How To Become A Factory Worker: What It Is and Career Path

What is a factory worker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A factory worker operates machines at manufacturing sites. They feed material into the machines, monitor the production process, and make sure the quality of products meets the standards.

Factory workers are employed by a number of different industries. Their tasks and the machines they operate will vary, according to what they produce. They usually work in several shifts to ensure continuous production, so part-time options and odd hours are often available.

Factory workers often work in assembly lines, so physical stamina, attention to detail, dexterity, and an ability to deal with an often noisy environment and monotonous activities are all essential to successfully hold the position.

ScoreFactory WorkerUS Average

Salary

2.3

Avg. Salary $29,343

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.82%

Asian 5.50%

Black or African American 9.91%

Hispanic or Latino 13.87%

Unknown 3.75%

White 66.15%

Gender

female 43.09%

male 56.91%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a factory worker

Explore factory worker education requirements

Most common factory worker degrees

High School Diploma

51.3 %

Bachelor's

15.1 %

Associate

14.0 %

Start to develop specific factory worker skills

Skills	Percentages
Line Assembly	25.45%
Production Process	19.40%
Safety Regulations	18.37%
Pallet Jack	8.22%
Temp Service	5.19%

Complete relevant factory worker training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New factory workers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a factory worker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real factory worker resumes.

Research factory worker duties and responsibilities

Assemble automotive windows for Honda and Toyota
Assemble HVAC systems & furnaces.
Perform landscaping, HVAC, assemble tanning beds, and other duties as assigned.
Assemble parts to mowers as line move, keep parts ready to assemble and cardboard and trash clear away.

Prepare your factory worker resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your factory worker resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a factory worker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable factory worker resume templates

Build a professional factory worker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your factory worker resume.