Also called: Production Associate, Process Operator
An all-around entry-level role running machines, assembling, checking parts and learning several steps of the process.
You rotate between three stations: running a press, packing finished parts and doing quick quality checks with a gauge. You attend a short morning meeting about safety and today's targets. Many companies pay for you to take college classes and move up.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma; MSSC Certified Production Technician credential helps.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Manufacturing Technology (certificate).
Growing slowly. Steady openings from turnover.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automation is taking routine machine-tending and assembly; multi-skill techs who can troubleshoot still find work.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at local manufacturing plants or through a staffing agency; new hires are trained on the job
Classes: Manufacturing CTE, Algebra, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9199.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.