Careers in Manufacturing

In fact, the pay in manufacturing is higher than the average income in this region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage is over $61,000 per year, while the total compensation, including benefits, is over $102,000 per year, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. This means that manufacturing employees earn a comfortable income in a region with a relatively low cost of living.

As with most fields, entry-level positions will start at a lower salary or hourly rate. Most facilities in the region begin entry-level employees at around $20.00 per hour, with plenty of opportunities for raises even within the first year of employment. Additionally, if you possess in-demand skills or education, you may qualify for higher-paying positions.

Manufacturing careers provide significant non-financial benefits that enhance job satisfaction, work-life balance, and long-term stability. These careers offer exceptional economic security due to long-term production schedules, substantial investments, and consistent customer demand, resulting in reduced vulnerability to economic downturns.

Companies often implement progressive work-life balance initiatives, such as compressed workweeks, flexible shift patterns, and job-sharing opportunities. They also provide comprehensive physical and mental health support, including fitness challenges, gym subsidies, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and financial wellness education.

Professionals in manufacturing enjoy hands-on work, appreciate the challenges of their jobs, and value job security and advancements in technology like CAD, CAM, and CNC. Many find fulfillment in teamwork while developing products.

Absolutely! There are currently hundreds of manufacturing jobs available in Southwest Virginia. SVAM maintains an up-to-date careers page for current opportunities at www.swvam.org/mfgcareers. If you don’t find anything that interests you right now, be sure to check back next week, as the page is updated every Thursday.

Education is becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing sector. Today, more than half of manufacturing workers have completed at least some college education, and this number is expected to rise as technology continues to advance. There are excellent technical training programs available in the region through community colleges and other educational providers. These institutions offer programs in areas such as welding, machining, industrial maintenance, and more. Remember, having more qualifications can improve your job prospects. If you are considering pursuing a four-year degree, think about majoring in engineering, technology-related fields, or business!

According to The Manufacturing Skills Institute, the skills gap—which refers to a shortage of qualified workers with the necessary skills—continues to widen. This means that one of the biggest challenges manufacturers currently face is finding qualified workers to fill their positions. The areas with the highest shortages are technology and computer skills, math skills, problem-solving skills, and basic technical skills. By equipping yourself with knowledge in these areas, you will gain a significant advantage in your manufacturing job search!

Yes! Most do. In fact, according to the Manufacturing Institute:

• 84 percent have retirement benefits through their job
• 90 percent have health care benefits
• 95 percent have paid vacation
• 81 percent have paid sick leave

There are more than 250 manufacturers in the region, ranging from small operations with two or three employees to some of the largest employers in Southwest Virginia, which have 500 or more employees.

Most manufacturers have a standard application process. Typically, you fill out an application on-site and, if selected, you’ll be invited for an interview. Alternatively, you can check their website for an online application option. Another avenue to explore is contacting a staffing agency, as they often specialize in specific types of employment and can help connect you with manufacturing positions. You can also visit job search websites like Indeed, where you can search for jobs by location, occupation, or company.

You can also visit SVAM’s careers page at www.swvam.org/mfgcareers to view open positions from our Members.

Like all interviews, presentation is crucial! You can’t showcase your skills or knowledge if the interviewer has a negative impression of you due to something as simple as a wrinkled shirt. While you don’t need to wear a suit for every interview, it’s important to wear clean and professional clothing. Consider investing in a nice pair of pants or a skirt/dress, along with a button-down or dress shirt; this can become your go-to interview outfit.

Not at all! While there are many opportunities to engage in hands-on work in manufacturing, there are also numerous positions that are not solely physical. You can pursue careers in technology, business, management, and a variety of other fields, all within the manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing provides structured pathways for career advancement and opportunities for long-term success. Entry-level positions can serve as a launching point for career progression. Individuals can move up to specialized technical roles, such as CNC machinists, quality control specialists, or manufacturing engineers. They also have the opportunity to transition into supervisory and management positions, including production supervisors (with a median salary of $65,830) and industrial production managers (with a median salary of $107,560).

Employers in the manufacturing sector are increasingly investing in training and upskilling initiatives for their workforce, which creates clear opportunities for career growth within their companies. This commitment not only helps to attract talent but also aids in retaining it. Acquiring new skills, particularly in advanced manufacturing technologies, can lead to higher earning potential, increased job security, and access to more challenging and rewarding positions.

Yes! Women are increasingly becoming an essential part of the manufacturing workforce. In fact, some manufacturers in Southwest Virginia employ more women than men! On average, women make up about 30% of the manufacturing workforce.

No, it’s a common misconception that all manufacturing jobs involve working with inherently dirty products like oil and coal, which often leads to getting dirty yourself. In reality, many manufacturing jobs are quite clean. For instance, consider food and food packaging manufacturers; their facilities are maintained to a level of cleanliness that you could literally eat from! So, don’t assume you’ll come home dirty just because you work in manufacturing—there’s a clean and safe environment available for everyone.

Modern manufacturing offers a wide range of dynamic career opportunities that go far beyond the outdated image of a single production line. Advanced manufacturing encompasses diverse sectors, including aviation, medicine, telecommunications, and dentistry. The manufacturing career cluster is typically divided into six primary pathways, each offering unique roles:

• Production: This pathway involves making parts or assembling products. Examples of roles include Assemblers, Automated Manufacturing Technicians, and Machine Operators.
• Maintenance, Installation, and Repair: Professionals in this area focus on maintaining and troubleshooting machines and systems. Roles include Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, and Laser Systems Technicians.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance: This pathway ensures safe working conditions and environmental compliance. Key roles include Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Safety Engineers.
• Logistics and Inventory Control: Careers in this area manage the flow of raw materials and finished products. Occupations include Logisticians, Materials Handlers, and Dispatchers.
• Manufacturing Production Process Development: This involves designing and optimizing manufacturing processes and products. Examples of roles include Industrial Engineers, Manufacturing Systems Engineers, and Programmers.
• Quality Assurance: Professionals in this pathway monitor and maintain product and process quality. Roles include Quality Control Technicians, Precision Inspectors, and Calibration Technicians.

Each pathway offers unique opportunities and plays a crucial role in the modern manufacturing landscape.

To achieve a successful career in manufacturing, it’s important to possess a combination of foundational skills and “soft skills” that employers highly value. Key foundational skills include a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn from others, mechanical aptitude, strong computer skills, and the ability to focus and multitask.

Technical skills are equally crucial. These include the ability to understand and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics. Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies—such as robotics, automation, and data analytics—is increasingly essential and sought after. Moreover, hands-on problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work effectively as part of a collaborative team are crucial for achieving production goals and resolving issues.

Thanks to ongoing technological advancements and automation, modern manufacturing facilities are now “safer, cleaner, and more efficient than ever before.” These work environments often feature cutting-edge technology such as CAD, CAM, and CNC systems.

There is a strong emphasis in the industry on safety and compliance standards. This includes advanced safety training, ergonomic assessments, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees at no cost. Safety committees frequently include worker representation in decision-making processes, promoting a collaborative approach to workplace safety.

Not all manufacturing jobs require significant physical strength. The industry seeks a diverse range of talents, including creative and critical thinkers, hands-on problem solvers, tech-savvy strategists, and individuals with organized, technical, and operational skills.

While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, obtaining a 2-year technical degree or engaging in a structured apprenticeship program is strongly advised for career advancement and access to higher-paying jobs. Many manufacturing companies actively support or even fund their employees to pursue advanced degrees, such as Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering or Business, as long as these degrees are relevant to their roles.

Absolutely. The manufacturing industry increasingly requires highly educated and skilled workers. Whether your degree is in business or engineering, there is a place for you in manufacturing. From finance to research, there are numerous career paths available in this field.