Manufacturing Career Pathways
High School Diploma or GED
General Laborer $11-$13/hr
Installation, Maintenance & Repair $13-$16/hr
Certificate/Apprenticeship
Skilled Tradesman (HVAC, Electrician, Plumber) $18-$15/hr
2-Year Degree (AA/AS) Plus Work Experience
First-Line Supervisor $22-$26/hr
4-Year Degree (BA/BS)
Project Manager $25-$30/hr
Master's/Doctorate Degree
Owner
Something for Everyone
Historically, a career in manufacturing has been hands-on, but the 21st century production line demands less physical labor and more critical thinking. Digitization and advancements in robotics have led to an increased demand for higher skill, higher-wage jobs, which often require certifications and/or degrees for this higher level of performance.
Assemblers
Assembers and fabricators custruct products and the parts that go into them. They typcially specialize in a specific industry. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, for example, assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts for airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Minimum Required Education: High School Diploma/GED/On-the-Job Training
National Media Salary: $53,160
Warehouse Worker
Minimum Required Education: N/A
National Media Salary: $25,730
Quality Control
Quality control analysts are the last line of defense along the production line. They inspect and test raw material and manufactured products for quality and stability. Previous work experience is required for this advanced position. A registered apprenticeship program may align with some positions.
Minimum Required Education: High School Diploma, GED, or OJT
Local Media Salary: $46,530
Machinist
Machinists are primarily responsible for operating and maintaining computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools or industrial machines, such as milling machines, grinders, and lathes, to produce parts. On-the-job training is often prefered for most positions.
Minimum Required Education: High School Diploma, GED, or OJT
State Media Salary: $41,420
Welder
In manufacturing, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are instrumental in joining and repairing fabricated metal products. Job seekers considering this profession would benefit greatly from vocational school or on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship program.
Minimum Required Education: On-the-Job Training or technical school
State Median Salary: $38,880 per year
Plant Manager
Minimum Required Education: On-the-Job Training or technical school
State Level Wages: $84,280 per year
Data Source: Employ Florida and/or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of June 22, 2021.
Earn More with Interest
The O*NET® Interest Profiler™ provides users with a list of careers based on a 60-question interest inventory, which is broken down into six categories: Realistic, Investigative, Social, Enterprising, Conventional, and Artistic. Careers related to each cluster are further broken down into one of five job zones to illustrate the length of preparation needed in terms of education, training, and experience to pursue that career path.
Local Registered Apprenticeship Programs
A registered apprenticeship program is a great way to gain the skill set you need to kick start your career or advance in your current position. On average, apprentices earn about $300,000 more than their counterparts over the course of their career. Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities along the Treasure Coast.
Certified Logistics Technician
Through CareerSource Research Coast’s Certified Logistics Technician Registered Apprenticeship program, participants will complete up to 3,000 hours of on-the-job training with 160 hours of related technical instruction.
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Through CareerSource Research Coast’s Certified Industrial Manufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship program, participants will complete 2,736 on-the-job training hours and 264 hours of related technical instruction.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging and Systems Assemblers
Piper’s Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Apprenticeship program trains apprentices to become aviation and manufacturing skilled employees, to develop leadership skills in the workplace, and to eventually take on supervisory and management roles at Piper.
Local Training Providers
Indian River State College
Indian River State College is home to five campuses and six educational centers located throughout St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties. Accredited though the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, IRSC offers a broad selection of associate and baccalaureate degrees and certifications.
Treasure Coast Technical College
Located in Vero Beach, Florida, Treasure Coast Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). TCTC’s Welding Technology program prepares students with the basic skillset and knowledge needed for certification through the American Welding Society.
CareerSource Research Coast
Whether you are an employer looking to recruit, train, or retain top talent or a job seeker looking for your next opportunity, CareerSource Research Coast has the programs and resources available to help you get started at little or no cost to you! Local apprenticeship and training opportunities are available.
Piper Aircraft
%
of employers recommend apprenticeships as a training model.
%
of apprentices are still employed nine months after completion.
.
%
Apprentices earn 2.5% more over the course of their careers.
Testimonials
“When I started here, I started out as a machinist. Over the years I kind of developed my skills and knowledge. I’m still learning every day. There’s a lot of potential to grow within this industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a machinist or an inspector or a welder. Areospace and machining in general needs people and it needs labor force.”
“You’re going to face challenges no matter what type of job you do, but manufacturing is stability. It’s a stable job. It pays really well. You can learn welding. You can learn how to run a powder coating booth. You can learn how to drive fork lifts. You’re going to grow, and you’re going to reach goals that you never thought you could reach, and you’re going to touch peoples lives.”
“Being able to use my attention to detail to build a career and actually being appreciated for it is huge. There’s no ceiling you can hit. If you want to change departments or you want to grow, that opportunity is there for you, all the way up to engeneering and management.”
In-Demand Career Pathways
Skilled Trades
Careers in construction are not only scalable but also in-demand. There’s no set path for everyone. You can start out as a general laborer then transition to a skilled tradesman through certification and on-the-job training. With unlimited entry points and plenty of room for growth, you’re bound to find a career path that’s right for you.
Healthcare
With a broad range of career paths, skill sets, and educational requirements, a career in healthcare offers unmatched emotional and financial rewards with plenty of room for growth. Careers fields include administration, diagnostics, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, medical research, and more.
Manufacturing
Historically, a career in manufacturing has been hands-on, but the 21st century production line demands less physical labor and more critical thinking. Digitization and advancements in robotics have led to an increased demand for higher skill, higher-wage jobs, which often require certifications and/or degrees for this higher level of performance.