How To Become A Manufacturing Associate: What It Is and Career Path

What is a manufacturing associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A manufacturing associate works in the production process of goods and materials. They operate machinery, maintain equipment, and oversee quality control. They may work in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food production. Manufacturing associates use communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with a team. They typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require additional education or training.

ScoreManufacturing AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $34,830

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.9

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.26%

Asian 7.07%

Black or African American 10.78%

Hispanic or Latino 19.58%

Unknown 4.24%

White 57.09%

Gender

female 39.80%

male 60.20%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a manufacturing associate?

Pros

Stable employment
Opportunities for overtime pay
Benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans
Chance for advancement within the company
Variety of shifts available to accommodate different schedules

Cons

Exposure to loud noises, dust, and chemicals that can be harmful to health
Strict safety regulations that can be time-consuming to follow
Shift work can lead to irregular sleep patterns and disrupt personal life
Limited decision-making power as a lower-level employee
Limited job security in certain industries where jobs may be outsourced or automated.

Key steps to become a manufacturing associate

Explore manufacturing associate education requirements

Most common manufacturing associate degrees

Bachelor's

39.8 %

High School Diploma

28.4 %

Associate

17.2 %

Start to develop specific manufacturing associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Basic Math	6.59%
Cell Culture	6.36%
Math	5.66%
Production Equipment	5.12%
Hand Tools	4.80%

Complete relevant manufacturing associate training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing associates 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 manufacturing associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing associate resumes.

Gain additional manufacturing associate certifications

Manufacturing associate certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific manufacturing associate certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for manufacturing associates include OSHA Safety Certificate and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

More About Certifications

Research manufacturing associate duties and responsibilities

Lead WIP management by controlling manufacturing inventory and managing material repair outsourcing.
Develop system for tracking, managing, and disposition of test PCB assemblies.
Perform adjustments to CIP equipment and run computer programs in order to automate the cleaning and sanitizing of the equipment.
Automate lines require quick responses & manual dexterity with absolute errorless perfection.

Prepare your manufacturing associate resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable manufacturing associate resume templates

Build a professional manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associate resume.