Industrial machinery and components manufacturing is a vital sector of the economy, responsible for the production of a wide range of products, from automobiles and airplanes to medical equipment and appliances. Jobs in this sector are well-paying and offer a good career path for those with the right skill set. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for workers in this sector was $56,610 in 2018, well above the national median wage of $38,640.
Moreover, jobs in this sector are expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next decade. The BLS projects that employment in this sector will expand by 4 percent between 2018 and 2028, adding about 162,000 new jobs. So if you’re looking for a well-paying career with good job prospects, industrial machinery and components manufacturing is worth considering.
Best Paying Jobs In Industrial Machinery/Components
If you’re looking for a high-paying job in the industrial machinery/components industry, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of the best-paying jobs in this field. Keep reading to learn more about each position and find out how to get started in your new career!
1. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Median Annual Salary: $56,770
Job Description:
Industrial machinery mechanics repair and maintain a wide range of industrial machinery, from assembly line robots to large-scale production machines. They must be able to diagnose problems and make repairs quickly and efficiently.
Education requirements:
A high school diploma is typically the minimum education requirement for this position, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary training in industrial maintenance or a related field.
Skills:
Industrial machinery mechanics need to be mechanically inclined and have a strong understanding of how industrial machinery works. They must also be able to use a variety of tools and diagnostic equipment.
How to get started:
To become an industrial machinery mechanic, you will typically need to complete a postsecondary training program in industrial maintenance or a related field. Many community colleges and technical schools offer these programs. You may also be able to find apprenticeship programs that will provide on-the-job training.
2. Maintenance and Repair Workers
Median Annual Salary: $40,560
Job Description:
Maintenance and repair workers perform a wide range of tasks, from fixing broken machinery to maintaining equipment and buildings. They must be able to troubleshoot problems and make repairs quickly and efficiently.
Education requirements:
Most maintenance and repair jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent, but some may require postsecondary training in a related field.
Skills:
Maintenance and repair workers need to have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use a variety of tools. They must also be able to work independently.
How to get started:
To become a maintenance or repair worker, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs may require postsecondary training in a related field, such as industrial maintenance.
3. Machinists
Median Annual Salary: $43,640
Job Description:
Machinists operate a wide variety of machines, from lathes and milling machines to computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. They must be able to set up and operate the machines, as well as troubleshoot problems and make repairs.
Education requirements:
Most machinists need a high school diploma or equivalent, but some jobs may require postsecondary training in machining or a related field.
Skills:
Machinists need to have strong mechanical skills and an understanding of how machines work. They must also be able to read blueprints and other technical drawings.
How to get started:
To become a machinist, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs may require postsecondary training in machining or a related field. Many community colleges and technical schools offer these programs.
4. Industrial Production Managers
Median Annual Salary: $103,380
Job Description:
Industrial production managers plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of an industrial plant. They must be able to oversee a wide range of activities, from production and quality control to shipping and receiving.
Education requirements:
Industrial production managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position.
Skills:
Industrial production managers need strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
How to get started:
To become an industrial production manager, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position.
5. Industrial Engineers
Median Annual Salary: $87,040
Job Description:
Industrial engineers plan, design, and optimize the systems that create and deliver products and services. They must be able to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Education requirements:
Industrial engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position.
Skills:
Industrial engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work well with teams and have excellent communication skills.
How to get started:
To become an industrial engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position. Many industrial engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
6. Health and Safety Engineers
Median Annual Salary: $88,190
Job Description:
Health and safety engineers develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety of workers, equipment, and products. They must be able to identify potential hazards and develop solutions to prevent accidents and injuries.
Education requirements:
Health and safety engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as occupational safety.
Skills:
Health and safety engineers need strong analytical skills and an understanding of the principles of engineering. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.
How to get started:
To become a health and safety engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as occupational safety.
7. Materials Engineers
Median Annual Salary: $84,760
Job Description:
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They must be able to identify the best materials for the job and develop new ways to improve existing materials.
Education requirements:
Materials engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as metallurgy.
Skills:
Materials engineers need strong analytical skills and an understanding of the principles of engineering. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.
How to get started:
To become a materials engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as metallurgy.
8. Manufacturing Engineers
Median Annual Salary: $85,880
Job Description:
Manufacturing engineers develop and improve manufacturing processes. They must be able to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Education requirements:
Manufacturing engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position.
Skills:
Manufacturing engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.
How to get started:
To become a manufacturing engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a management position.
9. Automation Engineers
Median Annual Salary: $79,280
Job Description:
Automation engineers develop and improve automated systems. They must be able to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Education requirements:
Automation engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as electrical engineering.
Skills:
Automation engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.
How to get started:
To become an automation engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experience in a related field, such as electrical engineering.
10. Research and Development Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $92,030
Job Description:
Research and development engineers develop and improve products. They must be able to identify inefficiencies and develop solutions that improve productivity, quality, and safety.
Education requirements:
Research and development engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experiences in a related field, such as research and development.
Skills:
Research and development engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.
How to get started:
To become a research and development engineer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or experiences in a related field, such as research and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best paying jobs in industrial machinery and components are those that require a high level of experience and expertise. Jobs that involve supervising or managing other workers, designing new products, or repairing and maintaining equipment are typically the highest paying positions in this field.
While some of these jobs may require a college degree, many do not, making them accessible to a wide range of job seekers. With the right skills and experience, anyone can find a well-paying position in the industrial machinery and components industry.
So if you’re looking for a new career, or just want to upgrade your current position, consider pursuing one of the best paying jobs in industrial machinery and components. With the right skills and experience, you can be on your way to earning a high salary in no time. Thanks for reading!