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equal opportunity employment journal
January 2022
10 Reasons to Consider a Career in Manufacturing
“W
by Casey Cephas
hat do you want to do when you grow up?” We were all asked that simple question when we were kids. Of course, finding a career that’s right for you is a bit more complicated. There are many boxes to check, including a role that matches your interests and skillsets, allows you to provide for yourself and your family, and offers the right combination of stability and opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re looking to change your path, here are 10 reasons why now is a great time to get into manufacturing.
1. You’ll be joining a high-demand industry.
The manufacturing industry is experiencing a skills gap – meaning there will be more available jobs than there are qualified workers. A few reasons for that is a shift to “reshoring” or bringing manufacturing back to the US from overseas, as well as the Baby Boomer generation soon entering retirement. This means
there’s a high demand for hardworking employees. In fact, it’s estimated that there will be 3.5 million new skilled manufacturing jobs created in the next decade.
2. M anufacturing offers good pay and benefits.
According to DataUSA.com, the average manufacturing salary is over $63,000. Many full-time jobs also come with benefits such as health insurance and retirement fund contributions. While wages can vary based on location, employer, and experience, the bottom line is you can make a good living with a career in manufacturing.
3. You’ll avoid student debt.
The average student debt of a college graduate today is over $31,000. The rising cost of higher education has made a fouryear college degree unrealistic or not the sure investment that it used to be. If you’re graduating from high school or looking to switch to a new career, you can gain an entry-level position in manufacturing without accumulating student debt that will follow you for years. This also gives you the chance to start adding savings for retirement sooner. There are many different paths into a career in manufacturing including apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
