Machine Operator
EIT/Zollner

Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 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.

Pay
According to BLS, 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.

Here are some occupations within Manufacturing and Production:

• Assemblers and Fabricators
• Bakers
• Butchers
• Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians
• Food and Tobacco Processing Workers
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
• Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
• Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
• Painting and Coating Workers
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Woodworkers