The coronavirus pandemic did a number on many industries. The airlines, automobile, and specialty retail industries are some of the most affected. The hotel and restaurant industry also suffered. But there’s one sector that COVID wasn’t able to affect, and that’s manufacturing.
The dictionary defines manufacturing as the creation or production of goods. This sector was able to continue despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic. It’s because manufactured products are all considered essential. Many companies were quick to put up safeguards and found ways to soldier on.
Pandemic or not, America is facing a workforce crisis when it comes to manufacturing. There are a lot of available jobs in this sector. But many companies struggle to fill in key positions. Even with the help of a staffing firm. One reason is the perception many people have of manufacturing. That the jobs are low-paying and there’s no job security.
The good news is perceptions are changing. One study showed that many people now understand this is a critical and innovative field. It can also be lucrative. Take a look at the highest paying careers in manufacturing.
Electrician
Many people have this image of an electrician as a worker up an electric post. These workers are all outfitted in hard hats, sturdy boots, and bright vests. But don’t let the outfit fool you. Electricians can pull in at least $74,750 a year on average.
Electricians are an important part of any manufacturing company. They’re in charge of tasks connected to electrical wiring and equipment. They work the controls or are in the factory area. Their everyday duties could entail the installation, repair, and testing of electrical equipment. They will also troubleshoot any problems with electrical machinery.
Electricians are often partnered up with engineers when they work in manufacturing. They’re also in great demand in specialized areas, like vehicle production. Experienced electricians can also demand higher pay. The good news is anyone can become an electrician. But you’ll need an electrical license and at least 2 to 4 years of experience.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering is a vital aspect of the manufacturing sector. Mechanical engineers are often involved in the designing and developing of mechanical instruments. They’re also tasked with testing and improving these devices.
A mechanical engineer can secure a mean annual salary of $88,430. But this can go as high as $112,240 and $114,420 if you’re in the right state. Columbia and New Mexico are both known for paying mechanical engineers top dollar.
You’ll need a BS in Engineering degree for this career. Experience in engineering or any related field will also help.
Carpenter
Do you like working with your hands? You can turn that interest into gold by working as a carpenter. As a carpenter, you’ll craft products made of wood and various materials. Carpenters in the construction industry make and install structural frameworks for buildings. They also do this for bridges, highways, and other massive structures.
Carpenters also create and build interior elements like cabinets, shelves, and various furniture. There’s more to this job than hammering in nails. Carpenters also have to take detailed measurements. They have to order supplies and study sketches and blueprints. They also have to follow exact measurements when cutting and shaping materials.
People with this specialized skill can earn an annual salary of $57,441.
Operations Manager
This is a higher-end and challenging job. An operations manager will manage and check the operational costs of a business. This includes making hiring and compensation decisions. An OM also handles the discipline, promotions, and terminations in a company. They’re in charge of the day-to-day operations of a business.
They also have to deal with labor unions and community groups. They also have to work with government organizations. It’s why operations managers should have good leadership and communication skills. They also need to know project management and customer service.
Studies show that this is a job with a high satisfaction ratio. It’s also one of the highest paying ones. An operations manager can earn around $100,780 a year. Especially if they work for the larger companies. If you play your cards right, you can even earn anywhere from $157,720 to $164,090.
Helping You Choose the Best Career
There is a perfect job for your skill and experience. Seattle Financial will find it for you. We’re the premier financial staffing agency in California, Colorado, and Washington. We specialize in executive accounting and finance recruitment. But we also work with construction and manufacturing companies. We also do recruiting for sales, marketing, and HR. Give us a call at 206-343-8732. You can also drop us a line at recruiting@seattlefinancial.com.
