Highest-Paying Production Worker Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of production workers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of production workers:

• Production Specialist is the highest-paid type of production worker with an average salary of $42,090 and an average hourly rate of $20.24.

• The second highest-paying type of production worker is production technician, with an average salary of $37,550.

• The average production worker salary is $30,847 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.83.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a production worker, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of production workers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of production workers:

1. Production Specialist

   Average Salary: $42,090

   Production specialists are responsible for planning and managing the production activities of a company based on job orders. They provide support to the operations department and collaborate with supervisors to create production plans and identity workflow requirements. Other responsibilities may include managing existing workflow, organizing job training to the production team, and monitoring and reporting job status to customers. Production specialists are also expected to respond to customer concerns and inquiries, ensure the timely delivery of products, and ensure that products meet quality standards.

2. Production Technician

   Average Salary: $37,550

   A production technician is a professional who is responsible for assembling and testing manufactured goods before they are marketed to the general public. Production technicians usually work with manufacturing and quality assurance personnel to ensure that high-quality work standards are implemented by workers. By maintaining high-quality work, production technicians must implement up-to-date, efficient methods of production as well as production equipment maintenance procedures. They also schedule training for workers and educate them regularly on health and safety regulations.

3. Production Operator

   Average Salary: $35,185

   A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.

4. Production Forklift Operator

   Average Salary: $34,322

5. Production Line Operator

   Average Salary: $33,261

   Production line operators must have strong reading skills and a knowledge base for loading and unloading, quality control, and starting and stopping of production lines. Those who choose this career will be expected to assist in assembling and manufacturing machines, foodstuffs, and products. Production line operators most often work in a factory setting for a manufacturer.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various production worker that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Production Workers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for production workers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Production Worker Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid production worker job?

   The highest-paid production worker job is a production specialist. Production Specialists earn an average salary of $42,090, which is $ 20.24 hourly.

   Production specialists are responsible for planning and managing the production activities of a company based on job orders. They provide support to the operations department and collaborate with supervisors to create production plans and identity workflow requirements. Other responsibilities may include managing existing workflow, organizing job training to the production team, and monitoring and reporting job status to customers. Production specialists are also expected to respond to customer concerns and inquiries, ensure the timely delivery of products, and ensure that products meet quality standards.

2. What is a good salary for a production worker?

   A good salary for a production worker is $30,847 or more. The average production worker salary is $30,847, so those making at least $30,847 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average production worker salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a production worker, the average entry level salary is $21,920, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $30,847 average, as this includes all production workers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Production Worker jobs pay well?

   No, production worker jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some production worker jobs pay better than others, but the average production worker salary of $30,847 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many production worker jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of production workers earning $36,504 a year on average.

   Production Workers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a production worker. Do your research on the going rate for a production worker in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do production workers get paid the most?

   Production Workers get paid the most in New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, production workers earn an average annual salary of $33,483 and an average hourly wage of $16.10.

   Following NH, the states with the highest-paid production workers are Ohio, Washington, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $32,143, $36,291, and $34,965 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid production worker salaries are:

   1. Tacoma, WA – $36,503

   2. Auburn, NY – $33,966

   3. Tualatin, OR – $33,722

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.