The Best-Paying Jobs in Manufacturing

11/24/22 by Zack Saadioui

The manufacturing sector is a critical part of the American economy, and it’s also a great place to find well-paying jobs. In fact, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average manufacturing worker earned $27.6 per hour in 2018, which is nearly $10 more than the average private-sector worker. There are many different manufacturing jobs that pay well, but some are better than others. Here are the five best-paying manufacturing jobs in America, based on median annual salary data from the BLS:

Quality Control Technician

Quality control technicians are responsible for ensuring that manufactured products meet specified standards. They may perform various tests on products, using measuring and diagnostic devices, and record the results. Quality control technicians also may be responsible for inspecting products and materials to ensure that they meet required standards, and for documenting and reporting any deviations. Some quality control technicians may be responsible for setting up and operating testing equipment.

Production Supervisor

The Production Supervisor role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the production team. They ensure that the team meets production targets and quality standards. They also develop and implement plans to improve efficiency and productivity. The Production Supervisor role is a key role in the manufacturing industry. The median annual salary for a Production Supervisor is $65,530. The top 10% of earners make more than $93,750. The bottom 10% of earners make less than $43,380. The Production Supervisor role is critical to the success of a manufacturing company. They are responsible for ensuring that the production team meets targets and quality standards. They also develop and implement plans to improve efficiency and productivity. The Production Supervisor role is a demanding role that requires excellent leadership and management skills.

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the designing, planning, and coordination of the manufacturing process. They work to create a manufacturing process that is efficient and cost-effective. A Manufacturing Engineer must have a strong understanding of engineering principles and be able to apply them to the manufacturing process. They must be able to troubleshoot and solve problems that arise during the manufacturing process.

Industrial Designer

An industrial designer is a professional who designs products that are manufactured industrially. This may include products that are used in the home, such as appliances, or products that are used in the workplace, such as office furniture. Industrial designers work closely with engineers and other professionals to ensure that products are functional and safe. They also work to create products that are aesthetically pleasing and that meet the needs of the people who will use them. Industrial designers typically have a bachelor's degree in industrial design or a related field.

Purchasing Agent

Purchasing agents are responsible for buying goods and services for their company. They work with suppliers to get the best prices and terms for their products. They also negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors. Purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree in business or a related field.

Materials Manager

In a manufacturing setting, the materials manager is responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing the raw materials needed to produce finished goods. This job requires knowledge of both the manufacturing process and the supply chain, as the materials manager must be able to select vendors and negotiate contracts that provide the best value for the company. The materials manager also needs to be able to forecast future demand and manage inventory levels to ensure that production can continue uninterrupted. This is a critical role in any manufacturing operation, and the best-paying jobs in this field tend to go to those with significant experience and a proven track record of success.

Maintenance Manager

Maintenance managers are responsible for the upkeep of manufacturing equipment. This involves ensuring that the equipment is running smoothly and efficiently. Maintenance managers typically work in industrial settings. They may work in factories, plants, or mills. Maintenance managers typically have a background in engineering or a related field. They must be able to troubleshoot equipment problems and have strong problem-solving skills. Maintenance managers typically earn a salary of $60,000-$80,000 per year.

Safety Engineer

Working as a safety engineer in the manufacturing industry can be a very rewarding career. Not only are the salaries for this position among the highest in the manufacturing industry, but the job also offers a great deal of satisfaction. Safety engineers are responsible for ensuring that the products manufactured by their company are safe for consumers to use. This involves testing products to ensure that they meet safety standards, investigating accidents and incidents to determine the cause, and developing safety procedures to prevent future accidents. Safety engineers play a vital role in keeping consumers safe, and they are well-compensated for their efforts.

Process Engineer

Process engineers are responsible for the design, operation, and control of industrial process plants. They work in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and power generation. Process engineers typically have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, although some may have a degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering discipline. Many process engineers also have a master's degree or PhD in chemical engineering. Process engineers are employed in a variety of settings, including industrial plants, consulting firms, and research and development laboratories. They may also work for government agencies or for companies that provide engineering services.

Plant Manager

Plant managers are responsible for the overall operation of a manufacturing plant. They coordinate the activities of the plant and make sure that the products are of good quality and meet customer demands. Plant managers also develop plans to improve the efficiency of the plant and its workers.

Conclusion

The best-paying jobs in manufacturing are those that require skilled labor and provide good benefits. Many of these jobs are in management and engineering, but there are also many production and assembly jobs that pay well. With the right training and experience, anyone can find a well-paying job in manufacturing.