Celebrating National Manufacturing Month
8 Reasons to Consider A Career in Manufacturing
When it comes to career options, many people tend to overlook the manufacturing sector, thinking that office jobs are the only way to go. But we are here to let you know that, a career in manufacturing can be super engaging and rewarding in ways you might not expect! So, if you’re wondering why you should consider this field, let’s dive into some of the perks and reasons why you should consider working in manufacturing.
1. IT'S AN IN HIGH DEMAND CAREER
The manufacturing industry is currently facing a skills gap, leading to more job openings than qualified candidates. At the same time, the industry is experiencing substantial growth, creating a surge in job opportunities. When these two factors combine, they create the perfect opportunity for future skilled trade professionals to enter an industry where they can find a job directly after graduation and pursue a career that will provide them a strong sense of job security!
2. GOOD PAY AND BENEFITS
If you’re looking into the manufacturing sector, you’ll be glad to know that the average salary is pretty decent—over $63,000! Plus, a lot of full-time jobs come with some sweet benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Of course, how much you make can vary based on where you live, who you work for, and your level of experience. But overall, a career in manufacturing can definitely set you up for a solid income!
3. AFFORDABLE FAST TRACKED EDUCATION
The typical college graduate today is burdened with over $31,000 in student debt—yikes! With rising tuition costs, that four-year degree increasingly feels like a risky investment rather than a guaranteed opportunity. In contrast, attending a trade school for a manufacturing career allows you to land an entry-level position without the heavy debt, plus you can start saving for retirement much earlier! There are numerous pathways into manufacturing, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, all of which can pave the way for a successful career in half the time and with half the debt compared to a traditional university.
4. CONTRIBUTE TO ECONOMIC GROWTH
Did you know that each new manufacturing job in the U.S. leads to the creation of 7.4 additional jobs? A career in manufacturing plays a vital role in the economy by:
Directly generating employment
Fostering innovation through research and development
Boosting exports by producing goods for international markets
Stimulating related industries within the supply chain
Significantly adding to a nation’s GDP through tangible goods production
Ultimately, this all contributes to overall economic growth and stability.
5. ADVANCMENT OPPORITUNITIES
Once you’ve entered the manufacturing industry the sky is the limit when it comes to the ways you can take your career path. Whether you’re looking to move into a management role or thinking about switching gears to something like sales or operations, you’ve got the opportunity to shape your own future. With the industry’s constant evolution, there are always new skills to learn and technologies to master, keeping your career dynamic and exciting.
6. WORK WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES
It’s such an exciting time to be involved in an industry that’s always pushing the limits of what’s possible, building a smarter and more connected world. The manufacturing sector is always rolling out cool new tech aimed at making things faster, better, and safer. We’re talking about stuff like 3D printing, robotics, smart analytics, IoT connectivity, and even blockchain. If you’re working in the manufacturing industry, you get an all-access pass to see and work with all these awesome innovations up close!
7. FULFILLING HANDS ON WORK
In a manufacturing job, each day is all about making different products and materials. You get to dive into hands-on tasks like running machines, putting pieces together, and checking quality. This everyday work gives you a front-row seat to see how your efforts turn into real, finished items. Watching things come together from raw materials to the final product brings a real sense of pride and achievement, reminding you that your contributions are an important part of the whole process.
8. AVOID THE AVERAGE 9-5
Many responsibilities in these roles involve engaging in physical labor that keeps you on your feet. Instead of being confined to a desk for hours, you have the chance to move around and actively participate in your work. This dynamic environment not only allows you to build strength and stamina but also contributes significantly to your overall well-being and physical fitness.
The list of reasons why you should consider pursuing a career in manufacturing could keep going, but these are just some of the key highlights! If you are someone who values creativity, hands-on work, collaboration with others, and a sense of security in your career, then the manufacturing industry might be the perfect place for you.
Sources
- Coykendall , John, et al. “Taking Charge: Manufacturers Support Growth with Active …” The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, 2 Apr. 2024, themanufacturinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Digital_Skills_Report_April_2024.pdf.
- “#723 – One Manufacturing Job = Seven New Jobs in Other Industries.” Agracel Inc, 7 Feb. 2019, agracel.com/723-one-manufacturing-job-seven-new-jobs-in-other-industries/.
- Cephas, Casey. “10 Reasons to Consider a Career in Manufacturing.” RELIABLE PRINTING, CONVERTING, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, Tapecon, 1 Oct. 2024, www.tapecon.com/blog/reasons-to-consider-a-career-in-manufacturing
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GSG Talent Solutions. “Benefits of Working in Manufacturing.” GSG Talent Solutions, 13 Feb. 2024, www.gsgtalentsolutions.com/2024/02/20/benefits-of-working-in-manufacturing/.
