The Manufacturing sector employs individuals from a multitude of educational backgrounds and training experiences. This section highlights opportunities for individuals at four common starting points, beginning with a high school diploma or equivalent. For more information on top jobs across the state by similar education and training tiers, please see Michigan’s Career Outlook through 2034.
Many opportunities exist in Manufacturing for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent and short-term training (one month or less). Of the occupations listed, median wages range from $20 per hour (Light truck drivers) to $24 (Customer service representatives). Occupations in this education tier are a good way to enter the Manufacturing sector and earn wages that are near the statewide average.
Occupations requiring a postsecondary certificate or moderate-term training (more than one month and up to 12 months) can offer slightly higher wages than occupations requiring lesser education and training. Median hourly wages for the listed occupations range from $22 (Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders) to just under $28 (Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers). Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators is one of the largest occupations in the sector (88,300 workers) but is projected to decline in employment by 6.3 percent through 2034. Despite this, the occupation is still expected to have nearly 12,000 annual openings in the state.
Those with an associate degree, completion of long-term training (more than 12 months), or apprenticeship program can expect to earn above-average wages in Manufacturing. Median hourly wages range from $25 for Machinists to $43 per hour for Electricians. Machinists and Industrial machinery mechanics are the largest occupations in this tier and the only ones with over 10,000 workers.
Numerous opportunities are available in Manufacturing to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Individuals working in occupations at this education tier can expect to earn median wages that are well above the statewide average. Median hourly wages of the occupations listed range from $38 for Accountants and auditors to nearly $62 for General and operations managers. Most occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher are also projected to have employment growth through 2034 and notable levels of annual openings.
