A manufacturing manager has one of the most important roles in their industry. These professionals oversee various manufacturing activities within a facility, ensuring that high-quality goods are being produced, and that employees are working in safe and satisfying environments.  

If you are looking to get into the field of manufacturing and production management, you may already have an idea of the responsibilities that the job entails. Still, you may be asking, “Is it worth it?” How much can you expect to earn as a manufacturing manager, and could it be a promising path for you? 

Let’s take a look at the average manufacturing manager salary, both nationwide and in Connecticut. 

Manufacturing Manager Salaries 

Among all management occupations in Connecticut, manufacturing managers are the 4th highest-paid in the state. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, manufacturing managers earn an hourly wage of $62.64 annually, which translates to over $130,000 per year for a 40-hour-work-week. As of early 2019, there were more than 15,000 manufacturing managers employed throughout the state. 

Manufacturing managers can fall into many categories—and this makes sense, as the field of manufacturing is so extensive. Within manufacturing, you can become a supervisor or manager of: 

• Inspection 
• Production 
• Supply chain 
• Distribution  
• Inventory 
• Maintenance 
• Quality 
• Safety 
• Customer service 
• First-line operations 
• A whole facility  

Various positions will come with different earning potential. For example, in Connecticut, a first-line supervisor can expect to make about $37.44 an hour, or $78,000 annually. Meanwhile, a logistics manager (also known as a distribution manager) can expect to earn over $111,000 annually in Connecticut. The type of management position you pursue will have an impact on your potential pay. 

One of the most popular manufacturing management titles is that of the production manager. Production managers oversee the daily operations of a manufacturing plant. They coordinate and direct the activities that go into the production process, to ensure all goals and standards are met. Due to the importance of their work, production managers can expect a comfortable salary, as well. 

The Production Manager Salary 

Nationwide, production managers earn an average of $110,580 per year. This translates to about $53 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

In the state of Connecticut, however, the average annual wage is much higher. According to the BLS, production managers in Connecticut can expect to earn almost $120,000 annually. Connecticut is listed among the top 15 highest paying states for production managers in the U.S.  

The Connecticut Department of Labor promotes even higher average wages, with hourly earnings estimated at $63.62 for industrial production managers. For a 40-hour work week, this translates to more than $132,000 per year. As a point of comparison, the CT DoL reports that production workers across the state make closer to $38,000 annually. That said, the extra investment in a manufacturing degree can have serious pay off when it comes to your future success. 

How to Become a Manufacturing or Production Manager 

Most manufacturing companies today require managers to have a college degree. Specifically, they require managers to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, coupled with in-field experience.  

At Goodwin University, aspiring manufacturing managers can find success through our Manufacturing Management degree. This program is offered at the bachelor’s level, and is designed to get students into successful careers in Production Management, Logistics Management, Operations Management, Quality Management, and many more thriving career paths after graduation. The curriculum covers industrial safety, production planning and control, quality management, operations, green manufacturing, and more technical components of the field. In addition, it is designed to deepen leadership skills, teaching students how to manage people, processes, and equipment in manufacturing. 

Are you ready to get started? Become a manufacturing manager through Goodwin University today. You may call 800-889-3282 for information, or visit us online to learn more about our manufacturing program.