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Production Occupations

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Employment of production occupations is projected to decline 4 percent, with a loss of about 406,900 jobs from 2016 to 2026. 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 $35,070 in May 2018, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 MEDIAN PAY
Assemblers and Fabricators	Assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, ships, boats, toys, electronic devices, control panels, and more.	High school diploma or equivalent	$32,820
Bakers	Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods.	No formal educational credential	$26,520
Butchers	Butchers cut, trim, and package meat for retail sale.	No formal educational credential	$31,580
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, including dentures, eyeglasses, and prosthetics.	High school diploma or equivalent	$36,690
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	$29,090
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	$39,440
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	See How to Become One	$44,950
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	See How to Become One	$36,080
Painting and Coating Workers	Painting and coating workers paint and coat a wide range of products, including cars, jewelry, and ceramics, often with the use of machines.	See How to Become One	$36,810
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	$83,020
Quality Control Inspectors	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	High school diploma or equivalent	$38,250
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.	High school diploma or equivalent	$60,440
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,780
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal products.	High school diploma or equivalent	$41,380
Woodworkers	Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.	High school diploma or equivalent	$31,550