Careers in Manufacturing

There are more career opportunities than applicants for the positions. People wishing to pursue a career in manufacturing may receive financial assistance such as grants, scholarships and even loans. The person only needs to select the area of interest and enroll in a school that offers the courses.

Since 1980, the Society of Manufacturing Engineering Education Foundation or SME-EF, has offered over $26 million towards the education of people seeking a career in manufacturing. Students may pursue careers making robots, planes and many other manufacturing careers. The society also makes sure participating schools and colleges offer the most up to date courses and support the students may require.

The SME-EF wants to continue the life line of manufacturing careers in the United States. They keep themselves visible on the high school and college campuses by encouraging young people to come see for themselves the opportunities available to them. The SME-EF offers summer exploratory classes for students who may wish to consider engineering and manufacturing careers. The Science Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Program or STEPS, is a hands on summer program that offers students hands-on experience learning about the many careers available to them in engineering and manufacturing.

Depending on the educational level, a person could live well in a manufacturing career. For example, the average income for a coating, painting and spray machine operator entry income is $24-$38 thousand annually. The salary of a quality control supervisor I is $41-$57 thousand annually, and the configuration analysts manager can earn $106K-$125K thousand annually. As with all careers, the location of the job and the amount of education a person acquires directly influences their annual salaries.