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Employment in production occupations is projected to decline 4 percent, with a loss of about 423,200 jobs from 2019 to 2029. Technological advancements are expected to continue to replace many of the manufacturing workers that make up a large share of the production occupations. Fewer workers are expected to be needed in the manufacturing sector as many processes have become computer-controlled.
The median annual wage for production occupations was $37,440 in May 2020, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION ![]() |
2020 MEDIAN PAY ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
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Assemblers and Fabricators |
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $34,970 |
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Bakers |
Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods. |
No formal educational credential | $29,400 |
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Butchers |
Butchers cut, trim, and package meat for retail sale. |
No formal educational credential | $32,900 |
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Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians |
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $38,620 |
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Food and Tobacco Processing Workers |
Food and tobacco processing workers operate equipment that mixes, cooks, or processes ingredients used in the manufacture of food and tobacco products. |
See How to Become One | $31,950 |
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Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers |
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, construct, adjust, repair, appraise and sell jewelry. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $41,900 |
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Machinists and Tool and Die Makers |
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. |
See How to Become One | $47,040 |
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Metal and Plastic Machine Workers |
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. |
See How to Become One | $38,270 |
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Painting and Coating Workers |
Painting and coating workers apply finishes, often using machines, to a range of products. |
See How to Become One | $38,740 |
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Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers |
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $89,090 |
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Quality Control Inspectors |
Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $40,460 |
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Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators |
Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $64,680 |
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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators |
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $49,090 |
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Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers |
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $44,190 |
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Woodworkers |
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $33,750 |
Last Modified Date: Friday, April 9, 2021