,083
Associate's Degree
Mechanical Drafters
$57,500
High School Diploma
Tool & Die Makers
$51,230
High School Diploma
Dental Laboratory Technicians
$31,592
Dental Program
Butchers & Meat Cutters
$28,786
High School Diploma
Mixing & Blending Machine Setters
$37,604
High School Diploma
Packaging & Filling Machine Operators & Tenders
$28,844
High School Diploma
Chemical Technicians
$52,299
Associate's Degree
Cutting & Slicing Machine Setters
$33,255
High School Diploma
Primary Source: Alabama & Workforce Region Demand Occupations ACCCP, Region 1 Demand Occupations ACCCP 2021-2022
Manufacturing relates well to those who enjoy sports or being part of a team, it provides a new challenge every single day no matter the scope of your responsibility or operation. Like many, I was undecided on my career upon graduation so I chose manufacturing due to the multitude of career path options. Within a few months I quickly gravitated towards the leadership path and it provided me the opportunity to work in operations across the country and even in Canada. In my current role, I get the most enjoyment out of working with our team to create rewarding career path opportunities for our employees.
- Brian | Sonoco Products
