Web Profiles – Careers in Manufacturing

CAREER PROFILES

Helpers and Material Handlers
Machine Operators
Assemblers and Production Workers
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Machinery Maintenance Workers
Machinists
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Engineering Technicians
Project Management Specialists
Sales Representatives
Engineers
Information Technology Managers
Operations Managers

Helpers and Material Handlers

What They Do	Makers. Assist with production by supplying and holding materials and tools, and cleaning the work area and equipment.
What It Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $29,060.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Will often require additional training on the job after you are hired. Local training options include: Austin Community College Certified Production Tech Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Workforce Training-Construction and safety NCCER
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Machine Operators

What They Do	Makers. Set up, operate, and manage cutting and forming machine tools and robots. Sometimes these jobs are called Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Die Setter, Machine Operator, or Machine Technician.
What It Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $38,700.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Industrial Systems Technology Precision Machining Technology
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Assemblers and Production Workers

What They Do	Makers. Assemble an entire product or component of a product. May rotate through multiple roles in the production process and work as a team. Sometimes these jobs are called Assembler, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler, Line Worker, Production Worker, or Team Assembler.
What It Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $30,215.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Will often require additional training on the job after you are hired. Local training options include: Austin Community College Certified Production Tech Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Workforce Training-Construction and safety NCCER
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

What They Do	Testers. Inspect, test, sort, sample, and weigh raw materials, or processed, machined, fabricated, and assembled parts or products. Check for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment. Sometimes these jobs are called: QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor), QA Inspector (Quality Assurance Inspector), QA Technician (Quality Assurance Technician), QC Technician (Quality Control Technician), Quality Auditor, Quality Control Inspector (QC Inspector), Quality Inspector, Quality Technician, or Test Technician.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $39,480 .
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Advanced Manufacturing+ Engineering Technology Programs Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization – Level 2 Certificate Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization Level 1 Certificate Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization (AAS) Certified Production Technician (Certificate) Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Workforce Training - Industrial Technologies
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

What They Do	Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, and brazing equipment to weld and join metal components, and to fill holes, indentations, and seams of fabricated metal products. Sometimes called Fabricators.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $42,410 .
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Welding Technology Program Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Welding Technology Program
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Machinery Maintenance Workers

What They Do	Fixers. Lubricate machinery, change parts, and perform other routine machinery maintenance.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $43,480.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Advanced Manufacturing+ Engineering Technology Programs Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization – Level 2 Certificate Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization Level 1 Certificate Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization (AAS) Certified Production Technician (Certificate) Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Workforce Training - Industrial Technologies
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Machinists

What They Do	Makers and Fixers. Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Also includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, and repair mechanical instruments, or fabricate and modify parts to make and repair machine tools and maintain industrial machines. Apply knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures. Sometimes these jobs are called CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), Gear Machinist, Machine Repair Person, Machinist, Maintenance Machinist, or Manual Lathe Machinist.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $47,960.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization Level 1 Certificate Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization(AAS) Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Texas State Technical College – Williamson County Precision Machining Technology
Outlook	Steady. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Industrial Machinery Mechanics

What They Do	Fixers. Repair, install, adjust, and maintain industrial production and processing machinery. May also install, dismantle, and move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans. These workers are sometimes called Fixer, Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, Loom Fixer, Machine Adjuster, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Technician, Master Mechanic, Mechanic, or Overhauler.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $52,900.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Industrial Systems Technology
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
Learn More	English Español

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

What They Do	Leaders. 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.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $61,940.
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and significant relevant work experience. May require some college experience, an Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Advanced Manufacturing + Engineering Technology Programs Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization (AAS) Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization(AAS) Engineering (AS) Texas State Technical College in Williamson County Industrial Systems Technology Precision Machining Technology
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Engineering Technicians

What They Do	Makers and Designers. Apply theory and related principles of engineering to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify equipment, machinery, electrical components, circuitry, and controls under the direction of engineering or scientific staff. Sometimes referred to as Technologists.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $70,130
Education Required	Usually requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and significant relevant work experience. May require college experience, an Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree. Additional training may complement or replace work experience. Local training options include: Austin Community College Advanced Manufacturing + Engineering Technology Programs Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization (AAS) Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization(AAS) Engineering (AS) Texas State Technical College – Williamson County Industrial Systems
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
Learn More	English Español

Project Management Specialists

What They Do	Leaders and Designers. Plan, coordinate and complete assigned projects. Projects may cross several function areas, such as facilities, operations, marketing, and administration.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2020 was $81,995.
Education Required	These workers often have some college experience and usually have earned an Associate’s degree or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or in a scientific or engineering specialty. Some require a Master's degree. Companies often look for professional certifications such as Certified Project Manager (PMI Institute), ScrumAlliance, Scrum.org, or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Project Managers typically have many years of relevant work experience with progressive levels of responsibility and leadership. Local training options include: The University of Texas at Austin Center for Professional Education PMP certification preparation is also available through some private career and technical schools.
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Sales Representatives

What They Do	Marketers. Market and sell goods to customers. Some technical and scientific background knowledge is often required in such areas as engineering, chemistry, and electronics.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $94,230.
Education Required	Some college experience is typically required, and companies may look for an Associate’s degree or Bachelor's degree. Areas of focus include Business Administration and Communications, or sometimes, a scientific or technical degree is combined with communications and business work experience or coursework. Local training options include: UT Austin’s Minor in Professional Sales and Business Development or Business Foundations Certificate programs.
Outlook	Steady. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Engineers

What They Do	Designers. Use science and technology to develop solutions to problems and design products. Plan and design tools, engines, machines, equipment, components, and systems. Common job titles include Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, and Designer.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2019 was $95,567.
Education Required	Some college experience is typically required, and companies may look for an Associate’s degree or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or in another scientific or engineering specialty. Over the years, professional licenses can be earned through a combination of work experience and examinations, then registered with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE). Sometimes companies look for a Master’s degree. Local training options include: Austin Community College Advanced Manufacturing + Engineering Technology Programs Automation, Robotics and Controls Technology Specialization (AAS) Engineering Technology Specialization (AAS) Manufacturing Technology – Advanced Manufacturing Specialization(AAS) Engineering (AS) Texas State University Electrical Engineering Engineering Technology Industrial Engineering Manufacturing Engineering The University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering Advanced Manufacturing and Design Center
Outlook	Promising. Demand for these workers is expected to remain stable over the next decade.
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Information Technology Managers

What They Do	Leaders and designers. Direct the facility's information systems and programming activities, including the operation of computer equipment and systems design. May be classified as a Vice President or Director.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2020 was $106,833.
Education Required	Some college experience is required--typically an Associate’s degree or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or in another scientific or engineering specialty. Sometimes companies look for a Master’s degree. Certifications related to specific technologies and platforms are often necessary. People with this job title have many years of relevant work experience with progressive levels of responsibility and leadership. Local education and training opportunities include: Austin Community College Computer Information Technology programs Concordia University Texas Computer Science Huston-Tillotson University Computer Information Systems Computer Science Texas State University Computer Information Systems Computer Science The University of Texas at Austin Computer Science Management Information Systems
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
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Operations Managers

What They Do	Leaders. Plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of a company. May include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources. Job titles sometimes include General Manager (GM), Operations Director, Manager, or Plant Superintendent.
What it Pays	Average annual wage for Austin-area workers in 2020 was $148,717.
Education Required	College experience is required--typically an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a scientific or engineering specialty. Companies may look for a master's degree. People with this job title have many years of relevant work experience with progressive levels of responsibility and leadership.
Outlook	Promising. The number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade.
Learn More	English Español