Is manufacturing a high-paying job?

Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers, metal and plastic, develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Median hourly earnings: $41.00

Welding, soldering, brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. This occupation includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

Median hourly earnings: $22.00

Computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic, operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.

Median hourly earnings: $14.00

Painters, transportation equipment, operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes -- Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Median hourly earnings: $17.00

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. These also include precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify or repair mechanical instruments.

These workers may also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Median hourly earnings: $21.00

Tool and die makers analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Median hourly earnings: $26.00

Engine and other machine assemblers construct, assemble or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in industries such as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.

Median hourly earnings: $24.00

Industrial machinery mechanics repair, install, adjust or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.

Median hourly earnings: $23.00

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes indentations or seams of fabricated metal products.

Median hourly earnings: $13.00

Millwrights install, dismantle or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

Median hourly earnings: $25.00