Careers In Production
Mechanically inclined individuals who enjoy working with their hands to create a product will get pleasure from a career in production. Although production jobs in general are in decline as manufacturing continues to move overseas, there are industries that continue to thrive and need qualified professionals.
Vocational and technical schools as well as community colleges offer programs that train students to become specialized production workers such machinists, welders and machine operators. These programs range in length from several months to two years, resulting in a diploma, certificate or associate's degree.
The production jobs below are those identified by BrainTrack as commonly requiring higher education either for entry or for advancement. Hyperlinked jobs go to detailed profiles, including lists of schools with relevant programs.
| Occupation | Jobs | Growth '08-'18 | Low - Median - High | Some College | Bachelor Degree+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervisors Of Production And Operating Workers | 606,000 | -4% | 33% | 15% | |
| Machinists | 381,000 | -4% | 36% | 4% | |
| Welders | 358,000 | -1% | 24% | 2% | |
| Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operators | 130,000 | 7% | 41% | 6% | |
| Chemical Plant Operators | 46,000 | -20% | 41% | 9% | |
| Welding Machine Operators | 42,000 | -6% | 24% | 2% | |
| Power Plant Operators | 37,000 | -1% | 47% | 15% | |
| Jewelers And Precious Stone And Metal Workers | 23,000 | 5% | 32% | 17% | |
| Numerical Tool And Process Control Programmers | 15,000 | -14% | 41% | 6% | |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | 14,000 | 11% | 45% | 15% |
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