Manufacturing

The information in this section is aimed to provide afterschool professionals with baseline knowledge about job details of manufacturing looks like, including similar occupations and job tasks. Also included is information about education needed to pursue a career in manufacturing, available education options here in Maine, and current Maine job listings. This information is geared to providing afterschool professionals a basic knowledge to engage in conversation with youth of any age about manufacturing and some career options in Maine.

Manufacturing Jobs: Definition and Examples

(Information from Indeed.com)

There are a variety of manufacturing jobs available depending on the size of the company and the goods being produced. Because of this, the job duties, required education and average salaries of each manufacturing position differ. Understanding what a manufacturing job is can be useful in determining the right career path for you. In this article, we will define what a manufacturing job is and provide insight into the various career paths available within this job sector. 

What is a manufacturing job?

A manufacturing job involves the creation of new products either from raw materials or by assembling different components through physical, chemical or mechanical means. Manufacturing can exist on a large scale for items such as phones, cars, computers and food and beverages. It can also be a smaller operation for products like customer tailoring, wig making and other non-standard or custom items. Manufacturing creates products for nearly every industry, including: 

  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Textiles
  • Technology
  • Military

While many aspects of manufacturing are automated, there are still many positions available in different fields. Those who begin a career in manufacturing can also experience growth. Some individuals begin on a production floor, move to quality assurance or control and earn promotions to management or logistics. Engineers and project managers can also excel in this field. 

Jobs in the manufacturing industry

Manufacturing jobs can take place in very different settings and require a varied skill set or list of responsibilities depending on the position itself. Here are 12 jobs often found within the manufacturing industry:

1. Baker

National average salary: $12.13 per hour

Primary duties: Commercial bakers work in large manufacturing facilities, producing various baked goods such as pastries and cupcakes. Whereas bakers at small-scale bakeries put together ingredients to make pastries for their storefront, commercial bakers are required to use heavy machinery to mass-produce baked goods. 

Bakers work long hours and require a lot of dedication and passion for their line of work. They should also have baking skills and the ability to work well as part of a team. Some bakers may attend a culinary school to develop their skills, but no formal education is required.

2. Assembler

National average salary: $12.83 per hour

Primary duties: Assemblers study instructions to understand the work or construction process. They also measure, connect and weld parts together. Assemblers should be good communicators, have technical knowledge and be skilled in using tools and machines. Assemblers are required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

3. Warehouse worker

National average salary: $13.49 per hour

Primary duties: Warehouse workers are responsible for various tasks, including preparing and placing orders, shipping merchandise and completing deliveries. It’s also their job to track and unload the various merchandise housed within their warehouse. Warehouse workers need to have a high school diploma and experience working in this line of work. They should also have great time-management and organization skills.

4. Woodworker

National average salary: $14.27 per hour

Primary duties: Woodworkers are tasked with building various woodwork products such as dining tables or entertainment centers. They must understand various drawings and schematics to set up the required machinery for their woodwork projects. Woodworkers must have a high school diploma or the equivalent to work in this profession.

5. Quality control inspector

National average salary: $14.67 per hour

Primary duties: Quality control inspectors monitor operations to ensure products are being produced according to standards. They review specifications, oversee processes and identify defects in goods and materials. Some quality control inspectors make suggestions to improve the efficiency and accuracy of machines and operations. 

These manufacturing professionals need attention to detail and analytical skills to identify issues and fix them. To become a quality control inspector, candidates need a high school diploma or the equivalent.

6. Tailor

National average salary: $15.07 per hour

Primary duties: Also known as seamstresses, tailors make alterations to clothing items as needed by customers. This can include anything from adding shoulder pads to mending seams and fixing hems. Tailors meet with clients to take their measurements and make the proper adjustments to ensure their garments fit clients properly. Great attention to detail and overall patience are great assets to have in this position. Some workplaces may require entry-level tailors to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

7. Manufacturing technician

National average salary: $17.16 per hour

Primary duties: Manufacturing technicians are responsible for setting up and operating equipment as well as making necessary adjustments to meet safety and quality standards. Manufacturing technicians often blend their technical and mechanical skills to get their job done. At a minimum, they’re required to have a high school diploma; however, many have a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. Many of their skills can be learned on the job.

8. Welder

National average salary: $17.84 per hour

Primary duties: Welders are responsible for the planning and assembling of metal structures and equipment. They’re also tasked with maintaining various welding machinery. Using their knowledge of different techniques, they weld together things such as copper plumbing and pipelines. They should be great communicators and have mechanical expertise. To have a job in this profession, welders need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Many earn a welding certificate by completing courses or an apprenticeship.

9. Millwright

National average salary: $23.05 per hour

Primary duties: Millwrights install and maintain equipment and machinery. They often work in factories, construction sites and power plants. They’re required to read complex technical plans and troubleshoot under pressure. They should display a great deal of technical and problem-solving skills. Millwrights are required to have the minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent.

10. Boilermaker

National average salary: $32.25 per hour

Primary duties: Boilermakers create and install boilers and other containers that house various hot liquids. They also clean and inspect boilers and use equipment such as hand tools and wedges. People in this profession must be ready to perform dangerous duties and travel to various work sites for long amounts of time. Boilermakers should have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

11. Packaging engineer

National average salary: $95,001 per year

Primary duties: Packaging engineers develop packaging ideas, performing research and evaluate package production. Employees in this field use their knowledge of science, engineering and technology to design product packaging. Packaging engineers should be good problem solvers and communicators. They must also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and a Professional Engineer license.

12. Plant manager

National average salary: $105,471 per year

Primary duties: Plant managers oversee the operations of manufacturing factories. They manage employees, monitor processes and perform quality control. They also hire employees, create schedules and maintain certain quotas. Plant managers should have excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to do well in this role. To become a plant manager, individuals usually need a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business Administrations. Some plant managers have a high school diploma and over 10 years of experience.

A MAINE COLLEGE DEGREE IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE 

From York County to Fort Kent, we have a exceptional network of public universities, community colleges, and private colleges offering opportunities to study microbiology. You can earn your bachelor’s or an advanced degree and start your career right here in Maine.

Click on the links below to Maine’s many campuses to explore the schools and the programs they offer. Don’t hesitate to call them with any questions you may have about their programs, financial aid and scholarship options.

Maine has reciprocal tuition discount agreements with other New England public universities that you may also want to check out.

MAINE’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AUGUSTA 

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FORT KENT

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT PRESQUE ISLE 

MAINE’S PRIVATE COLLEGES

BOWDOIN COLLEGE

COLBY COLLEGE

HUSSON UNIVERSITY 

SAINT JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

THOMAS COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND

MAINE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES

CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

EASTERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

KENNEBEC VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

YORK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE