Which Mechanics & Manufacturing Career Is Right for Me?

How it works

Rate how much you’d enjoy each activity, then answer four preference questions. We’ll rank the 107 mechanical and manufacturing careers we profile by how well they fit you.

Question 1 of 22Fixing or building things with tools

Question 2 of 22Figuring out why something isn’t working

Question 3 of 22Designing, writing or creating things

Question 4 of 22Helping people who are sick, stressed or struggling

Question 5 of 22Taking charge of a group or a crisis

Question 6 of 22Keeping records, schedules or files organized

Question 7 of 22Working outdoors or on a job site

Question 8 of 22Analyzing data or evidence to answer a question

Question 9 of 22Coming up with new ideas or better ways to do things

Question 10 of 22Teaching or explaining things to others

Question 11 of 22Persuading or negotiating with people

Question 12 of 22Following clear procedures and checklists

Question 13 of 22Operating machines, vehicles or heavy equipment

Question 14 of 22Learning how systems work: the body, a network, an engine

Question 15 of 22Working on projects without a fixed routine

Question 16 of 22Working closely as part of a team

Question 17 of 22Setting goals and competing to hit them

Question 18 of 22Working with numbers and details accurately

Question 19 of 22How much more education or training are you willing to do?

A few weeks to a few monthsUp to a year or twoTwo to four yearsWhatever it takes for the right career

Question 20 of 22Where would you rather spend most of your workday?

Indoors: clinic, office, shop or plantOutdoors or on job sitesA mix of bothAt a computer, possibly remote

Question 21 of 22What pace suits you best?

Fast-paced. I like constant actionSteady and predictableNo strong preference

Question 22 of 22What matters most in your next job?

Higher payHelping peoplePlenty of job openings and securityStarting work quickly

Careers included, with fit quizzes and practice tests

Adhesive Machine Operator: Run machines that glue, laminate and bond materials together. (fit quiz · practice test)
Aircraft Assembler: Build airplane structures, wings and systems to precise specifications. (fit quiz · practice test)
Aircraft Mechanic: Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards. (fit quiz · practice test)
Appliance Repair Technician: Fix washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens in people’s homes. (fit quiz · practice test)
Auto Body Technician: Repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint. (fit quiz · practice test)
Auto Glass Technician: Replace and repair windshields and vehicle glass, including camera calibration. (fit quiz · practice test)
Automotive Service Technician: Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs. (fit quiz · practice test)
Avionics Technician: Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft. (fit quiz · practice test)
Bicycle Mechanic: Build, tune and repair bicycles and e-bikes. (fit quiz · practice test)
Bindery Worker: Fold, cut, stitch and bind printed sheets into finished products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Biomedical Equipment Technician: Maintain and repair the medical equipment hospitals use to monitor and treat patients. (fit quiz · practice test)
Building Maintenance Technician: Keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs. (fit quiz · practice test)
Camera Repairer: Repair cameras, lenses and photographic equipment. (fit quiz · practice test)
Car Electronics Installer: Install car stereos, cameras, remote starters and other vehicle electronics. (fit quiz · practice test)
CNC Machinist: Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
CNC Operator: Run computer-controlled machines that cut precise metal and plastic parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
CNC Programmer: Write the programs that tell CNC machines how to cut precision parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Coil Winder: Wind, tape and finish wire coils for motors and transformers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Crushing Machine Operator: Run crushers and mills that break down rock, minerals and materials. (fit quiz · practice test)
Diesel Mechanic: Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment. (fit quiz · practice test)
Drilling Machine Operator: Set up and run drilling and boring machines to make precise holes in metal parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Electric Motor Repairer: Test, rewind and rebuild electric motors, generators and power tools. (fit quiz · practice test)
Electronics Assembler: Assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and electronic devices. (fit quiz · practice test)
Engine Assembler: Build engines, turbines and heavy machines from precision parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Extruding Machine Operator: Run machines that push metal or plastic through dies to make tubes, pipes and profiles. (fit quiz · practice test)
Fiber Extruding Machine Operator: Run machines that make synthetic and glass fibers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Fiberglass Laminator: Build boats, tanks and parts by layering fiberglass and resin. (fit quiz · practice test)
Food Batchmaker: Measure and mix ingredients into large batches for food production. (fit quiz · practice test)
Food Cooking Machine Operator: Run industrial cookers, fryers and kettles in food plants. (fit quiz · practice test)
Food Roasting Machine Operator: Run machines that roast, bake or dry foods like coffee, nuts and snacks. (fit quiz · practice test)
Forging Machine Operator: Shape hot metal with presses and hammers to make strong parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Forming Machine Operator: Run machines that press and form materials like clay, powder and pellets into shapes. (fit quiz · practice test)
Foundry Moldmaker: Build sand molds and cores that shape metal castings. (fit quiz · practice test)
Freezing Equipment Operator: Run freezers and cooling equipment that preserve food and products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Furnace and Kiln Operator: Run kilns, ovens, dryers and kettles that heat-treat or dry products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Garment Presser: Press and finish clothing and textiles at dry cleaners and factories. (fit quiz · practice test)
Grinding Machine Operator: Grind, polish and finish metal parts to precise sizes and smooth surfaces. (fit quiz · practice test)
Hand Cutter: Cut and trim materials by hand with knives and shears. (fit quiz · practice test)
Hand Grinder: Grind, sand and polish parts by hand to remove defects and finish surfaces. (fit quiz · practice test)
Hand Sewer: Sew by hand to finish garments, upholstery and specialty products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Heat Treating Operator: Heat and cool metal parts to make them harder, tougher or easier to machine. (fit quiz · practice test)
Heavy Equipment Mechanic: Keep bulldozers, excavators, loaders and cranes working on job sites and in shops. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Cleaning Operator: Clean, wash and pickle metal parts before finishing or assembly. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Electronics Repairer: Repair the electronic controls that run industrial machines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Engineer: Design better ways to make products and deliver services with less waste. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Engineering Technician: Help engineers measure and improve how products are made. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Maintenance Technician: Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Painter: Spray paint and coat products on production lines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Industrial Production Manager: Run a factory’s production so products get made safely, on time and on budget. (fit quiz · practice test)
Lathe Operator: Turn metal on a lathe to make shafts, bushings and round parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Machine Feeder: Load materials into machines and remove finished products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Machinery Maintenance Worker: Lubricate, clean and do routine repairs on factory machines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Maintenance Helper: Assist mechanics and technicians with repairs while learning the trade. (fit quiz · practice test)
Maintenance Supervisor: Lead the mechanics and technicians who keep equipment running. (fit quiz · practice test)
Marine Mechanic: Repair and maintain boat engines, motors and onboard systems. (fit quiz · practice test)
Meat Packer: Process livestock into meat cuts in a packing plant. (fit quiz · practice test)
Meat Trimmer: Cut and trim meat, poultry and fish in processing plants. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Fabricator: Cut, shape and fit steel parts into frames, structures and machinery. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Furnace Operator: Run furnaces that melt and refine metal in mills and foundries. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Layout Worker: Mark precise lines and reference points on metal for machinists and fabricators. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Model Maker: Build precise metal and plastic prototypes from engineering drawings. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Patternmaker: Make the patterns foundries use to form casting molds. (fit quiz · practice test)
Metal Pourer: Pour molten metal into molds to make castings. (fit quiz · practice test)
Milling Machine Operator: Cut slots, pockets and flat surfaces in metal with milling machines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Millwright: Install, align and maintain the heavy machinery in factories, plants and power stations. (fit quiz · practice test)
Mixing Machine Operator: Run mixers and blenders that combine chemicals, rubber, plastics and other materials. (fit quiz · practice test)
Molder and Caster: Cast concrete, plaster, stone and composites into molds to make products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Molding Machine Operator: Run injection molding and die casting machines that make plastic and metal parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Motorcycle Mechanic: Service and repair motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and other powersports vehicles. (fit quiz · practice test)
Multiple Machine Tool Operator: Run several types of machine tools to make metal and plastic parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Packaging Machine Operator: Run machines that fill, seal, label and package products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Paper Machine Operator: Run machines that make boxes, bags, cups and paper products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Plating Operator: Coat metal parts with chrome, nickel, zinc or other finishes in chemical baths. (fit quiz · practice test)
Prepress Technician: Prepare digital files and printing plates so print jobs come out right. (fit quiz · practice test)
Press Operator: Run presses that cut, punch and bend metal and plastic parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Printing Press Operator: Run printing presses that produce packaging, labels, books and marketing materials. (fit quiz · practice test)
Product Decorator: Paint, print and decorate products like ceramics, signs and toys. (fit quiz · practice test)
Production Assembler: Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions. (fit quiz · practice test)
Production Helper: Help machine operators and keep production lines supplied and clean. (fit quiz · practice test)
Production Planner: Schedule what gets made when, and chase materials so production stays on track. (fit quiz · practice test)
Production Supervisor: Lead factory teams to hit safety, quality and production goals every shift. (fit quiz · practice test)
Quality Control Inspector: Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications. (fit quiz · practice test)
Rail Car Repairer: Inspect and repair freight cars, passenger cars and subway cars. (fit quiz · practice test)
Refractory Repairer: Reline and repair furnaces, kilns and boilers with heat-resistant materials. (fit quiz · practice test)
Rolling Machine Operator: Run rolling mills that flatten and shape metal into sheets, bars and shapes. (fit quiz · practice test)
RV Technician: Repair the systems in motorhomes, campers and travel trailers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Sawmill Operator: Run saws that turn logs into lumber. (fit quiz · practice test)
Sewing Machine Operator: Run industrial sewing machines to make clothing, upholstery and products. (fit quiz · practice test)
Shoe Machine Operator: Run machines that cut, stitch, last and finish shoes and boots. (fit quiz · practice test)
Slicing Machine Operator: Run machines that cut and slice food, paper, film and other materials. (fit quiz · practice test)
Small Engine Mechanic: Repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment. (fit quiz · practice test)
Textile Cutting Machine Operator: Spread and cut fabric into pattern pieces for sewing. (fit quiz · practice test)
Textile Dyeing Machine Operator: Run machines that bleach and dye yarn and fabric to exact colors. (fit quiz · practice test)
Textile Knitting Machine Operator: Run knitting machines and looms that make fabric. (fit quiz · practice test)
Textile Winding Machine Operator: Run machines that wind, twist and draw fiber into yarn. (fit quiz · practice test)
Timing Device Assembler: Assemble and adjust precision timing devices and instruments. (fit quiz · practice test)
Tire Builder: Build tires by layering rubber and steel on tire-building machines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Tire Technician: Mount, balance and repair tires on cars, trucks and equipment. (fit quiz · practice test)
Tool and Die Maker: Build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts. (fit quiz · practice test)
Tool Grinder: Sharpen and recondition cutting tools, drills, saws and knives. (fit quiz · practice test)
Transportation Equipment Electrician: Install and repair electrical systems on trains, ships, buses and other vehicles. (fit quiz · practice test)
Vending Machine Technician: Service and repair vending, kiosk and arcade machines on a route. (fit quiz · practice test)
Watch Repairer: Clean, repair and restore watches and clocks. (fit quiz · practice test)
Welding Machine Operator: Run robotic and automated welding machines on production lines. (fit quiz · practice test)
Wood Model Maker: Build precise wood models and prototypes for designers and engineers. (fit quiz · practice test)
Wood Patternmaker: Build wooden patterns that foundries use to make casting molds. (fit quiz · practice test)
Woodworking Machine Operator: Run saws, routers and sanders that make furniture, cabinets and wood products. (fit quiz · practice test)

Want to compare across all fields? Take the full Career Match Quiz.

Which Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing Career Is Right for Me?

Careers included, with fit quizzes and practice tests