Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in USA 2025

The Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly, transitioning from traditional production methods to high-tech, automated systems. While certain areas of conventional manufacturing have seen a decline due to outsourcing and automation, advanced manufacturing is on the rise, driven by innovations in robotics, automation, 3D printing, and digital manufacturing. This shift has led to an increased demand for skilled workers who can operate, maintain, and oversee cutting-edge machinery. Below is an in-depth look at the high-demand jobs in this sector, the education required, salary expectations, and what’s fueling the growth.

Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in USA 2025

1. CNC Machine Operators

• Job Role: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machine Operators are responsible for setting up and operating CNC machines that cut, shape, and finish materials like metal, plastic, and wood. These machines are used to produce parts with high precision for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
• Education Required:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with specialized training in CNC operation from a trade school or technical program.
  • On-the-job training is common, but many operators complete a certificate program in CNC machining or manufacturing technology.
• Age Requirements: CNC machine operators typically start their careers in their 20s, but the field is open to professionals of all ages, especially those transitioning from other manufacturing roles.
• Pay: The average salary for CNC Machine Operators is around $46,240 per year, with highly skilled operators or those in specialized fields earning upwards of $60,000 annually.
• Job Outlook: Jobs for CNC Machine Operators are expected to grow by 7% through 2030, driven by the need for high-precision manufacturing across various industries.

2. Robotics Technicians

• Job Role: Robotics Technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair robotic systems used in manufacturing. These systems are vital for automating production lines and improving efficiency in industries like automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
• Education Required:
  • A two-year associate degree in Robotics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is typically required.
  • Certifications in robotics systems, such as those offered by organizations like RIA (Robotics Industry Association), can further enhance career prospects.
• Age Requirements: Most Robotics Technicians begin their careers in their 20s or 30s, but mid-career professionals with a background in mechanical or electrical engineering can transition into this field.
• Pay: The average salary for Robotics Technicians is around $58,350 per year, with more experienced technicians earning over $75,000.
• Job Outlook: Robotics Technician jobs are projected to grow by 10% through 2030, as more manufacturers adopt robotic automation to improve productivity and reduce labor costs.

3. Industrial Engineers

• Job Role: Industrial Engineers focus on optimizing manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. They analyze workflows, design production systems, and implement lean manufacturing principles to ensure cost-effective and safe operations.
• Education Required:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required.
  • Professional certifications, such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, are often beneficial for career advancement.
• Age Requirements: Industrial Engineers generally start in their 20s after completing a four-year degree, but professionals from related engineering fields may transition into this role.
• Pay: The average salary for Industrial Engineers is around $88,950 per year, with more experienced engineers or those working in high-tech industries earning upwards of $110,000.
• Job Outlook: Employment for Industrial Engineers is expected to grow by 14% through 2030, driven by the increasing complexity of manufacturing systems and the need for process optimization in advanced manufacturing.

4. Maintenance Workers

• Job Role: Maintenance Workers in manufacturing are responsible for keeping machines and production equipment in working order. They conduct routine maintenance, diagnose mechanical issues, and repair or replace malfunctioning components to minimize downtime on production lines.
• Education Required:
  • A high school diploma is typically required, with additional technical training or apprenticeships in machinery maintenance or industrial technology.
  • Some workers may pursue certifications in areas like HVAC, electrical systems, or mechanical repair to expand their expertise.
• Age Requirements: Maintenance Workers can start in their early 20s, but the field is also open to mid-career professionals with mechanical or electrical experience.
• Pay: The average salary for Maintenance Workers in manufacturing is around $47,840 per year, with more specialized workers earning over $60,000.
• Job Outlook: Jobs for Maintenance Workers are projected to grow by 8% through 2030, as manufacturers increasingly rely on skilled workers to maintain automated and complex machinery.

5. Manufacturing Supervisors

• Job Role: Manufacturing Supervisors oversee production teams, ensuring that manufacturing processes run smoothly, safely, and on schedule. They manage staff, monitor production output, maintain quality control, and troubleshoot operational issues to meet production goals.
• Education Required:
  • A high school diploma with significant experience in manufacturing is often sufficient, but many supervisors hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Operations, or Engineering.
  • Experience in lean manufacturing or production management can enhance career opportunities.
• Age Requirements: Manufacturing Supervisors typically have several years of experience in the field and may start in their 30s or 40s after working their way up from other manufacturing roles.
• Pay: The average salary for Manufacturing Supervisors is around $63,760 per year, with supervisors in high-tech industries or larger facilities earning over $80,000.
• Job Outlook: Manufacturing Supervisor positions are expected to grow by 5% through 2030 as advanced manufacturing expands and more teams are needed to oversee complex operations.

Why It’s Growing:

1. Automation and Robotics: As more manufacturers adopt automation and robotics to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the demand for skilled workers who can operate, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems is on the rise. Roles like CNC operators and robotics technicians are becoming critical to modern production lines.
2. Reshoring and Local Manufacturing: With supply chain disruptions and an increasing focus on reshoring (bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.), there is a growing demand for domestic production capabilities, especially in high-tech sectors like aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
3. Lean and Efficient Operations: Manufacturers are increasingly adopting lean manufacturing and just-in-time production principles, which aim to minimize waste and improve efficiency. This creates demand for industrial engineers and maintenance workers who can implement and maintain these systems.
4. Advanced Technologies: Additive manufacturing (3D printing), IoT (Internet of Things) in manufacturing, and digital twins (virtual models of physical systems) are becoming more prevalent. Skilled workers who can understand and apply these technologies are essential to the industry’s evolution.
5. Sustainability: Many manufacturers are incorporating green technologies and sustainable practices into their operations, which requires specialized knowledge in energy-efficient production and resource management.

Conclusion

The Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing sector is transforming, with traditional factory roles giving way to high-tech positions that require specialized skills in automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing processes. This shift has created a demand for workers who can adapt to new technologies and optimize production lines for efficiency and sustainability.

Whether you’re interested in operating CNC machines, working with robotic systems, or managing a production team, the advanced manufacturing industry offers numerous opportunities for well-paying, future-proof careers. As manufacturers continue to embrace technology, skilled professionals will play a critical role in shaping the future of production.