Manufacturing
What is Manufacturing?
"Manufacturing no longer needs legions of trainable employees that specialize in a single skill. The prevalence of computer‐controlled machinery...now demands manufacturing workers that possess a combination of math skills, intuition, stamina."
When you hear "manufacturing" you might think: loud machinery, assembly lines, danger. And that used to be true. But the face of manufacturing has changed. These days, robots have replaced much manual labor and, for many positions, you're more likely to reach for your digital toolbox than a wrench.
| Old World | New World |
|---|---|
| Learning one or two specific technical roles | Mechanical reasoning, logic trouble shooting, and spatial visualization |
| Physical strength and flexibility | Personal flexibility, communication, and cooperation |
| Ability to follow fixed, unchanging procedures | Initiative, persistance, and independence |
| General attention to production and safety procedures | Attention to detail, self-control, and dependability |
| Following orders | Making independent decisions |
| Operating, maintaining, designing mechanical machinery | Operating computers or computerized machinery and using computers for a wide range of critical functions |
Modern manufacturing jobs can involve everything from operating computers to troubleshooting mechanical problems. What they have in common are skills like: comfort with technology, logical troubleshooting, and attention to detail.
Why Manufacturing?
Growing demand
Forget what you've heard: automation isn't replacing human workers, but changing the skills they need. Demand in manufacturing is huge and growing.
Higher salary, better benefits
Wages in manufacturing are typically 27% higher than comparable‐level jobs in other sectors, and are much more likely to have health insurance and retirement benefits.
Oregon Manufacturing Jobs
| Entry‐level role: Assembler | $17/hour |
| Mid‐level role: Machine Operator | $20/hour |
| Upper‐mid‐level role: Machinist | $24/hour |
| Specialist roles: Engineering Technician | Up to $44/hour |
Diverse career paths
Manufacturing touches almost every industry—aerospace, computer, transportation—and a huge variety of positions—assembly, operations, quality control. Whatever your interests, there's a manufacturing job to match. And it's not just large corporations either. Many small and medium‐sized business offer opportunities as well.
| Job | Description |
|---|---|
| Assembler | Assemblers and fabricators put together pieces of products, and also assemble finished products. They use their hands, as well as tools and machines. Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants. |
| Welder | Welders, solderers, cutters, and brazers use equipment to cut and/or join metal parts. These positions require an eye for detail, the ability to operate equipment, and the ability to read blueprints and diagrams. |
| Machinist | Machinists and tool and die makers set up, maintain, and operate computer and mechanically‐operated machines that are used to create parts for the manufacturing process. |
| Production Manager | Production managers oversee the day‐to‐day operations at manufacturing plants. They ensure that production stays on schedule, they hire and manage workers, and they fix any production problems. |
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for any hazards, defects, or deviations. They generally work in manufacturing plants, inspecting products. |
"You could be helping build a luxury vehicle, developing the latest in food manufacturing, or creating lifesaving medical devices."
Career growth potential
Many manufacturing companies are actively recruiting young people, viewing them as more comfortable with new technology. Add in the fact that manufacturing employers are more likely to promote from within and offer on‐the‐job training and manufacturing offers lots of growth potential.
"It's great to have people who grew up with computers enter manufacturing because they will have a more high‐bandwidth, data‐driven approach."
Is Manufacturing right for me?
There are so many diverse opportunities across manufacturing, that there's probably a position that's right for you. Ask yourself:
- Do you like working with machines and technology?
- Do you like the troubleshooting problems?
- Do you find satisfaction in creating something tangible?
- Do you want a position that offers training and growth potential?
See what it's like to live a day in the life of a Prototype Fabricator, Manufacturing Engineer, or Mechanical Engineer.
How would I get started in Manufacturing?
Once you've decided which industry to target, start your manufacturing career with a certificate or degree from a trade school. This will give you the hands‐on, practical training that employers want to see from job applicants and can help you advance faster in your career.
| Apprenticeship | Certificate/Diploma | Associate's Degree | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,400/year | $2,200‐$3,500 | $12,000‐$20,000 |
| Length | 1 year | 3 months+ | 1‐2 years |
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