Looking for the best factory jobs that pay very well? This is definitely the right article to read.

factory jobsIt contains a list of 20 of the very best factory jobs out there that pay very well.

It also details exactly how much you can expect to get paid for each of these jobs – per hour and per year!

Yes, many of these jobs pay very well, especially for people who need money now.

This article also talks a bit about exactly what to expect from each of these factor jobs.

And if you are thinking whether you qualify for some of these types of jobs or not, you will also get the information right there.

Just reading each of these types of jobs here you can even tell right away, if the particular factory job is right for you or not.

If it’s not right for you, you simply check out the others, until you find the one that’s right for you.

Some of them require special training while others require experience as well as training.


What Are Factory Jobs?

Factory jobs refer to the occupation, trade or work done in factories.

This implies the jobs are done where manufacturing, invention, construction or fabrication of items takes place.

In a typical factory setting, the production of goods involves input from workers with varied skills and training.

Some factory jobs are directly related to the items produced while others are indirectly related.

These types of jobs can also be done in different countries, so if you are someone looking for jobs that require travel, you can certainly work in factories around the world… if you have the required qualification and/or experience.

If you like to work in a factory, it makes sense to consider those that will pay you a lot more than others.

Of course you should know whether you are qualified to do the particular job you are interested in or not.

Even if you are not qualified, you can always get started on acquiring the necessary skills, education and/or qualification.

If you do get back to school to acquire the necessary education, you can still do some of the online jobs for students that pay well, to keep money coming in while chasing your dream.


Factors Affecting How Much Factory Jobs Pay

The common factors that affect what a factory job pays to include:

The type of product manufactured

Some products are more complex than others during production.

The company where the product is manufactured

Some companies pay better wages than others producing similar products.

The location of the company

Some labor laws in some states or countries make factory workers earn higher wages when compared with other locations.


20 Best Factory Jobs That Pay Very Well

The following explains 20 of the best factory jobs that pay well.


1. Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers work in factories. They design, develop, build and test mechanical machines, engines, tools, devices, and thermal sensors.

They can work in offices as well as in manufacturing setting.

How much you can get paid:

These specialized engineers are paid very well and they can around $49.21 per hour.

In 2017, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published that the median annual earning by mechanical engineers was around $85,880.

What education/qualification you will need:

If you want to work as a mechanical engineer you must obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related engineering and technology courses.


2. Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for finding, creating, providing and evaluating the best ways to manufacture products.

These factory engineers incorporate the most efficient designs, processes or techniques to improve production.

How much you can get paid:

You can earn up to $85,000 per year. The hourly rate you should expect to earn should be around $40. The $40 an hour means this is one of the job that one can make 200 dollars in one day with, very easily.

What education/qualification you need:

This factory job requires a solid educational qualification and good leadership skills.

Manufacturing engineers are expected to have, at least, Bachelor’s degree in industrial, electrical or mechanical engineering, to be qualified.


3. Warehouse Factory Worker

factory jobs warehouse worker

Warehouse Workers carry out a lot of functions in the manufacturing process.

They can receive and pack raw materials, process and ship orders, manage and organize stocks, and sort materials or items on racks.

Note that even though these jobs involve packing, processing and even shipping orders, they are different from work from home packing jobs.

How much you can get paid:

Warehouse workers are paid very well. They can earn up to $18 per hour.

Overtime pay can reach up to $27.23. According to Payscale.com, the total pay ranges from $20,515 – $41,006.

What education/qualification you will need:

A high school diploma will be sufficient for a position as a warehouse worker.

However, you must also have good communication, organizational and time management skills to be selected in most factories.

Warehouse factory jobs are some of the night jobs you can do, if you prefer to work at night, for whatever reason.


4. Production Worker

Production workers perform a variety of tasks in a production, manufacturing or factory setting.

They can load raw materials, assemble materials and machines, operate machinery, inspect finished products for defects, and transport materials within the factory, etc.

These workers may work in a variety of shifts including day, evening and overnight.

factory jobs building

How much you can get paid:

According to Payscale.com, The average pay for a production worker is $12.59 per hour. Some people can earn up to $18.53 per hour.

Although the job descriptions of the production worker are physically demanding, it is still one of the favorites for factory workers.

Also See: Work From Home Nursing Jobs That Pay Well.


5. Factory Assembler Worker

Factory assembler workers put together a variety of materials or parts to make a finished product.

They can use their hands, a variety of tools, computers, and machines to accomplish their tasks.

You can get a job with sites like Amazon assembling products for shipment to customers.

In assembly line productions, the assembler worker is involved in the assembling of automobiles, transportation equipment, electronic goods, and household appliances.

How much you can get paid:

The median hourly pay for an assembler is $15.31 per hour. The wages vary by industry, geographic region, skill, education level, and complexity of the machinery operated.

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers are the highest paid as their annual salary is up to $53,510.

Also See: How To Make Money With a Truck and Trailer.


6. Fabricator

factory jobs construction

Fabricators create components that go into small and large scale products. These products range from toys to tanks.

The work of fabricators is similar to that of assemblers as it involves putting together one set of components or work on finished products.

Fabricators cut, align, and fit together structural metal parts. They also weld these parts together.

How much you can get paid:

Fabricators earn around 15.31 per hour. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that the median pay for fabricators and assemblers in 2017 was $31,850 per year.

What education/qualification you will need:

The basic qualification needed to be employed as a fabricator is a high school diploma or equivalent.


7. Operations Manager

The major role of the operations manager in a factory is to oversee the production of good and the provision of services.

He or she formulates policies, manage daily operations, and plan the use of materials and human resources.

The role also ensures that manufacturing target and quality are achieved.

The operation manager role is a senior role or a top executive position and it is dependent on the organization where he or she works.

How much you can get paid:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for general and operations managers was $100,410 as of May 2017.

In terms of hourly pay, an operation manager can earn around $50.34 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

At least a Bachelor’s degree and good leadership skill to coordinate people, policies and resources, are needed to become an operations manager in most organizations.

Also See: Envelope Stuffing Jobs Scams To Avoid.


8. Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet Metal Workers construct, fabricate and install products or components made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in air conditioning and heating systems.

They work in the factory to fabricate metal sheets in different ways. They also weld, solder, rivet or bolt the seams or joints.

Sheet metal workers can work as fabrication, installation, maintenance or testing and balancing sheet metal specialists.

How much you can get paid:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly and annual pay for sheet metal workers in a factory as of 2017 was $23.07 and $47,990 respectively.

What education/qualification you will need:

To become a sheet metal worker, you must have, at least, a High School Diploma.


9. Machinist

factory jobs man worker

Machinists work in factories and they use machine tools to produce precision metal parts. These machines include lathes, grinders and milling tools.

The metal parts produced range from simple steel bolts, antilock brakes, titanium bone screws, to hydraulic parts.

Machinists can even repair or make new parts for existing machinery in the company.

Machinists are expected to set up and operate manual, automatic, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools.

How much you can get paid:

In 2017, the median pay report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that Machinists earn around $44,110 per year, and they are paid around $21.21 hourly.

What education/qualification you will need:

To become a machinist, you need to have at least a high school diploma as well as some experience working with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.

Also See: How To Make Money Working at Home.


10. Woodworkers

Woodworkers work in manufacturing plants or factories. They use wood, laminates, and veneers to manufacture a variety of products such as furniture and cabinet.

In other words, Woodworkers make use of wood to produce household furniture, musical appliances, and other wood cabinets.

In some factories, the woodworker may use hands to build ornate furniture.

In modern factory settings, he or she may operate computerized numerical control (CNC) machines to get the required output.

Thus, the machines commonly used by woodworkers in factories include saws, milling machines, drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood-fastening machines.

Woodworkers can work as cabinetmakers, furniture finishers, wood sawing machine setters or woodworking machine operators.

How much you can get paid:

The median pay for the woodworker as of May 2017 was $30,850 per year. These workers can also earn around $14.38 per hour.


11. Boilermaker

factory jobs construction

Boilermakers are factory workers that assemble, install, maintain and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large containers that hold liquid and gases.

Talking about closed vats, here are some closed captioning jobs that pay really well.

Boilers also replace or repair broken pipes, joints, or valves in manufacturing setting using gas torches, welding equipment, and other power tools.

How much you can get paid:

The median wage for Boilermaker as of May 2017 was $62,260 according to the BLS. Also, the hourly median earning was $29.93.

What education/qualification you will need:

If you want to become a Boilermaker, then you need, at least, a high school diploma or equivalent. You are also expected to complete a relevant apprenticeship program.


12. Information Technology Manager

Information Technology managers sometimes work in factories as well. These workers plan and coordinate all the computer-related activities in an organization.

They also determine and analyze all the computer, network, and electronics needs of the organization.

Other professionals like those engaged in software testing jobs, software developers, computer support specialists and information security analysts are directed, managed, assessed by these managers.

How much you can get paid:

This is one of the best-paid jobs in factories. As of May 2017, the median pay for computer and information systems managers or Information technology managers is $139,220 per year.

The hourly earnings for this managerial job are around $66.93.

Also See: Online Jobs To Do Working From Home (Most are perfect for Information Technology managers who want to work from home).


factory worker


13. Forklift Operator

Forklift Operators are forklifts and conveyor belts to move materials within the factory warehouse.

These operators also inspect moving equipment and finished goods for damages.

They record the quantity and movement of goods from one spot of the warehouse to another.

How much you can get paid:

The median wage for a forklift operator was $35,830 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report of May 2017.

The median hourly pay is $16.75.

What education/qualification you will need:

If you want to become a forklift operator, then you must be a trained-on-the job.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. You may need to have licenses or certifications in some states or locations.


14. Material Recording Clerks

Material Recording Clerks are factory workers that track materials and product information in production.

They record the materials that are received, transferred, and shipped to another location.

These are a bit similar to online data entry jobs as workers also provide reports on the various changes in inventory or production for accuracy.

Computers and hand-held devices are used to keep track, make updates, and product reports of inventory.

You can become a Material Recording Clerk and earn well if you work in a factory.

How much you can get paid:

The median annual wage according to the BLS report for May 2017 was $24,600. The median hourly pay recorded was $13.27 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

You need at least a high school diploma or an equivalent to be employed. You also need to learn from an experienced supervisor.


doing factory jobs


15. Millwrights

Millwrights are factory workers that design or erect mills and milling machinery.

They install, maintain, and even disassemble machines used in industrial work.

They also repair and replace worn or defective parts of machines.

A millwright utilizes a variety of tools or equipment to measure, cut, weld, or braze.

They also use huge tools like forklifts, winches, hoists, and cranes to bring parts of a machine to the desired location.

The job of a millwright is similar to that of a machinery maintenance worker, or an industrial machinery mechanics.

How much you can get paid:

The median earning for this factory job as reported by BLS in May 2017 was $50,440. The median hourly pay for this job is $24.25.


16. Industrial Engineering Technicians

Industrial Engineering Technicians work in manufacturing settings or factories. They assist industrial engineers to implement and improve production and output.

They plan, test, and devise efficient systems that integrate men, materials, and machines to make product or service.

The tasks determine quality and reliability standards.

How much you can get paid:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May of 2017, the median pay for Industrial Engineering Technicians was $54,280 per year. The hourly pay was about $26.10.

What education/qualification you will need:

To become an Industrial Engineering Technician, you need to have at least, an associate’s degree.


17. Welders

factory jobs welder

Welders use electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. They work in a variety of industries and manufacturing settings.

The role of welders in a specific factory is dependent on the type of metals used and the conditions they are used.

In manufacturing, welders help maintain equipment and machinery by inspecting, cutting, soldering, brazing and welding metals with different heat.

How much you can get paid:

You can work in a factory as a welder and get paid very well, including get paid holiday pay as well.

The median pay for welders as reported by BLS in May 2017 was $40,240 per year while the hourly pay is $19.35 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

You need at least a high school diploma and on-the-job training to get a position a welder.


18. Cost Estimators

Cost Estimators are workers that collect and analyze data to estimate the cost involved in the provision of service, manufacture of a product, or the construction of a building.

The cost estimators identify factors that affect costs which include time, money, materials and labor. They then recommend ways to reduce costs.

In a factory or a manufacturing setting, cost estimators provide managers with information about the best competitive pricing of a product or service.

How much you can get paid:

Cost estimators are paid very well. The median pay for these manufacturing workers in May 2017 was $63,110 per year.

The hourly pay was $30.34 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

To become a cost estimator, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or in an industry-related field.

Also See: Dog Walking Jobs That Pay Well.


19. Quality Control Inspector

factory workers girl

Quality Control Inspectors examine materials and products for defects or deviations from specifications. They monitor the quality standards for all manufactured products where they are employed.

These jobs are a bit similar to paid product testing as the workers use specific tools to test products or materials. They analyze their inspections and produce a report for supervisors or management to make corrections.

Any product or equipment that fails to meet specifications is discarded by the Quality Control Inspector.

How much you can get paid:

This factory job pays the worker very well. According to the BLS report of May 2017, Quality Control Inspectors received a median pay of $37,340 per year. They also received $17.95 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

To qualify as a quality control inspector, you will need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training from 1 month or up to 1 year.


20. Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan, staff, manage, direct, evaluate and compensate the manpower needs of the factory.

They recruit, interview and hire new staff, and they coordinate the administrative functions of an organization.

They supervise payroll and resolve issues associated with it. They deal with all labor, benefits, and management practices as they affect the staff.

The job of a Human Resources Manager is strategic as he or she is a link between top management and the junior workers.

How much you can get paid:

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for Human Resources Managers as of May 2017 was $110,120 per year.

Most of these factory managers earn up to $52.94 per hour.

What education/qualification you will need:

To be considered for Human Resources manager position in a factory or any other organization, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree, at the least.

You also need to have 5 years or more work experience in the related occupation.



As you can see from this comprehensive article, there are many factory jobs out there that pay very well.

You can also see exactly how much you can expect to get paid as well as what qualification, education or experience you need to get, for each of these 20 jobs.


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