Exploring Lucrative Manufacturing Careers: Salaries and Educational Pathways By Utah-MEP
The Utah-MEP would like to highlight a handful of careers to celebrate Manufacturing Day. The manufacturing industry is a powerhouse of diverse career opportunities, each offering unique challenges and rewards. In this article, we’ll explore some popular manufacturing jobs, their job descriptions, average pay in Utah, and the education or training required to succeed in these roles. 1. Industrial Engineers: Industrial engineers are the efficiency experts of manufacturing. They optimize production processes, using data analysis and project management techniques to improve workflows, resource allocation, layout, schedules, and safety. With a median annual salary of $100,100, this role requires a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field like manufacturing engineering or systems engineering. This comprehensive education equips industrial engineers with the skills needed to enhance manufacturing operations. 2. Electrical Engineers: Electrical engineers play a pivotal role in industrial settings by designing, developing, and overseeing electrical systems to ensure efficient operations. They work on circuits, program controllers, and 7
optimize manufacturing processes. The median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $112,900, and this career path necessitates a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. The curriculum covers topics such as circuit theory, electronics, control systems, and power systems. 3. Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks: These professionals are the backbone of efficient manufacturing. They coordinate production processes, create schedules, monitor inventory, and address any issues to ensure timely delivery of quality products. While this role typically requires a high school diploma, vocational training, or certification, many gain experience through on-the-job training. The average annual salary for production, planning, and expediting clerks is around $51,500. 4. Welders and Cutters: Welders and cutters are skilled craftsmen who join and shape metal components using various techniques. They follow Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files or drawings, maintain safety standards, and contribute to product fabrication. The median annual salary for welders and cutters is approximately $50,500. To succeed in this role, individuals typically
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