Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing Careers

If you like figuring out why something stopped working, mechanical and manufacturing careers reward that curiosity. Technicians keep trucks, cars, aircraft and factory equipment running, while machinists turn raw material into precision parts.

Modern equipment is computer-controlled, so these jobs mix hands-on skill with diagnostic software, sensors and programming. Certificates from technical schools, manufacturer programs and FAA or ASE credentials can raise pay quickly.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

107 mechanical and manufacturing careers

Adhesive Machine Operator

Run machines that glue, laminate and bond materials together.

$46,460/yr median
+1.3% growth
A few months on the job

Aircraft Assembler

Build airplane structures, wings and systems to precise specifications.

$65,380/yr median
-5.6% growth
Several months of training

Aircraft Mechanic

Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.

$79,870/yr median
+5.4% growth
18–30 months

Appliance Repair Technician

Fix washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens in people’s homes.

$50,990/yr median
+1.9% growth
A few months to a year

Auto Body Technician

Repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint.

$54,890/yr median
+3.7% growth
6 months–2 years

Auto Glass Technician

Replace and repair windshields and vehicle glass, including camera calibration.

$47,630/yr median
+5.7% growth
A few months on the job

Automotive Service Technician

Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.

$50,620/yr median
+5.0% growth
6–24 months

Avionics Technician

Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.

$82,280/yr median
+9.4% growth
12–24 months

Bicycle Mechanic

Build, tune and repair bicycles and e-bikes.

$42,780/yr median
-5.7% growth
A few months on the job

Bindery Worker

Fold, cut, stitch and bind printed sheets into finished products.

$42,290/yr median
-17.5% growth
A few months on the job

Biomedical Equipment Technician

Maintain and repair the medical equipment hospitals use to monitor and treat patients.

$61,660/yr median
+12.6% growth
2 years

Building Maintenance Technician

Keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs.

$49,590/yr median
+4.2% growth
3–12 months on the job

Camera Repairer

Repair cameras, lenses and photographic equipment.

$52,720/yr median
-15.5% growth
A year or more on the job

Car Electronics Installer

Install car stereos, cameras, remote starters and other vehicle electronics.

$48,420/yr median
-14.5% growth
A few months on the job

CNC Machinist

Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.

$58,750/yr median
+1.0% growth
6–24 months

CNC Operator

Run computer-controlled machines that cut precise metal and plastic parts.

$50,690/yr median
-9.4% growth
A few months on the job

CNC Programmer

Write the programs that tell CNC machines how to cut precision parts.

$68,120/yr median
+5.9% growth
1–2 years plus shop experience

Coil Winder

Wind, tape and finish wire coils for motors and transformers.

$48,220/yr median
-4.0% growth
A few months on the job

Crushing Machine Operator

Run crushers and mills that break down rock, minerals and materials.

$48,540/yr median
-1.7% growth
A few months on the job

Diesel Mechanic

Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.

$61,770/yr median
+3.6% growth
6–24 months

Drilling Machine Operator

Set up and run drilling and boring machines to make precise holes in metal parts.

$49,080/yr median
-9.5% growth
A few months on the job

Electric Motor Repairer

Test, rewind and rebuild electric motors, generators and power tools.

$56,210/yr median
+4.4% growth
Several months to a year

Electronics Assembler

Assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and electronic devices.

$45,850/yr median
+5.0% growth
A few months on the job

Engine Assembler

Build engines, turbines and heavy machines from precision parts.

$53,710/yr median
-17.0% growth
A few months on the job

Extruding Machine Operator

Run machines that push metal or plastic through dies to make tubes, pipes and profiles.

$47,720/yr median
+0.7% growth
A few months on the job

Fiber Extruding Machine Operator

Run machines that make synthetic and glass fibers.

$46,350/yr median
-3.3% growth
A few months on the job

Fiberglass Laminator

Build boats, tanks and parts by layering fiberglass and resin.

$46,880/yr median
+4.6% growth
A few months on the job

Food Batchmaker

Measure and mix ingredients into large batches for food production.

$42,290/yr median
+6.5% growth
A few months on the job

Food Cooking Machine Operator

Run industrial cookers, fryers and kettles in food plants.

$41,590/yr median
-0.3% growth
A few months on the job

Food Roasting Machine Operator

Run machines that roast, bake or dry foods like coffee, nuts and snacks.

$44,810/yr median
+0.4% growth
A few months on the job

Forging Machine Operator

Shape hot metal with presses and hammers to make strong parts.

$49,030/yr median
-17.2% growth
A few months on the job

Forming Machine Operator

Run machines that press and form materials like clay, powder and pellets into shapes.

$45,760/yr median
+1.5% growth
A few months on the job

Foundry Moldmaker

Build sand molds and cores that shape metal castings.

$48,110/yr median
-23.0% growth
A few months on the job

Freezing Equipment Operator

Run freezers and cooling equipment that preserve food and products.

$41,330/yr median
+5.9% growth
A few months on the job

Furnace and Kiln Operator

Run kilns, ovens, dryers and kettles that heat-treat or dry products.

$48,040/yr median
+2.6% growth
A few months on the job

Garment Presser

Press and finish clothing and textiles at dry cleaners and factories.

$35,060/yr median
-15.7% growth
A few weeks on the job

Grinding Machine Operator

Grind, polish and finish metal parts to precise sizes and smooth surfaces.

$46,550/yr median
-10.8% growth
A few months on the job

Hand Cutter

Cut and trim materials by hand with knives and shears.

$38,020/yr median
-18.9% growth
A few weeks on the job

Hand Grinder

Grind, sand and polish parts by hand to remove defects and finish surfaces.

$42,660/yr median
-19.2% growth
A few months on the job

Hand Sewer

Sew by hand to finish garments, upholstery and specialty products.

$36,480/yr median
-12.0% growth
Months of practice

Heat Treating Operator

Heat and cool metal parts to make them harder, tougher or easier to machine.

$48,750/yr median
-9.5% growth
A few months on the job

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Keep bulldozers, excavators, loaders and cranes working on job sites and in shops.

$65,510/yr median
+6.7% growth
1–2 years

Industrial Cleaning Operator

Clean, wash and pickle metal parts before finishing or assembly.

$43,530/yr median
+3.4% growth
A few months on the job

Industrial Electronics Repairer

Repair the electronic controls that run industrial machines.

$74,090/yr median
+0.3% growth
Training program plus a year or more on the job

Industrial Engineer

Design better ways to make products and deliver services with less waste.

$102,440/yr median
+12.4% growth
4-year engineering degree

Industrial Engineering Technician

Help engineers measure and improve how products are made.

$66,120/yr median
+3.1% growth
2-year degree

Industrial Maintenance Technician

Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting.

$64,520/yr median
+17.8% growth
1–4 years

Industrial Painter

Spray paint and coat products on production lines.

$48,250/yr median
+2.5% growth
A few months on the job

Industrial Production Manager

Run a factory’s production so products get made safely, on time and on budget.

$126,060/yr median
+2.6% growth
5+ years of manufacturing experience

Lathe Operator

Turn metal on a lathe to make shafts, bushings and round parts.

$50,620/yr median
-11.3% growth
A few months on the job

Machine Feeder

Load materials into machines and remove finished products.

$41,220/yr median
-13.1% growth
A few days on the job

Machinery Maintenance Worker

Lubricate, clean and do routine repairs on factory machines.

$60,850/yr median
-1.9% growth
A year or more on the job

Maintenance Helper

Assist mechanics and technicians with repairs while learning the trade.

$39,630/yr median
+5.3% growth
A few weeks on the job

Maintenance Supervisor

Lead the mechanics and technicians who keep equipment running.

$79,860/yr median
+4.1% growth
Several years of hands-on experience

Marine Mechanic

Repair and maintain boat engines, motors and onboard systems.

$57,550/yr median
+4.9% growth
1–2 years of training

Meat Packer

Process livestock into meat cuts in a packing plant.

$40,130/yr median
+2.0% growth
A few weeks on the job

Meat Trimmer

Cut and trim meat, poultry and fish in processing plants.

$38,300/yr median
+5.7% growth
A few weeks on the job

Metal Fabricator

Cut, shape and fit steel parts into frames, structures and machinery.

$51,330/yr median
-6.2% growth
Several months on the job

Metal Furnace Operator

Run furnaces that melt and refine metal in mills and foundries.

$54,430/yr median
-2.9% growth
A few months on the job

Metal Layout Worker

Mark precise lines and reference points on metal for machinists and fabricators.

$63,870/yr median
-3.4% growth
A few months on the job

Metal Model Maker

Build precise metal and plastic prototypes from engineering drawings.

$63,340/yr median
-17.3% growth
Years of machining experience

Metal Patternmaker

Make the patterns foundries use to form casting molds.

$58,000/yr median
-22.8% growth
Months to years of training

Metal Pourer

Pour molten metal into molds to make castings.

$51,810/yr median
-5.0% growth
A few months on the job

Milling Machine Operator

Cut slots, pockets and flat surfaces in metal with milling machines.

$52,800/yr median
-13.2% growth
A few months on the job

Millwright

Install, align and maintain the heavy machinery in factories, plants and power stations.

$65,700/yr median
+0.9% growth
4 years (apprenticeship)

Mixing Machine Operator

Run mixers and blenders that combine chemicals, rubber, plastics and other materials.

$48,990/yr median
-6.1% growth
A few months on the job

Molder and Caster

Cast concrete, plaster, stone and composites into molds to make products.

$46,170/yr median
+5.8% growth
A year or more on the job

Molding Machine Operator

Run injection molding and die casting machines that make plastic and metal parts.

$44,350/yr median
-3.4% growth
A few months on the job

Motorcycle Mechanic

Service and repair motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and other powersports vehicles.

$48,580/yr median
+2.1% growth
9–15 months

Multiple Machine Tool Operator

Run several types of machine tools to make metal and plastic parts.

$47,180/yr median
+0.6% growth
A few months on the job

Packaging Machine Operator

Run machines that fill, seal, label and package products.

$43,220/yr median
+4.1% growth
A few weeks to months on the job

Paper Machine Operator

Run machines that make boxes, bags, cups and paper products.

$50,270/yr median
-3.6% growth
A few months on the job

Plating Operator

Coat metal parts with chrome, nickel, zinc or other finishes in chemical baths.

$43,960/yr median
-9.7% growth
A few months on the job

Prepress Technician

Prepare digital files and printing plates so print jobs come out right.

$48,690/yr median
-15.3% growth
Certificate program

Press Operator

Run presses that cut, punch and bend metal and plastic parts.

$46,330/yr median
-10.5% growth
A few months on the job

Printing Press Operator

Run printing presses that produce packaging, labels, books and marketing materials.

$45,780/yr median
-8.7% growth
A few months to years on the job

Product Decorator

Paint, print and decorate products like ceramics, signs and toys.

$41,600/yr median
+1.3% growth
A few months on the job

Production Assembler

Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.

$44,650/yr median
+1.1% growth
1 day to 1 month on the job

Production Helper

Help machine operators and keep production lines supplied and clean.

$39,070/yr median
-8.2% growth
A few days to weeks on the job

Production Planner

Schedule what gets made when, and chase materials so production stays on track.

$59,650/yr median
-1.3% growth
Several months on the job

Production Supervisor

Lead factory teams to hit safety, quality and production goals every shift.

$74,450/yr median
+1.8% growth
3–5 years of experience

Quality Control Inspector

Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.

$48,570/yr median
+2.5% growth
3–12 months on the job

Rail Car Repairer

Inspect and repair freight cars, passenger cars and subway cars.

$67,530/yr median
+2.6% growth
1–3 years of training

Refractory Repairer

Reline and repair furnaces, kilns and boilers with heat-resistant materials.

$61,290/yr median
-13.7% growth
Several months on the job

Rolling Machine Operator

Run rolling mills that flatten and shape metal into sheets, bars and shapes.

$50,140/yr median
-8.3% growth
A few months on the job

RV Technician

Repair the systems in motorhomes, campers and travel trailers.

$52,000/yr median
+9.7% growth
1–2 years of training

Sawmill Operator

Run saws that turn logs into lumber.

$42,770/yr median
-1.0% growth
A few months on the job

Sewing Machine Operator

Run industrial sewing machines to make clothing, upholstery and products.

$36,670/yr median
-15.1% growth
A few weeks on the job

Shoe Machine Operator

Run machines that cut, stitch, last and finish shoes and boots.

$35,650/yr median
-6.9% growth
A few weeks on the job

Slicing Machine Operator

Run machines that cut and slice food, paper, film and other materials.

$46,570/yr median
-0.9% growth
A few months on the job

Small Engine Mechanic

Repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment.

$47,880/yr median
+2.3% growth
3–12 months

Textile Cutting Machine Operator

Spread and cut fabric into pattern pieces for sewing.

$38,760/yr median
-13.6% growth
A few months on the job

Textile Dyeing Machine Operator

Run machines that bleach and dye yarn and fabric to exact colors.

$38,180/yr median
-12.5% growth
A few weeks on the job

Textile Knitting Machine Operator

Run knitting machines and looms that make fabric.

$39,530/yr median
-13.7% growth
A few weeks on the job

Textile Winding Machine Operator

Run machines that wind, twist and draw fiber into yarn.

$38,670/yr median
-10.3% growth
A few months on the job

Timing Device Assembler

Assemble and adjust precision timing devices and instruments.

$62,620/yr median
-6.1% growth
A few months on the job

Tire Builder

Build tires by layering rubber and steel on tire-building machines.

$57,390/yr median
+0.8% growth
A few months on the job

Tire Technician

Mount, balance and repair tires on cars, trucks and equipment.

$37,710/yr median
+3.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Tool and Die Maker

Build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts.

$64,050/yr median
-9.2% growth
4 years (apprenticeship)

Tool Grinder

Sharpen and recondition cutting tools, drills, saws and knives.

$50,060/yr median
-6.8% growth
A few months on the job

Transportation Equipment Electrician

Install and repair electrical systems on trains, ships, buses and other vehicles.

$84,890/yr median
+5.4% growth
Training program plus months on the job

Vending Machine Technician

Service and repair vending, kiosk and arcade machines on a route.

$47,450/yr median
-3.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Watch Repairer

Clean, repair and restore watches and clocks.

$67,230/yr median
-0.3% growth
1–2 years of training

Welding Machine Operator

Run robotic and automated welding machines on production lines.

$47,920/yr median
-8.9% growth
A few months on the job

Wood Model Maker

Build precise wood models and prototypes for designers and engineers.

$56,550/yr median
-3.3% growth
Months to years of practice

Wood Patternmaker

Build wooden patterns that foundries use to make casting molds.

$49,630/yr median
-2.0% growth
Months to years of training

Woodworking Machine Operator

Run saws, routers and sanders that make furniture, cabinets and wood products.

$43,380/yr median
-2.5% growth
A few months on the job

Compare mechanical and manufacturing careers

#	Career	Median pay	Growth 2025–35	Training time	Typical entry education
1	Industrial Production Manager	$126,060	+2.6%	5+ years of manufacturing experience	Bachelor's degree
2	Industrial Engineer	$102,440	+12.4%	4-year engineering degree	Bachelor's degree
3	Transportation Equipment Electrician	$84,890	+5.4%	Training program plus months on the job	Postsecondary nondegree award
4	Avionics Technician	$82,280	+9.4%	12–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
5	Aircraft Mechanic	$79,870	+5.4%	18–30 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
6	Maintenance Supervisor	$79,860	+4.1%	Several years of hands-on experience	High school diploma or equivalent
7	Production Supervisor	$74,450	+1.8%	3–5 years of experience	High school diploma or equivalent
8	Industrial Electronics Repairer	$74,090	+0.3%	Training program plus a year or more on the job	Postsecondary nondegree award
9	CNC Programmer	$68,120	+5.9%	1–2 years plus shop experience	Postsecondary nondegree award
10	Rail Car Repairer	$67,530	+2.6%	1–3 years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
11	Watch Repairer	$67,230	-0.3%	1–2 years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
12	Industrial Engineering Technician	$66,120	+3.1%	2-year degree	Associate's degree
13	Millwright	$65,700	+0.9%	4 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
14	Heavy Equipment Mechanic	$65,510	+6.7%	1–2 years	High school diploma or equivalent
15	Aircraft Assembler	$65,380	-5.6%	Several months of training	High school diploma or equivalent
16	Industrial Maintenance Technician	$64,520	+17.8%	1–4 years	High school diploma or equivalent
17	Tool and Die Maker	$64,050	-9.2%	4 years (apprenticeship)	Postsecondary nondegree award
18	Metal Layout Worker	$63,870	-3.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
19	Metal Model Maker	$63,340	-17.3%	Years of machining experience	High school diploma or equivalent
20	Timing Device Assembler	$62,620	-6.1%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
21	Diesel Mechanic	$61,770	+3.6%	6–24 months	High school diploma or equivalent
22	Biomedical Equipment Technician	$61,660	+12.6%	2 years	Associate's degree
23	Refractory Repairer	$61,290	-13.7%	Several months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
24	Machinery Maintenance Worker	$60,850	-1.9%	A year or more on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
25	Production Planner	$59,650	-1.3%	Several months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
26	CNC Machinist	$58,750	+1.0%	6–24 months	High school diploma or equivalent
27	Metal Patternmaker	$58,000	-22.8%	Months to years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
28	Marine Mechanic	$57,550	+4.9%	1–2 years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
29	Tire Builder	$57,390	+0.8%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
30	Wood Model Maker	$56,550	-3.3%	Months to years of practice	High school diploma or equivalent
31	Electric Motor Repairer	$56,210	+4.4%	Several months to a year	High school diploma or equivalent
32	Auto Body Technician	$54,890	+3.7%	6 months–2 years	High school diploma or equivalent
33	Metal Furnace Operator	$54,430	-2.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
34	Engine Assembler	$53,710	-17.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
35	Milling Machine Operator	$52,800	-13.2%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
36	Camera Repairer	$52,720	-15.5%	A year or more on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
37	RV Technician	$52,000	+9.7%	1–2 years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
38	Metal Pourer	$51,810	-5.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
39	Metal Fabricator	$51,330	-6.2%	Several months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
40	Appliance Repair Technician	$50,990	+1.9%	A few months to a year	High school diploma or equivalent
41	CNC Operator	$50,690	-9.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
42	Automotive Service Technician	$50,620	+5.0%	6–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
43	Lathe Operator	$50,620	-11.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
44	Paper Machine Operator	$50,270	-3.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
45	Rolling Machine Operator	$50,140	-8.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
46	Tool Grinder	$50,060	-6.8%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
47	Wood Patternmaker	$49,630	-2.0%	Months to years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
48	Building Maintenance Technician	$49,590	+4.2%	3–12 months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
49	Drilling Machine Operator	$49,080	-9.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
50	Forging Machine Operator	$49,030	-17.2%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
51	Mixing Machine Operator	$48,990	-6.1%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
52	Heat Treating Operator	$48,750	-9.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
53	Prepress Technician	$48,690	-15.3%	Certificate program	Postsecondary nondegree award
54	Motorcycle Mechanic	$48,580	+2.1%	9–15 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
55	Quality Control Inspector	$48,570	+2.5%	3–12 months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
56	Crushing Machine Operator	$48,540	-1.7%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
57	Car Electronics Installer	$48,420	-14.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
58	Industrial Painter	$48,250	+2.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
59	Coil Winder	$48,220	-4.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
60	Foundry Moldmaker	$48,110	-23.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
61	Furnace and Kiln Operator	$48,040	+2.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
62	Welding Machine Operator	$47,920	-8.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
63	Small Engine Mechanic	$47,880	+2.3%	3–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
64	Extruding Machine Operator	$47,720	+0.7%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
65	Auto Glass Technician	$47,630	+5.7%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
66	Vending Machine Technician	$47,450	-3.4%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
67	Multiple Machine Tool Operator	$47,180	+0.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
68	Fiberglass Laminator	$46,880	+4.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
69	Slicing Machine Operator	$46,570	-0.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
70	Grinding Machine Operator	$46,550	-10.8%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
71	Adhesive Machine Operator	$46,460	+1.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
72	Fiber Extruding Machine Operator	$46,350	-3.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
73	Press Operator	$46,330	-10.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
74	Molder and Caster	$46,170	+5.8%	A year or more on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
75	Electronics Assembler	$45,850	+5.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
76	Printing Press Operator	$45,780	-8.7%	A few months to years on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
77	Forming Machine Operator	$45,760	+1.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
78	Food Roasting Machine Operator	$44,810	+0.4%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
79	Production Assembler	$44,650	+1.1%	1 day to 1 month on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
80	Molding Machine Operator	$44,350	-3.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
81	Plating Operator	$43,960	-9.7%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
82	Industrial Cleaning Operator	$43,530	+3.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
83	Woodworking Machine Operator	$43,380	-2.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
84	Packaging Machine Operator	$43,220	+4.1%	A few weeks to months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
85	Bicycle Mechanic	$42,780	-5.7%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
86	Sawmill Operator	$42,770	-1.0%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
87	Hand Grinder	$42,660	-19.2%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
88	Bindery Worker	$42,290	-17.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
89	Food Batchmaker	$42,290	+6.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
90	Product Decorator	$41,600	+1.3%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
91	Food Cooking Machine Operator	$41,590	-0.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
92	Freezing Equipment Operator	$41,330	+5.9%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
93	Machine Feeder	$41,220	-13.1%	A few days on the job	No formal educational credential
94	Meat Packer	$40,130	+2.0%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
95	Maintenance Helper	$39,630	+5.3%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
96	Textile Knitting Machine Operator	$39,530	-13.7%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
97	Production Helper	$39,070	-8.2%	A few days to weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
98	Textile Cutting Machine Operator	$38,760	-13.6%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
99	Textile Winding Machine Operator	$38,670	-10.3%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
100	Meat Trimmer	$38,300	+5.7%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
101	Textile Dyeing Machine Operator	$38,180	-12.5%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
102	Hand Cutter	$38,020	-18.9%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
103	Tire Technician	$37,710	+3.4%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
104	Sewing Machine Operator	$36,670	-15.1%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
105	Hand Sewer	$36,480	-12.0%	Months of practice	No formal educational credential
106	Shoe Machine Operator	$35,650	-6.9%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
107	Garment Presser	$35,060	-15.7%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential

Getting hired in mechanical and manufacturing

Buy tools gradually, document every repair you do, and earn certifications one at a time: employers notice steady progress.

What affects pay in this field

Certifications such as ASE, FAA A&P or manufacturer credentials
Flat-rate versus hourly pay plans in repair shops
Industry (aerospace and utilities often pay more than general repair)
Shift work and overtime in plants running around the clock

Find your fit

Take the Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.

Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing careers FAQ

What is the highest-paying mechanical and manufacturing career on this list?

Industrial Production Manager has the highest median pay among our mechanical and manufacturing profiles at $126,060 per year (BLS, May 2025).

Which mechanical and manufacturing career is fastest to start?

Production Assembler typically takes about 1 day to 1 month on the job of training.

Which mechanical and manufacturing career is growing fastest?

Industrial Maintenance Technician, with projected growth of +17.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).

How do I choose the right mechanical and manufacturing career?

Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.