Tobacco Products Industry Workers

Wages for tobacco production workers are generally higher than for most other producers of consumable goods. Earnings vary considerably with the plant and the workers' job skills and responsibilities.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), median annual earnings of food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders were $42,730 in May 2024. Salaries ranged from $32,390 to more than $60,070.

In 2023, tobacco packaging and filling machine operators and tenders had mean earnings of $46,040, and tobacco inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers received mean earnings of $49,010. The mean annual salary for all tobacco production workers was $53,480. Industrial production managers earned average salaries of $124,370. 

Tobacco products workers usually receive benefits that include health and life insurance, paid holiday and vacation days, profit-sharing plans, pension plans, and various disability benefits.