12 In-Demand Manufacturing Jobs (Plus Salary and Job Outlook)

Whether you want to enter the manufacturing industry for the first time or just upgrade your current position, it can help to review what jobs are currently in demand. Manufacturing jobs can be a unique experience for anyone who wants creative liberty, a routine process or specialized instructions during their work. Learning more about some in-demand manufacturing jobs may help you find your next job in your career path. In this article, we list the duties of 12 in-demand manufacturing jobs, as well as their salaries and job outlooks.

12 in-demand manufacturing jobs

Jobs that have a growing demand each year either have high numbers of job openings every year or a higher percentage in job outlook. Here are 12 manufacturing jobs for you to consider. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Packer

National average salary: $36,229 per year

Primary duties: A packer is an employee who works on a shipping line for products. They help manufacturing lines process and individually package products as they move toward their final destination. When packing, packers help check for the quality, functionality and integrity of the item before they seal it for customer use. Typically, packers work indoors in a factory, but may work outside for short periods of time as they load vehicles for shipment.

Job outlook: 7% increase within the next 10 years

2. Fiberglass laminator

National average salary: $44,236 per year

Primary duties: A fiberglass laminator is responsible for handling, processing and sealing fiberglass products. These products can include wires, casings and the internal elements of computers or system processors. Fiberglass laminators usually work on a slow-moving process line, using specialized machines and tools to set fiberglass laminate into place around a structure. They typically work as part of a delivery and quality control team.

Job outlook: 174,200 job openings each year on average

3. Welder

National average salary: $48,336 per year

Primary duties: Welders are skilled workers who handle metals and various metal works. They may work independently as freelance craftsmen, or on a line as welding employees. Welders can have many specializations, such as working with piping, tools or independent craftsmanship items, such as swords or axes. They can fix holes or imperfections in most metal materials by applying heat to both metals and carefully mixing the two together evenly.

Job outlook: 8% increase within the next 10 years

Read more: Learn About Being a Welder

4. Tool and die maker

National average salary: $49,498 per year

Primary duties: Tool and die makers are employees who help operate computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machines to produce metal parts. These precision metal parts can be used for tools, instruments, cars or other machines. They typically don't work on an assembly line and instead work independently at their own pace. Tool and die makers work according to pre-rendered blueprints, either using 2D drawings or 3D models to create each piece accurately.

Job outlook: 174,200 job openings each year on average

5. Ironworker

National average salary: $59,554 per year

Primary duties: Ironworkers, similarly to welders, help businesses handle metalworking but on a larger scale. They help establish, construct and install iron and steel frames for buildings, bridges and other structures. Like welders, ironworkers understand how to read blueprints and cut metal pieces into shapes for larger works. They may work with other members of a construction team, operating machinery and placing large steel structures onto building and welding sites.

Job outlook: 6% increase within the next 10 years

6. Carpenter

National average salary: $62,388 per year

Primary duties: Carpenters are skilled woodworkers who help businesses in various areas of construction. They work with wood, creating things like furniture, decorations or even architectural projects. They usually work as an independent employee. Carpenters understand how to multitask and follow strict safety standards that all employees in a construction field follow. Carpentry is physical work, meaning that they have the strength and endurance to handle large pieces of wood as they cave and set them in place.

Job outlook: 2% increase within the next 10 years

Read more: Learn About Being a Carpenter

7. Millwright

National average salary: $62,755 per year

Primary duties: A millwright installs, maintains and operates machinery for advanced systems. They understand how to install and upgrade machine components when they need to be optimized, updated or changed through blueprints or factory specifications. Millwrights may work with mechanics and other safety personnel to calibrate machinery to run diagnostic tests. This can help ensure that the machinery is safe to use for everyone and is running at high-quality performance each day.

Job outlook: 19% increase within the next 10 years

8. Manufacturing supervisor

National average salary: $64,002 per year

Primary duties: Manufacturing supervisors are employees who work within a factory to help supervise the performance of assembly lines and the employees that work on them. They create employee schedules, delegate tasks, request project updates, manage staff members, restock factory equipment and oversee the testing and quality checks for machinery. As a manager in a production line, manufacturing supervisors are responsible for the quality of the products that reach other departments and the customer.

Job outlook: 13,900 job openings each year on average

9. Machine operator

National average salary: $64,558 per year

Primary duties: Machine operators help manage the machines within a factory or transport work setting. They help install, operate, maintain and safety check a machine before operating it. Machine operators understand the internal nature of the machines they work with. They sometimes even help clean, build or assemble new machinery before it arrives at the working location. They help safety staff ensure that all parts and functions of the machine are safe and efficient for that day's requirements.

Job outlook: 7% increase within the next 10 years

Read more: Learn About Being a Machine Operator

10. Machinist

National average salary: $68,375 per year

Primary duties: Machinists are professional operators who create metal works with different tools and machines. They understand the blueprints of the products and can identify and create the parts required for the entire product. Machinists may work either as freelance employees or in the service of a company. In both cases, machinists handle the client's requests and frequently host meetings with them to report on a project's progress.

Job outlook: 7% increase within the next 10 years

11. Painter

National average salary: $69,787 per year

Primary duties: Painters are professional artists who paint objects, canvases or portraits for their clients. They may handle a wide variety of projects, such as homes, canvas pictures, furniture and outdoor appliances or areas. Painters work closely with clients to ensure that the final project suits the customer's needs. Painters understand what colors and paint types may be required for a particular project and implement them based on the instructions from the project manager.

Job outlook: 5% increase within the next 10 years

Read more: Learn About Being a Painter

12. Assembler

National average salary: $75,349 per year

Primary duties: An assembler helps piece parts together when creating a larger item in an assembly line. They are responsible for inventory management and make sure that the factory line has enough parts to fulfill the daily quota. They are machinery experts and understand how to follow blueprints and 3D models to create specific items.

Job outlook: 174,200 job openings each year on average