Manufacturing Production Worker

Impact: Internal

Operates and maintains machinery, assembles products, and monitors production processes in a manufacturing environment to ensure quality and efficiency.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Never
Impact visibility
Low
Travel
None
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40 hours per week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$40,000
Entry-level
$30,000
Senior
$55,000
Growth by 2033
-2%
Demand
Declining
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
Moderate
Typical student debt
$0 - $10,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Machine Operation
  • Quality Control
  • Assembly
  • Safety Procedures
  • Blueprint Reading

Soft skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management

Technical complexity: Low

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma or GED
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
3-5 years
Years to senior
7-10 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Lead Production Worker, Supervisor, Quality Control Inspector

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      High
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Declining

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      3/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      3.5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

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