Production Professionals
Production professionals work with metal and plastic materials to create, modify, and repair components and products using specialized tools, machinery, and techniques like welding, cutting, grinding, and heat treatment. These skilled workers operate in manufacturing facilities, machine shops, and production environments, following precise specifications and blueprints to ensure parts meet quality standards. Their work spans from crafting precision tools and dies to joining metal components and applying protective coatings to finished products.
🎬Career Video
🤖AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 2/6: low AI task exposure, declining job demand, limited human advantage indicates this career is being transformed by AI
How we calculated this:
10% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
-14% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 9/25
📋Key Responsibilities
- •Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- •Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
- •Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- •Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- •Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
- •Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
- •Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
- •Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
💡Inside This Career
Production professionals shape the backbone of manufacturing, transforming raw materials into precision components through skilled craftsmanship and technical expertise. Their days revolve around reading blueprints and technical specifications, setting up specialized equipment, and executing precise operations that require both manual dexterity and mechanical knowledge. Whether operating cutting-edge automated machinery or working with hand tools, these professionals spend considerable time preparing workpieces, adjusting equipment settings, and monitoring processes to ensure quality standards. The work demands constant attention to measurements, temperatures, and timing, as even small deviations can impact the final product's integrity.
The work environment varies dramatically depending on the specialization and project demands. Some professionals work in climate-controlled manufacturing facilities operating computer-controlled equipment, while others find themselves in foundries, construction sites, or specialty fabrication shops where sparks fly and heavy machinery hums. Projects range from creating intricate tooling that enables mass production to joining structural components for buildings and infrastructure. Many professionals collaborate closely with engineers, quality inspectors, and fellow craftspeople, discussing specifications, troubleshooting challenges, and coordinating workflows to meet production deadlines.
Throughout the day, production professionals balance routine operations with problem-solving, adapting their techniques based on material properties, environmental conditions, and specific project requirements. They regularly inspect their work using precision measuring instruments, maintain and calibrate equipment, and document processes for quality control. The role combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, as professionals integrate computer-controlled systems with time-tested manual techniques to achieve the exacting standards that modern manufacturing demands.
📈Career Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
📚Education & Training
Requirements
- •Entry Education: Less than high school
- •Experience: Some experience helpful
- •On-the-job Training: Few months to one year
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for production professionals- Median salary: $49K/year
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💻Technology Skills
⭐Key Abilities
🏷️Also Known As
📑Specializations
This career includes 8 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $62,270 | 🟠 | 51-4192.00 | View details | ||
| $61,490 | 🟠 | 51-4111.00 | View details | ||
| $48,940 | 🟡 | 51-4121.00 | View details | ||
| $46,410 | 🟠 | 51-4194.00 | View details | ||
| $45,350 | 🟠 | 51-4122.00 | View details |
🔗Related Careers
Other careers in production
🔗Data Sources
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