Manufacturing Production Technicians

Overall employment in manufacturing is expected to increase by only 0.8 percent from 2023–33, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, but opportunities for manufacturing production technicians will be better. Employment for the related career of industrial machinery mechanics is expected to increase by 17 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). "The continued adoption of automated manufacturing machinery is expected to create jobs for these workers, as they will be needed to help keep machines in good working order," according to the DOL. "The use of automated conveyors to move products and materials in factories is likely to be an area of high demand for these workers, because the conveyor belts, motors, and rollers need regular care and maintenance."

The state of the economy affects manufacturing and when the economy is not strong, companies reduce production activities and reduce workers' hours or lay off workers. However, manufacturing production technicians are always needed to make sure machinery is operating correctly and according to government and environmental regulations. Large manufacturing companies usually offer the most employment opportunities. Technicians with an associate's degree or certificate from a vocational-technical school, prior work experience, strong knowledge of computer-aided design and manufacturing software programs, and expertise in the use of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes will have the best job prospects.