18 Manufacturing Jobs with $100K+ Salaries

The manufacturing industry has long been seen as the backbone of global economic growth. Traditionally associated with factory lines and manual labor, modern manufacturing has evolved dramatically with the rise of automation, digitalization, and precision engineering. As a result, the demand for highly skilled professionals in this sector has grown significantly, with many roles now offering salaries that surpass $100,000 annually. Below, we explore 18 of the highest-paying jobs in manufacturing, highlighting their responsibilities, required skills, and earning potential.

1. Manufacturing Engineering Manager
This role combines engineering expertise with managerial responsibilities. A manufacturing engineering manager oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes. They lead teams, manage budgets, and ensure production efficiency. With a strong background in industrial engineering and leadership, professionals in this position often earn well over $100,000.

2. Plant Manager
Plant managers are responsible for overseeing all operations within a manufacturing facility. They ensure production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards. Their role demands operational knowledge, personnel management, and financial oversight. Experience and performance in this role can easily push salaries into six figures.

3. Director of Operations
In larger manufacturing companies, the director of operations plays a strategic role in coordinating production, supply chain, and distribution. This executive-level position requires years of experience and a deep understanding of manufacturing workflows and business strategy. Their compensation typically reflects their high-level responsibilities.

4. Automation Engineer
As factories become more reliant on robotics and automated systems, automation engineers are in high demand. These professionals design, program, and maintain systems that control machinery and production processes. Their specialized technical skills, often including knowledge of PLCs and robotics, command high salaries in competitive markets.

5. Industrial Production Manager
This role involves supervising the daily operations of manufacturing plants and ensuring production targets are met. They analyze production data, manage workers, and coordinate with other departments. With extensive experience and a proven track record, industrial production managers often exceed the $100K salary mark.

6. Materials Manager
Materials managers oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of materials used in manufacturing. Their job is critical for maintaining production flow and minimizing costs. Those who manage complex supply chains and large inventories are well-compensated, particularly in industries like aerospace or automotive manufacturing.

7. Manufacturing Consultant
Consultants who specialize in manufacturing processes, lean systems, or Six Sigma methodologies help companies improve productivity and reduce waste. These professionals often work independently or through consulting firms and can command high hourly rates that translate to six-figure annual incomes.

8. Quality Assurance Director
Responsible for developing and enforcing quality control policies, the QA director ensures that products meet required specifications and standards. They manage teams of quality inspectors and analysts and often report directly to senior leadership. Due to the critical nature of their role, they are typically among the highest-paid in manufacturing operations.

9. Process Engineer
Process engineers focus on improving efficiency and reducing waste in the production process. They analyze workflows, design systems, and implement best practices in production lines. While entry-level positions may start lower, experienced process engineers in high-tech or pharmaceutical sectors frequently surpass $100K annually.

10. Tooling Engineer
Specializing in the design and development of tools and fixtures used in manufacturing, tooling engineers are essential in ensuring the precision and efficiency of production processes. Their role is highly technical, and those with expertise in CAD software and materials science are in high demand.

11. Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers in manufacturing coordinate the logistics of raw materials, inventory, and finished goods. Their role is crucial for just-in-time production and cost control. With global supply chains becoming increasingly complex, skilled supply chain managers are often rewarded with generous compensation packages.

12. Mechanical Design Engineer (Senior Level)
Experienced mechanical engineers who specialize in designing components for manufacturing equipment or end-products often earn six-figure salaries. They use advanced modeling software to create detailed product designs and work closely with production teams to ensure manufacturability.

13. Maintenance Manager
A maintenance manager oversees the repair and upkeep of machinery and infrastructure in manufacturing plants. In facilities with highly specialized equipment, such as those in semiconductor or aerospace manufacturing, these professionals play a crucial role and are compensated accordingly.

14. R&D Engineer
Research and development engineers work on creating innovative products or improving existing designs. Their role requires creativity, deep technical knowledge, and cross-functional collaboration. In cutting-edge industries such as biotechnology, aerospace, or electronics, R&D engineers often earn well over $100,000.

15. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager
EHS managers ensure that manufacturing facilities comply with environmental regulations and maintain worker safety. Their responsibilities include risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emergency response planning. Given the legal and operational impact of their role, EHS managers with experience command high salaries.

16. CNC Programming Specialist (Advanced Level)
While entry-level CNC machinists may earn moderate wages, specialists in CNC programming for aerospace, medical, or automotive applications can earn six figures. Their role involves creating precise code that controls high-end machining equipment, requiring detailed knowledge of both software and manufacturing techniques.

17. Additive Manufacturing Engineer
With the growth of 3D printing technologies, additive manufacturing engineers are increasingly in demand. These professionals design and optimize parts for additive processes, often using advanced simulation software. In sectors such as defense and aerospace, their skills are highly valued and well-compensated.

18. Lean Manufacturing Director
Tasked with implementing lean methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability, lean manufacturing directors are essential for modern production environments. They require extensive knowledge of continuous improvement frameworks like Kaizen and Six Sigma, and their salaries reflect their strategic importance to manufacturing success.

Conclusion
Manufacturing is no longer limited to assembly lines and low-wage labor. As technology continues to reshape the industry, there is a growing need for skilled professionals who can design, manage, and optimize complex systems. Whether in engineering, operations, safety, or innovation, many of these roles now offer salaries exceeding $100,000. For individuals with the right blend of education, experience, and technical expertise, the manufacturing sector presents not only stable employment but also lucrative career paths that rival those in finance, healthcare, or tech. Investing in the skills required for these high-paying jobs can open doors to long-term growth in a dynamic and essential global industry.