Manufacturing
About
Workers in the manufacturing career cluster produce nearly all the products and equipment used in daily life. Manufacturing is the transformation of raw materials or parts into a new product.
What happens in manufacturing?
Workers in the manufacturing career cluster produce nearly all the products and equipment used in daily life. Manufacturing is the transformation of raw materials or parts into a new product.
What happens in manufacturing?
- Manufacturers operate machines and robots or use manual processes to create products.
- Raw materials—such as wood—are processed into a product like paper or plywood. Raw food ingredients are processed into products like pizza or ice cream.
- Manufactured commercial products include concrete, metals, chemicals, and machinery, while personal product examples include computers, clothing, toys, and beverages.
- Quick facts -
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Factory locations Manufacturers operate in every state but are particularly important for Midwest and South regional economies, where manufacturing may account for 10% or more of all jobs. |
Employment numbers Over 12.5 million people are employed in the manufacturing industry, while millions of jobs in other industries rely on manufactured products. |
Artificial intelligence The use of artificial intelligence and automation in manufacturing continues to grow, requiring a workforce with the skills and training to learn new technology and quickly adapt to different project needs. |
High demand Job candidates with a high school diploma and short-term technical training are in great demand in manufacturing. |
Would a career in Manufacturing be a good fit for me?
Do you have technical or hands-on skills? Like to work with tools, and prefer to avoid desk work? A career in manufacturing might be a good fit for you.
If you are considering a career in this cluster, here are some points to keep in mind:
Do you have technical or hands-on skills? Like to work with tools, and prefer to avoid desk work? A career in manufacturing might be a good fit for you.
If you are considering a career in this cluster, here are some points to keep in mind:
- Round-the-clock shifts are common—and first shift positions are usually harder to find than night shifts or weekends. In addition, some employers may require mandatory overtime to meet production demand.
- Working conditions may include loud noise, heat or cold, and standing for long periods of time.
- Candidates who enjoy tinkering with hand or machine tools and are curious about mechanical systems have a hiring advantage in this industry.
- Due to worker shortages, manufacturers may have to compete for workers by offering increased wages, benefits, and flexibility in scheduling.
What are some careers in Manufacturing?
Unlike in many industries, new hires in manufacturing are commonly expected to learn the work on the job. Therefore, many occupations have minimal education requirements—typically a high school diploma or less—and new hires can also earn a technical certificate on the job.
Apprenticeships are common in the manufacturing industry and offer wages while learning a skilled trade. Some of the occupations that may be entered through apprenticeship include CNC programmers, precision machinists, industrial maintenance repairers, mold makers, and tool and die makers.
Check out the list below to learn about manufacturing careers at different levels of education. Click any link to find out more about a career, including average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school educationShort-term training, apprenticeship, on the job learning or specific license
Unlike in many industries, new hires in manufacturing are commonly expected to learn the work on the job. Therefore, many occupations have minimal education requirements—typically a high school diploma or less—and new hires can also earn a technical certificate on the job.
Apprenticeships are common in the manufacturing industry and offer wages while learning a skilled trade. Some of the occupations that may be entered through apprenticeship include CNC programmers, precision machinists, industrial maintenance repairers, mold makers, and tool and die makers.
Check out the list below to learn about manufacturing careers at different levels of education. Click any link to find out more about a career, including average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school educationShort-term training, apprenticeship, on the job learning or specific license
- CNC Machine Tool Operators
- Dental Laboratory Technicians
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Machinists
- Maintenance and Repair Workers
- Medical Appliance Technicians
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
- Welders
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
