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5 Great Manufacturing Careers to Consider

Manufacturing is a booming business and the lifeline industry in our economy. Breaking into this field means breaking into plenty of manufacturing opportunities, particularly when it comes to cutting-edge technology. Despite the old image of mundane factory work, the manufacturing field offers well-paying jobs that are fast-paced, engaging, high-tech, and constantly evolving. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 17.5 million jobs are supported by manufacturing in the United States (that’s about one in six private-sector jobs). And, more than 12 million Americans are employed directly in manufacturing.

Great manufacturing careers range from machining to managerial, with the majority of modern workers in production, creating parts and products for the world to use. Many work in safe, state-of-the-art machining facilities, test labs, and collaborative work spaces. With the perfect blend of education and skillset, driven employees can work their way up the career ladder, to material handlers and assemblers, and even to supervisors, engineers, and directors. The sky is the limit with a career in manufacturing!

Manufacturing jobs go beyond production, too. When you pursue a manufacturing career, you can work in areas like design engineering, program management, quality assurance, radio prototyping, as well as technical sales. With manufacturing and machining school under your belt, you can do anything from assuring the safety and function of a newly-built jet engine, to creating the latest medical screening technology. Not only does this industry offer great manufacturing careers, it also impacts many other industries, such as the medical, aerospace, industrial, and pharmaceutical fields.

There are many myths surrounding manufacturing. While some believe that it is a poor career choice, the opposite proves to be true. In Connecticut, there are more unfilled manufacturing jobs than there are qualified workers to fill them. So, there is plenty of stability and growth in this field! Click here to read through some more myths about manufacturing.

Whether you are already working in the field and looking to advance in your career, or are looking to kick off your career in this booming industry, you may be wondering: What are the great manufacturing careers to consider today? Here we will explore some of the top paying jobs in the industry.

  • Information Technology Manager | Median Annual Salary: $139,220

Often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, workers in this field plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities for an organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this management position is expected to grow 12% over the next several years.

  • Industrial Production Manager | Median Annual Salary: $100,580

These managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. Their role involves coordinating, planning, and directing the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products. If you choose to become an Industrial Production Manager, you can pursue jobs in chemical manufacturing (the highest paying sector!), transportation equipment, metalworking, food manufacturing, and more. There is little change expected in this role in terms of job outlook, so it is a steady and stable career to get into! All you need to pursue this title is to complete bachelor’s level manufacturing program.

  • Human Resources Administrator | Median Annual Salary: $110, 120

HR managers are needed in essentially all industries – and manufacturing is no different. Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as an important liaison between management and employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this position to grow 9% over the next several years.

  • Logistician | Median Annual Salary: $74,590

In the manufacturing industry, there is something called “supply chain” – this is the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. It is a Logistician who manages the supply chain of a manufacturing organization and the lifecycle of their products, all the way from design to disposal. This includes allocating materials to the product’s creation, identifying areas for improvement in the process, and developing client relationships to help move the product to shelves. This is a critical role in the manufacturing industry, and can be attained with a manufacturing management or supply chain management degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects to see a 7% growth in this position by the year 2026.

  • First-Line Supervisors | Median Annual Salary: $58,870

First-line supervisors directly supervise and coordinate the daily activities of production and operating workers in manufacturing. Depending on their place of work and department, they may manage inspectors, machinists, CNC operators, precision workers, assemblers, fabricators, and more. They may work in specializations such as natural gas, electric power, textile and fabric finishing, plastics, motor vehicle parts, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these manufacturing managers is expected to grow over the next several years.

To land any of these positions, a bachelor’s degree is suggested or required. Some advanced level manufacturing careers may require a master’s degree or additional, hands-on training, as well. Goodwin College has one of the best manufacturing and machining programs in the state of Connecticut. We offer many degrees and certifications in Manufacturing and Manufacturing Management. Our manufacturing school is always flexible and career-focused, catering to working students looking to advance or reboot their careers.

Click here for more information, or call us at 800-889-3282 to get started on one of the many great careers in manufacturing today.