Production workers play an important role in the manufacturing process. You are responsible for ensuring the production process runs efficiently. You could be tasked with operating a specific piece of equipment, loading and unloading product, organizing materials and preparing orders to be shipped. You could also assemble and build products by hand using special tools and take part in quality control. It can be a physically challenging role that requires good concentration and stamina.
Production workers typically work shifts. They can be up to 12 hours and scheduled during the day, evening, nights, or weekends. You will be assigned a specific task or a workstation or piece of equipment by your shift supervisor. Most roles are repetitive and require you to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Production worker jobs are typically entry level positions. Once you gain enough experience and prove yourself, it is common to move into senior positions such as equipment operator, production team leader, and become a specialist within your facility.
Production workers are paid about $18 per hour for entry-level positions. A full-time position will pay you about $35,000 per year. Plus, there is a chance you could get paid overtime and shift premiums to boost your total annual salary.
annual: $34,560
monthly: $2,880
weekly: $720
hourly: $18
lowest salary: $16 per hour
average salary: $18 per hour
highest salary: $20.30 per hour
junior salary: $16-$18 per hour
intermediate salary: $17-$19 per hour
senior salary: $17.70-$20.30 per hour
As a production worker, your day-to-day duties will remain fairly consistent. Here is a list of your general responsibilities and the daily tasks you will be expected to complete:
Production workers typically work in factories or manufacturing plants. The size of these facilities can vary. Some can be small while others are full-scale international operations.
As an entry-level position, employers are looking for people who are ready and willing to work. You need to be a team player and have the combination of hard and soft skills on this list:
Employers are looking for candidates with a high school diploma and previous experience working in a production facility environment. Attending trade school or related experience in a skilled trade is an asset.