Manufacturing is an underrated, yet rewarding career path for creative, forward-thinking individuals. However, the profession often gets a bad rap, with people assuming that manufacturing jobs are all physically taxing, dark and dangerous, or lacking upward growth. In reality, though, manufacturing provides some of the most lucrative, advanced, and skilled careers out there. And there is so much variety in terms of what you can do. Manufacturing jobs range from the front-lines of production to behind-the-scenes administration, cutting-edge machine operation to newfound idea generation, all the way up to C-suite management. When you work in manufacturing, the options are endless and the career ladder is tall.

Like millions of manufacturing workers, you may be looking to climb your way up.

Read on to learn about the manufacturing career ladder, including the different levels you can pursue, and get tips for advancing to the top.

An Overview of the Manufacturing Career Ladder

The manufacturing industry offers numerous career opportunities, no matter your interests, talents, experience, or education. And, once you’re in a manufacturing career, there is great upward mobility in the field. However, in order to achieve this upward growth, you need to put in the work.

In general, the manufacturing career ladder looks like this:

Apprentice or Intern:

Apprenticeships and internships are in-field experiences that are designed for learning. Apprenticeships typically offer a low salary for workers, while internships are usually completed for college credits. Both types of experiences can lead to careers in manufacturing, and are often the first entry-point into the profession.

Production Line Worker or Manual Operator:

Production workers and manual machine operators carry out some of the most laborious tasks in manufacturing, but also play a very important role in creating quality goods. While each role is tasked with different responsibilities, these workers can be found sorting and packaging products, handling raw materials, cleaning work areas, and operating manual equipment. Generally speaking, you can launch an entry-level career in production or machine operation without any higher education or formal training.

Machine Operator:

Machine operators are responsible for running and using advanced, state-of-the-art machinery to create products and materials. Many of the modern machines used are automated and streamlined, leaving operators to oversee and maintain the equipment regularly. Machine operators are not just responsible for the machining process; they are also needed to ensure high-quality output and efficiency. Typically, machine operators (particularly in areas like CNC machining) require some experience and/or postsecondary education to start out.

Production Supervisor or Manager:

Much like their name implies, production supervisors will oversee and coordinate the activities of other workers on the production line. They might train employees, ensure proper safety, and resolve problems that arise in the production process. Production supervisors, assembly managers, quality assurers, and other forepersons at this level of the career ladder typically get here through experience. They might start out on the production line and work their way into a managerial role.

Engineer or Specialty Technician:

Industrial engineers and technicians are essential for the design, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing processes. Engineers, for example, are needed to design new procedures and products, research and test manufacturing methods, and look for ways to increase efficiencies within a company. Meanwhile, industrial technicians and other specialized workers (such as computer-aided designers, mechatronics specialists, and robotics technicians) are elemental in bringing ideas and products to life. At this level of the manufacturing career ladder, a career-focused degree or postsecondary certificate is typically needed, to show that a person has had specific training in their niche.

Manufacturing Manager:

Manufacturing managers do not just supervise one facet of manufacturing, but instead oversee entire departments and facilities. On a daily basis, these upper-level managers can be found directing staff, coordinating operations, organizing budgets, creating production goals, resolving conflicts, and implementing changes to streamline the manufacturing process. These professionals must know the ins and outs of the manufacturing facility and the process from start-to-finish. As such, significant experience and education are usually required for this type of role. Manufacturing managers often work their way up from the frontlines, after several years at a company. However, many also complete a manufacturing management degree, which involves an array of leadership and technical courses that are relevant to the job.

Director, Executive, or Entrepreneur:

At the top of the manufacturing career ladder sits the C-suite executives, the directors of operations, and the business owners. These professionals are often the ones who have seen a company from the ground-up. They might have taken financial risks to get to the top of the career ladder or worked especially hard to bring their business to life. Top-level positions like these often involve building a good reputation for the business, developing marketing campaigns to generate new customers, setting measurable goals for success, analyzing overall performance trends, creating policies, ensuring compliance, and implementing programs to hire and develop staff.

Advance your manufacturing career by gaining the management skills for success. Learn how.

Why Should You Advance Your Manufacturing Career?

There are many reasons to explore growth opportunities within the manufacturing field.

On one hand, climbing the manufacturing career ladder can mean growing your potential for a high salary. While production workers and manual machine operators might earn between $40,000 and $50,000 annually, on average, production managers, engineers, and other upper-level titles have the potential to earn six-figures (over $100,000) per year. Essentially, the more time you invest in your education and experience, the more likely you are to reap the financial benefit.

Additionally, advancing your manufacturing career means that you won’t stay stagnant in your skillsets, your job description, or your role. Through advancement opportunities, you can learn new things, gain experience with new and cutting-edge technologies, fill skills gaps, try new workplaces, have a greater impact on the field, and find personal fulfillment in what you do. In an ever-evolving field, your only option is to keep moving. So, why not move up to the top?

How to Climb the Manufacturing Career Ladder in 6 Steps

Whether you’re new to manufacturing, or looking for a change in your current career, consider the below tips for climbing the career ladder:

1. Build your technical expertise.

One of the most effective ways to advance your career is by deepening your technical knowledge. Learning new skills, such as machinery operation, robotics, or computer-aided design (CAD), can make you a more valuable asset to your organization.

2. Get specialized or certified.

Specialization and certifications can be real game-changers in manufacturing. On one hand, specializing in a certain area of manufacturing, such as CNC machining or welding, can demonstrate your interest, competency, and dedication to the field. Earning professional certifications like those from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) can also underline your skills in one area and help you stand out in a sea of job candidates.

3. Try out leadership roles.

Stepping into a leadership role can help fast-track your career and growth potential in manufacturing. Of course, you can’t dive into a management role without learning the ropes, first. So, consider taking on bite-sized leadership opportunities as they arise: leading a team, managing a project, or acting as a mentor are all great ways to get practice and explore your interest in a supervisory role. Through even the seemingly small leadership roles, you can gain essential skills like problem-solving, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and project management, which will be of great value to you as you climb the career ladder to the top.

4. Keep the door open to education.

In manufacturing, adaptability, flexibility, and continued learning are all crucial to success. After all, this field is constantly evolving, and it’s up to you to keep pace. With that in mind, always be open to learning. Enroll in workshops, seminars, and even workforce training programs that will enhance your knowledge and network with industry professionals. Additionally, consider a postsecondary program to deepen your expertise in specialized areas of manufacturing, especially in fast-growing fields like automation, robotics, mechatronics, and technology.

5. Build professional connections.

Building a strong professional network is essential for career advancement. Attend trade shows, career fairs, conferences, and industry events to meet others in the field and stay informed about new opportunities. Online platforms such as LinkedIn are also valuable tools for expanding your network and showcasing your skills. And, if you attended a manufacturing school like Goodwin, you can always stay in touch with professors, career advisors, and industry leaders who want to see you grow.

6. Consider management training.

If you’ve tried your hand at a leadership position and enjoyed the nature of the role, you might consider climbing the ladder to a supervisory role. However, for many manufacturing manager positions, a college degree is required. Consider pursuing a manufacturing management program to propel your career forward, and in turn, you will gain skills in manufacturing technology, organizational communication, budgeting and planning, operations management, industrial safety, and more.

Start Climbing the Manufacturing Career Ladder Today

Manufacturing is a rewarding, dynamic, and fast-evolving industry full of opportunities for high earnings and growth. By developing your skills, taking on new challenges, and building strong professional relationships, you can reach new heights in your manufacturing career.

Enjoy the view from the top. Start advancing your manufacturing education today and climb the manufacturing career ladder fast. Learn how Goodwin can help by visiting us online, today.