10 Reasons why you should consider a manufacturing career

Are you looking for a job with plenty of openings, the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, and an above-average salary? Why just take another job – when you can start a career instead? Those working in manufacturing enjoy all three of these perks while also being given many opportunities to move up the ranks and make successful careers, even without a college degree.

As the nation’s fifth largest employment sector, millions of Americans have made careers from entry-level manufacturing jobs. And as the US government pledges to bring back manufacturing jobs to US soil, opportunities to become involved in the sector will only grow.

Here’s why now’s the time for you to start your career in manufacturing:

1. Green energy is creating more jobs

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, pledges $369 Billion for green energy initiatives – including clean manufacturing. This act alone will create 900,000 new manufacturing jobs over the next decade in the fields of electric vehicle production and the manufacturing of alternative energy sources like solar panels. Thanks to government initiatives the manufacturing sector is booming, meaning you’ll not only enjoy job stability but also have more choice in which type of manufacturing field you want to work in.

2. Many opportunities for advancement

After landing your first manufacturing job the choice is yours on what career path you want to take. Continue to work your way up on the floor to become an operational manager or transition to a different role in the company like sales. All the experience and skills you need for advancement will come through your work and on-the-job training.

3. Work with cutting-edge technology

Ever wanted to work with robots or AI? Manufacturing will give you the opportunity. As technology continues to evolve, so do manufacturing processes as companies incorporate the newest tech. 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality are just some of the technologies you might use on the job.

4. Have a career without a college degree

If you want a solid career while skipping the student loan debt, manufacturing is the perfect solution. Most entry-level positions don’t require a college degree but provide you with on-the-job training where you can learn all the skills you need to do your job. With the average cost of college in the US being $35,551 a year, picking training over a college degree will save you a big sum of money (not to mention kickstart your retirement fund), plus you’ll learn valuable skills to help advance your career.

5. Enjoy a diverse working environment

The Inflation Reduction Act isn’t the only government initiative boosting the manufacturing industry. The Department of Energy has made conscious strides to promote equity and diversity in manufacturing, awarding $3.6 million to support underserved communities in finding clean manufacturing jobs in May 2022. Companies themselves are also investing in equity as research reveals that businesses with a more diverse workforce are also more likely to report above-average returns. With both the government and businesses promoting diversity, the manufacturing sector has the increasing potential to employ workers from a wide range of backgrounds.

6. Find a job that’s right for you

From food production to car parts and even aerospace, the manufacturing industry spans a wide spectrum of industries. Choose a field that matches your personal interests and passions. If you’re a tech buff, you can work producing computer chips or tomorrow’s next big invention. If you’re fascinated by medicine and the human body, then take a job in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The choice is yours.

7. Employee safety is a priority

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict health and safety regulations for all manufacturing companies to follow – and strict fines for those who don’t comply. These include rules on everything from equipment safety to protective attire and regular reporting to the OSHA. With safety the first concern, you can effectively do your job without worry.

8. You can change lives

The manufacturing sector runs the gamut of working possibilities – including the medical field. You can take pride in your work as you help produce life-saving medical devices, medications, and equipment used by doctors and nurses. Over 100,000 Americans are currently employed in the medical device manufacturing field, with the sector expected to grow, so there are plenty of opportunities to become involved and help save lives.

9. Skilled workers make more

Even though manufacturing doesn’t require a college degree, wages for skilled manufacturing are above the American median. While the average American makes about $54,132 per year, skilled manufacturing pays $59,850 a year, or $28.77 an hour. And since on-the-job skills training is provided from day one, there’s a higher likelihood of learning more skills and advancing to a higher-paying position. 

10. Join a community, not just a workplace

Many roles in the manufacturing sector are filled by staffing agencies. That means you’ll not only build relationships with your colleagues on the job, but also with the recruiters and staffing experts that helped get you the position. Adecco sites across the country hold events and holiday parties where you can build connections and join a community that cares.

Ready to take the first step of your manufacturing career? To get started, check out our current job openings to see if there’s an job for you, or find for your local branch and we’ll do the work for you.