Occupational Outlook Handbook > Production >

Production Occupations

Employment of production occupations is projected to decline 5 percent, with a loss of about 429,500 jobs from 2018 to 2028. 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.	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.	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 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, 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.	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 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, repair, or cut metal parts and 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.	High school diploma or equivalent	$31,550