Assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, ships, boats, toys, electronic devices, control panels, and more.
High school diploma or equivalent
$28,580
Bakers mix ingredients according to recipes to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods.
Less than high school
$23,140
Butchers and meat cutters cut, trim, and package meat for retail sale.
Less than high school
$28,490
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair devices that increase function in the lives of patients. These devices include dentures, eyeglasses, and prosthetics.
High school diploma or equivalent
$33,070
Food and Tobacco Processing Workers
Food and tobacco processing workers operate equipment that mixes, cooks, or processes ingredients used in the manufacturing of food or tobacco products.
$25,780
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, manufacture, and sell jewelry. They also adjust, repair, and appraise gems and jewelry.
High school diploma or equivalent
$35,350
Laundry and Dry-cleaning Workers
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers clean clothing, linens, drapes, and other articles, using washing, drying, and dry-cleaning machines. They also may clean leather, suede, furs, and rugs.
Less than high school
$19,930
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
High school diploma or equivalent
$40,910
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.
High school diploma or equivalent
$32,950
Painting and coating workers paint and coat a wide range of products, including cars, jewelry, and ceramics.
$32,850
Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.
High school diploma or equivalent
$68,230
Printing workers produce print material in three stages: prepress, press, and binding and finishing. They review specifications, calibrate color settings on printers, identify and fix problems with printing equipment, and assemble pages.
$34,100
Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.
High school diploma or equivalent
$34,460
Semiconductor processors oversee the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, which are commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips. These microchips are found in all electronic devices—including cell phones, cars, and laptops—and are an important part of modern life.
Associate’s degree
$33,020
Slaughterers, Meat Packers, and Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Slaughterers, meat packers, and meat, poultry, and fish cutters and trimmers kill, clean, or prepare animals for sale or further processing. They also cut, prepare, or package meats for wholesale or retail sale.
Less than high school
$23,320
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.
High school diploma or equivalent
$53,560
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
High school diploma or equivalent
$42,760
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers weld or join metal parts. They also fill holes, indentions, or seams of metal products, using hand-held metal joining equipment.
High school diploma or equivalent
$36,300
Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.
High school diploma or equivalent
$28,440
