The state of Michigan expects to have more than 500,000 job openings in the professional trades available by the year 2028, so there are numerous opportunities for job seekers and those wishing to embark on a professional path. These jobs include everything from auto repairs to home construction, healthcare, and a great many more positions as well and provide great service to the community, contributing greatly toward the stability and progress of the state overall.
For Michigan’s economy to continue its growth, it will be necessary for many individuals to educate themselves and join the workforce, to carry forward with the advances anticipated by these opportunities.
Several industries in the state require an influx of skilled workers, for instance, energy, healthcare, information technology, agriculture, construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Many of these positions are in high demand already, and hold the promise of earning high wages, even if you don’t have a four-year degree.
A number of these openings will focus on an individual’s credentials, their on-the-job training, certificates, and any registered apprenticeships they may have. The state provides many tools which support career awareness and can assist state residents in leaping to pursue new careers.
Professional manufacturing careers in the state generally pay approximately 40% higher than the median wage for other occupations across the state. A professional trade position can expect a median salary of $57,000 per year, and this carries little or no debt for a student.
Officials would like potential job candidates to understand that these manufacturing careers are very different from those which may have been available in the past because they are high-tech, high-demand industries that will help to position the state of Michigan as a leader in the push toward innovation and creativity.
Available Career Paths
Here is a sampling of some of the available manufacturing careers that Michigan residents now have the opportunity to apply for. Most of these positions carry annual salaries between $21,000 and $90,000 per year, so there should be something suitable for almost everyone.
Use the information below to begin your research on these manufacturing careers that might be something you could enjoy for years to come.
Mechanical engineer
This position carries an annual salary between $64,000 and $90,000 per year, and it includes a very broad area in the engineering industry. Employees in this position can expect to be developing, building, designing, researching, testing, and inspecting devices used for mechanical purposes. Some of the specific devices that a mechanical engineer might work on include large machinery, thermal sensors, tools, and engines.
Plant operator
Someone in this field can expect to earn between $31,000 and $44,000 every year, and it involves supervisory work in an industrial setting. Typically this would be in the industries of electricity or oil and gas. It would be necessary for a plant operator to have significant experience in the field and to be highly conscious of safety practices. Responsibilities include oversight of an entire operation, and ensuring that employees are safe and productive and that machinery is functioning properly.
CAD draftsman
In this field, you can expect to earn between $37,000 and $50,000 annually, and a draftsman is someone who uses CAD software to create schematics for product manufacturers, engineers, and architects. Draftsmen will work closely with engineers to translate designs into technical drawings, and this means they will need to have excellent collaborative skills, as well as good listening skills. Most employers prefer an associate degree or a certificate in CAD drafting.
Instrument technician
An instrument technician typically earns between $38,000 and $62,000 annually, and will be responsible for testing, inspecting, and calibrating certain devices. Technicians will observe device readings using analytic software and scientific software, and it will be necessary to have at least a high school diploma, although they prefer an associate degree or more.
Industrial painter
In this field, it will be possible to earn between $30,000 and $38,000 annually, and the successful industrial painter will use various techniques to paint equipment as well as industrial buildings. Industrial painters generally report to a supervisor and have the knowledge to prepare and apply paints, as well as all equipment used in the job. Employers prefer professional painting experience, and it will be necessary to have at least a high school diploma to qualify.
Quality control inspector
Someone in this position can earn between $29,000 and $41000 per year, and you might expect to work in any kind of manufacturing setting. The specific responsibilities will vary according to the type of industry, but the general responsibility will be to ensure that products meet company standards consistently. Some quality control positions offer on-the-job training, but most of them will still require an associate degree or better.
CNC operator
Someone in this position can expect to earn between $30,000 and $40,000 a year. A Computer Numerically Controlled operator is a skilled production worker who knows how to operate a CNC machine. Requirements include reading technical drawings and calibrating machinery to appropriate specifications, and the skills required for the job can be learned at any number of technical schools.
Assembly line worker
Someone in this position can expect to earn between $21,000 and $27,000 annually, and the work will always be in some kind of a manufacturing setting. Requirements include knowledge on how to use various tools and machines so that parts can be assembled to create a finished good product of high quality. Duties may require the ability to read technical drawings, welding, using power tools, and calibrating machinery. It’s not generally necessary to have a degree to be an assembly line worker, because on-the-job training is generally provided by the employer.
