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Is Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries A Good Career Path? (20 Jobs In Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

By Di Doherty
Jul. 13, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Jan. 24, 2026

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Is a Career in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries Right for You? (20 Jobs in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

Absolutely, a career in miscellaneous manufacturing industries is a promising path. Manufacturing has been a cornerstone of the economy for over two centuries, and current trends, including the reshoring of jobs, indicate that this sector will continue to thrive. The ongoing demand for skilled labor in various manufacturing niches showcases the industry’s resilience and adaptability.

Miscellaneous manufacturing industries encompass a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a four-year degree, an associate degree, or seeking to enter the workforce directly, there’s a position available for you.

The sector offers ample room for growth, with many roles providing transferable skills that can facilitate career changes in the future. This flexibility allows individuals to leverage their knowledge and experience across various career paths.

Job requirements within this industry vary significantly. Some positions necessitate a college degree, while others may require vocational training or apprenticeships. There are also opportunities that allow for immediate entry into the workforce, making it accessible for individuals at different educational levels.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

All positions listed below typically require a college degree, as education often correlates with higher salaries. Experience is also a key factor for those targeting top-tier compensation.

  1. Manufacturing Systems Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $92,000

    Manufacturing systems engineers are responsible for designing and installing manufacturing systems and equipment. Their role includes testing and evaluating these systems to ensure reliability and efficiency. Strong communication skills are essential, as they frequently collaborate with other experts throughout the manufacturing process.

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  2. Industrial Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $78,000

    Industrial engineers focus on optimizing production processes. They design effective layouts for production floors and ensure that operational workflows are efficient.

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  3. Process Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $81,000

    Process engineers specialize in the optimization of manufacturing processes, selecting suitable materials and designs, and ensuring systems are tested and upgraded for peak performance.

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  4. Continuous Improvement Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $74,000

    Continuous improvement engineers focus on enhancing processes by identifying inefficiencies and devising solutions to make operations more effective and cost-efficient.

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  5. Industrial Hygienist

    Average Annual Salary: $60,000

    Industrial hygienists are responsible for ensuring health and safety standards in industrial settings, focusing on cleanliness, sanitation, and overall worker well-being.

    Find Industrial Hygienist jobs near me

  6. Manufacturing Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $76,000

    Manufacturing engineers are dedicated to devising cost-effective manufacturing processes while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

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  7. Industrial Designer

    Average Annual Salary: $75,000

    Industrial designers create product designs, collaborating with clients to develop prototypes and ensuring that their designs are feasible for manufacturing.

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  8. Mechanical Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $79,000

    Mechanical engineers focus on the design and maintenance of machinery, working to improve the performance and reliability of equipment used in manufacturing.

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  9. Quality Assurance Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $86,000

    Quality assurance engineers ensure that products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements, focusing on minimizing defects and maintaining production efficiency.

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  10. Design Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $79,000

    Design engineers develop systems and applications, offering suggestions for both new designs and improvements to existing systems.

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Each of these roles typically requires a college degree, with many favoring candidates with experience in related fields. If you’re considering a career in miscellaneous manufacturing industries, the following list of entry-level positions may be of interest.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

Many of these positions don’t require a college degree, relying instead on vocational training or apprenticeships. These careers can serve as excellent stepping stones toward higher-paying roles.

  1. Machinist

    Average Annual Salary: $45,000

    Machinists are skilled tradespeople responsible for producing machined components. They typically program machines and must understand the machining process and components.

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  2. Industrial Painter

    Average Annual Salary: $36,000

    Industrial painters specialize in painting industrial structures and products, requiring knowledge of various paints and safety protocols.

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  3. Machine Operator

    Average Annual Salary: $32,000

    Machine operators are critical to factory operations, responsible for running and maintaining machinery.

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  4. Operations Analyst

    Average Annual Salary: $67,000

    Operations analysts focus on data management and workflow optimization, requiring attention to detail and strong analytical skills.

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  5. Calibration Technician

    Average Annual Salary: $48,000

    Calibration technicians ensure that machines are accurately calibrated, requiring attention to detail and familiarity with measurement tools.

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  6. Industrial Electrician

    Average Annual Salary: $58,000

    Industrial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in industrial settings, ensuring safety and compliance.

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  7. Industrial Cleaner

    Average Annual Salary: $27,000

    Industrial cleaners maintain cleanliness in industrial environments, utilizing various cleaning techniques and equipment.

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  8. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

    Average Annual Salary: $48,000

    Industrial maintenance mechanics ensure that machinery is running efficiently, troubleshooting issues and performing necessary repairs.

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  9. Manufacturing Production Technician

    Average Annual Salary: $27,000

    Manufacturing production technicians assist in ensuring that production processes run smoothly and efficiently.

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  10. Quality Inspector

    Average Annual Salary: $33,000

    Quality inspectors assess products for quality assurance, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations through rigorous testing.

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Vocational schools offer a foundation for many of these roles, though most positions in this field require a college degree. Your career path will largely depend on your educational goals.

Why Choose a Career in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries?

The variety of careers in this industry spans different educational requirements and levels of hands-on work versus analytical tasks. Here are some essential traits to consider if you’re contemplating a career in this sector:

  • You’re mechanically inclined. While not every role involves direct interaction with machinery, a basic understanding is beneficial.

  • You’re curious about manufacturing processes. A genuine interest in how products are made and the machinery involved is crucial in this field.

  • You pay attention to detail. Many roles require meticulousness to ensure quality and efficiency.

  • You’re goal-oriented. Many positions in manufacturing focus on meeting specific targets and deadlines.

If you identify with these qualities, a career in miscellaneous manufacturing industries could be a fulfilling choice for you.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

The educational requirements for various positions in this field can differ greatly. Here are some relevant majors to consider:

  • Industrial Technology: This field encompasses the science of manufacturing and industrial production management.

  • Mechatronics and Robotics: A specialization focusing on machines and robotics, ideal for aspiring mechanical engineers.

  • Drafting and Design: Suitable for those aiming to become industrial designers or design engineers.

  • Engineering: A broad degree that can lead to various engineering paths, including:

Some roles in this sector are skilled trades. Vocational schools provide essential training, and many positions also offer apprenticeship programs. Licensing requirements vary by job, with electricians and heavy equipment operators typically needing certification.

  • Electricians must be licensed and meet training standards.

  • Many heavy equipment operators also require training and licensing.

Various certifications exist to advance your career, depending on your chosen field. For example, certification is recommended for industrial hygienists, among other roles, to validate expertise and experience.

What Do People Working In Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries Do?

Professionals in miscellaneous manufacturing industries are involved in setting up, maintaining, and improving operations in factories and industrial sites. This diversity in roles means that many positions require familiarity with machinery, design, and manufacturing processes. Many roles intersect across these areas, but many also specialize in one aspect.

In the setup phase, professionals may work on layout design and ergonomics, ensuring machinery is properly installed and tested for safety. Maintenance personnel are tasked with ongoing testing and cleaning of equipment, addressing any deeper issues through repairs or replacements. Continuous improvement roles focus on enhancing processes, whether through different materials, packaging changes, or workflow adjustments, constantly seeking to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.

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Author

Di Doherty

Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

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