FAQ
Production Planner FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a production planner.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a production planner: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about production planners
Do production planners need a degree?
Not always; experience counts.
What is the CPIM?
A respected production planning credential.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
How much does a production planner make?
The median annual wage for production planners was $59,650 ($28.68 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,080 and the highest 10% earned more than $86,000.
How long does it take to become a production planner?
Most people need about Several months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; supply chain courses help.
Do you need a degree to be a production planner?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is production planner a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -1.3% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 32,600 openings each year. Upsides include every plant needs planning; a common challenge is that constant schedule changes.
What skills does a production planner need?
Key technical skills include production scheduling, mrp and erp systems, inventory control, and expediting. Employers also value organization, communication, and persistence.
What certifications are available for production planners?
Common credentials include APICS CPIM, CSCP, Excel certification, and Lean training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Production Planner fit quiz, compare with Procurement Clerk, or explore Production Planner training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-5061 (Production, planning, and expediting clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Production, planning, and expediting clerks (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.