Manufacturing Industry Salaries in USA 2025
What production workers, engineers, and manufacturing professionals really earn
Manufacturing Salary Range (By Role)
Manufacturing Industry Overview 2025
American manufacturing is experiencing a renaissance. Reshoring, infrastructure investment, EV production, and semiconductor expansion have created strong demand for skilled workers. Manufacturing now offers competitive wages with good benefits—often exceeding retail and service sector alternatives.
This pillar covers compensation across manufacturing careers—from entry-level production workers to plant managers and manufacturing engineers. Whether you're operating CNC machines, managing quality control, or designing production systems, you'll find relevant benchmarks here.
Manufacturing pay varies by industry (automotive pays differently than food processing), union status, location, and shift (nights and weekends often pay premiums). Overtime is common and can significantly boost annual earnings.
Manufacturing Pay Snapshot: 2025
| Role | Salary Range 2025 |
|---|---|
| Production Worker / Assembler | $32,000–$48,000 |
| Machine Operator | $38,000–$55,000 |
| CNC Machinist | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Maintenance Technician | $55,000–$80,000 |
| Quality Control Inspector | $45,000–$65,000 |
| Manufacturing Technician | $48,000–$70,000 |
| Production Supervisor | $60,000–$85,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $75,000–$110,000 |
| Quality Engineer | $70,000–$100,000 |
| Plant Manager | $100,000–$180,000+ |
| VP Manufacturing | $150,000–$300,000+ |
Salaries by Manufacturing Sector
Automotive Manufacturing
Auto manufacturing offers some of the highest production wages. UAW-represented workers at Big Three plants (GM, Ford, Stellantis) earn $30–$35/hour ($62,000–$73,000 base) plus overtime. Tesla and foreign transplants pay $20–$30/hour. Engineers earn $80,000–$130,000. See our Michigan salary guide for the industry hub.
Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace pays premiums for precision work. Production workers earn $45,000–$65,000, machinists $60,000–$90,000, and aerospace engineers $90,000–$140,000. Security clearances add 10–20% for defense work. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon are major employers.
Semiconductors & Electronics
Chip manufacturing is booming with CHIPS Act investment. Fab technicians earn $45,000–$70,000, process engineers $85,000–$130,000. Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries are expanding US facilities with competitive compensation.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
Pharma manufacturing requires precision and compliance. Production operators earn $45,000–$65,000, quality roles $55,000–$85,000, and engineers $80,000–$120,000. Clean room and GMP experience commands premiums.
Food & Beverage
Food manufacturing pays less than durable goods. Production workers earn $30,000–$45,000, supervisors $50,000–$70,000. Meat processing and beverage plants often offer overtime opportunities.
EV & Battery Manufacturing
Electric vehicle and battery plants are the fastest-growing sector. Tesla, Rivian, and battery suppliers (LG, SK, Panasonic) are hiring thousands. Production workers start at $20–$28/hour, with engineers earning $85,000–$140,000.
Shift Differentials & Overtime
| Shift Type | Typical Premium |
|---|---|
| Second Shift (Afternoon/Evening) | +5–10% |
| Third Shift (Overnight) | +10–15% |
| Weekend Shift | +10–20% |
| Overtime (after 40 hours) | +50% (time and a half) |
| Holiday Pay | +100–150% (double time) |
With overtime, a $50,000 base salary can become $65,000–$75,000 annually. Many manufacturing workers intentionally seek overtime for increased earnings.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
| Role | Non-Union | Union | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Worker | $38,000 | $52,000 | +37% |
| Maintenance Tech | $58,000 | $75,000 | +29% |
| Skilled Trades | $62,000 | $82,000 | +32% |
Union manufacturing jobs also include better benefits (pension, healthcare, job security) adding 20–40% to total compensation value. UAW, IAM, and USW represent major manufacturing workforces.
Geographic Salary Variations
Manufacturing Hubs
The Midwest remains America's manufacturing heartland. Michigan (auto), Ohio (diverse), Indiana (auto, pharma), and Wisconsin (machinery) offer strong manufacturing employment. Southern states (Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama) have attracted foreign automakers with lower labor costs.
Regional Pay Differences
California and Northeast pay 15–25% above national averages but face higher costs. Southern and Midwest plants pay less but offer better purchasing power. Texas combines relatively high pay with low cost of living.
Manufacturing Career Paths
| Level | Role Examples | Typical Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | Assembler, Operator | $32,000–$42,000 |
| Skilled (2–5 years) | CNC, Maintenance, Quality | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Lead/Specialist (5–10 years) | Lead Tech, Senior Machinist | $65,000–$85,000 |
| Supervisor (7+ years) | Shift Supervisor, Area Manager | $70,000–$95,000 |
| Management (10+ years) | Production Manager, Plant Manager | $90,000–$180,000+ |
Manufacturing offers clear advancement without college degrees. CNC programming, maintenance, and quality roles provide pathways to $70,000–$90,000+ with technical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average manufacturing salary in 2025?
Production workers average $42,000–$48,000. Skilled roles (CNC, maintenance) average $55,000–$75,000. Engineers and managers earn $80,000–$130,000. The median across all manufacturing workers is approximately $48,000–$55,000.
Is manufacturing a good career?
Yes, increasingly so. Modern manufacturing offers competitive wages ($50,000–$80,000+ for skilled roles), good benefits, job stability, and clear advancement paths. The sector is growing due to reshoring and infrastructure investment. Skilled trades face shortages, increasing opportunity.
What manufacturing jobs pay the most?
Plant managers ($120,000–$180,000+), manufacturing engineers ($80,000–$120,000), maintenance managers ($75,000–$100,000), and skilled trades in aerospace/semiconductors ($70,000–$95,000). Supervisors and specialists can exceed $80,000 with overtime.
Do you need a degree for manufacturing?
Not for production or skilled trades roles. High school diploma plus on-the-job training or apprenticeship is sufficient. Technical certifications (CNC, welding, maintenance) increase earnings. Engineering and management typically require degrees, though some promote from within.