Exploring Lucrative Manufacturing Careers: Salaries and Educational Pathways

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 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 require a high school diploma, vocational or technical training, apprenticeships, certification programs, and on-the-job training.

5. Machine Tool Setters and Operators:

Operating, maintaining, and monitoring machines that shape, cut, grind, or process materials into specific parts or products is the primary responsibility of machine tool setters and operators. With a median annual salary of around $42,300, individuals in this role usually obtain a high school diploma, vocational or technical training, apprenticeships, certification programs, and on-the-job training. Some may also pursue an associate degree to advance their career.

6. Fabricators and Fitters:

Fabricators and fitters are essential in ensuring the precision assembly of components from CAD files or drawings using tools and machinery. They work with various materials, shaping them according to designs, and ensure quality standards are met. With an average annual salary of $48,500, this role requires a foundation of a high school diploma, vocational or technical training, certifications, and on-the-job training.

In conclusion, the manufacturing industry offers various career paths, each with unique educational requirements and earning potential. Manufacturers often face challenges in attracting and retaining top talent, making it essential to become the “employer of choice” in their industry. MEP centers can provide hands-on coaching to achieve this favored status by training on workforce development, employee engagement, technology adoption, and proven value-added skill sets like KATA and Lean.