How to become helpers--production workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$39,070

25th–75th pct. $35,220–$45,990

Top pay (est.)

$69,400

Top 10% $53,410

Pay in 5 years

$44,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$49,900est.

$42,900–$57,900

Outlook score

34/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

39%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−8.2%

21K openings / yr

How to become helpers--production workers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Helpers--Production Workers

Key skills

Operation and Control

2.6

Operations Monitoring

2.5

Reading Comprehension

2.1

Active Listening

2.1

Monitoring

2.1

Social Perceptiveness

2.0

Complex Problem Solving

2.0

Coordination

2.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing

3.4

English Language

3.4

Mechanical

3.2

Education and Training

2.9

Computers and Electronics

2.8

Engineering and Technology

2.4

Administration and Management

2.4

Public Safety and Security

2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Important abilities

Static StrengthNear VisionManual DexterityFar VisionReaction TimeTrunk Strength

Education of workers

Less than high school

35%

High school diploma

32%

Post-secondary certificate

20%

Professional degree

Some college

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

27%

None / short demo

25%

1–3 months

20%

3–6 months

14%

6–12 months

13%

Related work experience

None

45%

Up to 1 month

14%

1–3 months

12%

6–12 months

12%

3–6 months

2–4 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as helpers--production workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair.	$49,590	60/100	26%
2	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.	$50,620	61/100	27%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators.	$74,450	50/100	47%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.	$79,860	58/100	38%
5	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications.	$48,570	45/100	55%
6	Industrial Machinery Mechanics Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.	$64,520	74/100	26%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.