what is a production worker?
As a production worker, you operate machines and equipment in a factory to produce a specific product. You help manufacture everything from medication and food products to large engine parts. Production workers also work in warehouses, preparing items for distribution. You either have a regular working area or perform a variety of tasks that are assigned daily. The job involves repeating the same physical tasks, and you should match your work pace to the equipment speed.
As a production worker, you assist in assembling products and monitor equipment during production to check for product defects. You feed raw materials into the equipment and check the finished products to ensure they meet quality standards. Working closely with your colleagues helps ensure that product quality exceeds the required standards and deadlines. You also maintain the work area and follow safety standards to improve efficiency.
Production workers may work in any sector, including manufacturing industries for goods, drinks and food. The pharmaceutical industry also hires production workers to produce medicine and medical equipment. You may also work in the tech industry, manufacturing phones, laptops and other kinds of electronic devices.
Would working as a production worker suit your attention to detail and career goals? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the role of a production worker.
production worker jobsaverage production worker salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a production worker is $34,058 per year. Your average hourly rate is roughly $20.73. In an entry-level position, you earn a lower annual salary of $30,225, while the most experienced production workers make up to $43,162 yearly. Full-time production workers have higher hourly rates than part-timers. Working overtime also increases your earning potential since hourly rates for overtime are higher than standard working hours.
what factors increase the salary of a production worker?
As a production worker, your earnings depend on various factors, from qualifications to industry and experience. When you are new to the role, you have a lower salary due to your minimal experience. Your earnings gradually increase with experience, and you can negotiate a higher salary due to your expertise.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. When you work for a clothing production or food processing company, your earnings differ from production workers in technical fields, such as machine production or assembly. Additionally, the complexity of the duties you perform affects your earning potential.
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access our tooltypes of production workers
Some types of production workers include:
- handlers: as a handler, you package finished products for shipping. Your job includes boxing items and stacking the boxes on pallets to prepare them for transport. Using forklifts, you sometimes pack containers and trucks at the warehouse.
- forklift operators: as a production worker, your job involves lifting heavy products or items with a forklift. You weigh packages and use the forklift to organize them for shipping. When loading or unloading trucks, it is essential to ensure that all the goods are properly labelled.
- assembly line workers: you put electronic or metal parts together during the production process. As an assembly line worker, you also monitor the machines to ensure they work properly.
working as a production worker
Working as a production worker involves creating and monitoring the production process of finished goods. If you're interested in this role, explore the duties, work environment and career opportunities of a production worker.
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what does a production worker do?
The duties of a production worker depend on the factory's products and processes. Some key responsibilities in this field include the following:
- operating machines: your main responsibility is to operate production equipment. You gather raw materials, assess their quality and feed them into the production machine. It's your job to make machine adjustments, like setting the speed based on production requirements. You also inspect and service the equipment to ensure smooth operations.
- sorting and packing products: as a production worker, you arrange the items in a particular sequence by size or other categories. You also pack products using the correct packaging materials and sort them based on their destination for easier shipping.
- cleaning the workplace: in all types and sizes of factories, production workers must maintain a clean and organized workstation in compliance with health and safety regulations. It is important to clean the equipment at the end of every production session.
- monitoring product quality: as a production worker, you perform daily inspections to ensure the products meet specific standards. You also record defective items and check the output to ensure that the products you manufacture are all similar.
- following health and safety procedures: accidents, including slips, strains and crashes, frequently occur in factories. It's your responsibility to prevent injuries by ensuring you're always equipped with the correct protective gear, such as gloves, goggles and safety shoes.
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work environment of a production worker
Production workers generally spend most of their time working indoors at a factory or warehouse. Some production workers work sitting down, monitoring machinery and materials. As a production worker, you may be expected to stand for long periods and bend or lift moderately heavy items, including hazardous or fragile goods. You work in a noisy and fume-heavy environment or a clean, sterile factory; the latter applies to those dealing in food items or pharmaceuticals. The job is often demanding due to strict deadlines.
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who are your colleagues?
As a production worker, you work alongside a large team of professionals. Depending on the items you produce and your working environment, your colleagues may include mechanical engineers, welders and production supervisors. You also work with warehouse associates, warehouse managers and millwrights.
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production worker work schedule
At a minimum, production workers work the standard rate of 40 hours per week. However, when orders increase or deadlines approach, expect to work up to 10 hours daily. Since most factories operate 24/7, you work either a day shift or at night while preparing shipments leaving early in the morning. In production plants, production workers frequently work overtime, including weekends and holidays. Manufacturing companies hire production workers both on a full-time and part-time basis.
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career opportunities as a production worker
Even with technology replacing many workers, production plants always need a workforce to help complete specific technical tasks. As the manufacturing industry faces massive changes due to digitalization, it is important for production workers to keep up. To increase your future job chances, you should improve your knowledge by continuously learning more new skills. Most companies need specialists to handle new technological advancements and ever-changing industry demands.
As the world continues to industrialize, more factories emerge, resulting in the creation of more job opportunities for qualified and experienced production workers. In time, you can progress to a senior position, such as a warehouse supervisor, quality control specialist or production manager.
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advantages of finding a job as a production worker through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
production worker skills and education
Some of the requirements for becoming a production worker include:
- secondary education: most employers hire production workers who have completed their secondary education. Choose your industry of specialization and find production worker certification courses to improve your skills in the role. Apply for entry-level positions since most employees provide on-the-job training.
- experience: as a production worker, you gain experience through entry-level jobs and apprenticeship programs. When you have enough skills, you progress to higher roles in the company.
competencies and characteristics of production workers
Production workers with industry-specific skills can bargain for a higher salary. To excel in this career, build on the following attributes:
- strong communication skills: good communication skills are vital for any production worker. Employers require individuals who engage with their co-workers to troubleshoot production issues and work toward a common goal. Communication skills help you pass information effectively to your team members, and they make you an active listener.
- attention to detail: speed and precision are vital in manufacturing. Carelessness and mistakes affect production, leading to defects and lost time. While operating the machines, mistakes endanger your life or your co-workers. Attentiveness to detail helps you avoid accidents and maintain health standards.
- critical thinking: employers look for production workers who are capable of making sound decisions if unforeseen issues arise. Since supervisors are not always present to resolve issues, you should be able to find the best solutions, even for complex problems.
- aptitude for technology: technology is constantly changing the operations in the manufacturing industry. Employers require production workers who are interested in technology to handle advanced processes.
- good concentration: production workers perform their duties in fast-paced environments, so it is vital to stay focused. Tasks can be highly repetitive, and having a good level of concentration helps you maintain consistent product quality.
- physical stamina: production plants hire people with good physical skills since they work for long periods. The role involves lifting items and sometimes standing throughout the shift, requiring a high amount of stamina.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a production worker.
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what are the duties of a production worker?
As a production worker, you assist with various duties in a production facility. Your job can be feeding raw materials into the machines or assembling the products to produce finished items. You inspect goods post-production and make minor repairs or adjustments before sending the items to the warehouse.
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how much does a production worker earn in Canada?
As a production worker in Canada, you receive an average salary of $34,058 annually. In an entry-level role, you earn approximately $30,225 a year. With experience and additional skills, your annual take-home salary rises to $43,162. The salary depends on the complexity of your duties and the skills required to execute them.
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how many hours do production workers work?
Production workers in Canada typically work 8-hour days. Hence, you work 40 hours a week. Most production companies have 24-hour production schedules. Since you work in shifts, you sometimes work nights or early mornings. Shift schedules are usually between 8 to 12 hours a week.
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how do you become a production worker?
To become a production worker, you don't need post-secondary education. Choose your preferred industry of specialty, such as clothing, engineering, construction or food processing. Apply for entry-level jobs that provide on-the-job training, or you can gain certification in your preferred area of interest.
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what skills does a production worker need?
As a production worker, you require strength and stamina to excel in your role. The tasks often include standing for long hours and lifting heavy objects. Time management skills are also important in order to work efficiently and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services.
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how do I find a job as a production worker?
Finding a job near you as a production worker is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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