Factory Jobs in USA 2025: Complete Guide

Factory Jobs in USA 2025. Discover latest salaries ($16-$28/hour), top hiring companies, application links, and step-by-step job search strategies.

Factory Jobs in America

Factory jobs remain a cornerstone of the American economy, offering stable employment opportunities with competitive wages and benefits. American manufacturers say they are struggling to fill the manufacturing jobs we already have, creating excellent opportunities for job seekers willing to enter the manufacturing sector.

Nearly 4 million new manufacturing jobs are coming to America as boomers retire, presenting unprecedented opportunities for workers seeking stable, well-paying careers in manufacturing. The industry offers diverse opportunities from entry-level positions to specialized technical roles across various manufacturing sectors.

The manufacturing industry continues to evolve with technological advances, offering modern work environments, competitive compensation, and clear career advancement paths. Factory workers today often work with sophisticated equipment, automation systems, and quality control technologies, making these positions more engaging and skill-intensive than traditional perceptions suggest.

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Current Salary Expectations for Factory Workers in the USA

Average Factory Worker Salaries Nationwide

Hourly Wage Ranges

• The average hourly pay for a Factory Worker job in the US is $16.86. Hourly salary range is $11.06 to $21.63
• The average hourly pay for a Factory Worker is $17.73 in 2025
• The average salary for a factory worker is $16.81 per hour in the United States

Annual Salary Expectations

• A factory worker’s salary ranges from $22,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $38,000 at the 90th percentile
• The average salary for a Factory Worker is $52,621 per year in United States
• The average factory worker salary in the United States is $36,039 or an equivalent hourly rate of $17

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Entry-Level Factory Workers

• Hourly Rate: $11.00 – $14.00 per hour
• Annual Salary: $22,000 – $29,000 per year
• Monthly Income: $1,830 – $2,420

Experienced Factory Workers

• Hourly Rate: $16.00 – $20.00 per hour
• Annual Salary: $33,000 – $42,000 per year
• Monthly Income: $2,750 – $3,500

Senior/Specialized Factory Workers

• Hourly Rate: $19.00 – $25.00+ per hour
• Annual Salary: $40,000 – $52,000+ per year
• Monthly Income: $3,330 – $4,330+

Manufacturing Industry Wages

Wages in Manufacturing in the United States remained unchanged at 28.87 USD/Hour in June, indicating stability in manufacturing compensation. This higher average reflects specialized manufacturing roles including supervisors, technicians, and skilled operators.

Regional Salary Variations

Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third. New York beats the national average by 9.4%, and Washington furthers that trend with another $4,650 (13.3%) above the $35,075.

High-Paying States for Factory Workers

• Washington: $39,725+ annually
• New York: $38,375+ annually
• District of Columbia: $38,000+ annually
• California: $37,500+ annually
• Massachusetts: $36,800+ annually

Moderate-Paying States

• Texas: $34,000 – $36,000 annually
• Ohio: $32,000 – $35,000 annually
• Michigan: $33,000 – $36,000 annually
• Pennsylvania: $31,000 – $34,000 annually
• Illinois: $32,500 – $35,500 annually

Types of Factory Jobs Available in the USA

Manufacturing Specializations

• Automotive Manufacturing: Assembly line workers, quality inspectors, machine operators
• Food Processing: Production workers, packaging specialists, food safety technicians
• Electronics Manufacturing: Circuit board assemblers, testing technicians, clean room operators
• Textile Production: Sewing machine operators, fabric inspectors, pattern makers
• Chemical Manufacturing: Process operators, quality control analysts, maintenance technicians
• Pharmaceutical Production: Manufacturing associates, validation specialists, compliance officers

Skill-Level Categories

Entry-Level Positions

• General laborers and material handlers
• Basic assembly line workers
• Packaging and shipping personnel
• Machine helpers and assistants

Skilled Positions

• The highest paying types of factory workers are production specialist, manufacturing associate, and production assistant
• CNC machine operators
• Quality control inspectors
• Maintenance technicians
• Forklift operators

Specialized Roles

• Production supervisors
• Process engineers
• Safety coordinators
• Training specialists

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Factory Jobs in the USA

Step 1: Prepare for Factory Employment

Essential Preparation Tasks

1. Obtain high school diploma or GED equivalent
2. Complete safety training certifications (OSHA 10-hour recommended)
3. Develop basic math and reading comprehension skills
4. Practice standing for extended periods and manual dexterity
5. Prepare for drug screening and background checks

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to lift 25-50 pounds regularly
• Comfortable working in industrial environments
• Attention to detail and quality consciousness
• Willingness to work shifts (including nights and weekends)
• Team collaboration and communication skills

Step 2: Major Job Search Platforms for Factory Work

Indeed.com

• Search “factory jobs” + your city/state
• Filter by salary, experience level, and company size
• Set up job alerts for new postings
• Complete profile with relevant experience
• Website: https://www.indeed.com/q-factory-jobs.html

Glassdoor.com

• 417 factory worker Jobs in United States currently available
• Research company reviews and salary information
• View employee ratings and workplace culture insights
• Access interview preparation resources
• Website: https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/us-factory-worker-jobs.htm

LinkedIn Jobs

• Professional networking opportunities
• Connect with manufacturing professionals and recruiters
• Join manufacturing industry groups
• Showcase relevant skills and certifications
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/factory-jobs

Monster.com

• Comprehensive factory job listings nationwide
• Career advice and resume building tools
• Salary comparison features
• Direct employer connections
• Website: https://www.monster.com/jobs/search/?q=factory-worker

Step 3: Specialized Manufacturing Job Boards

ManufacturingJobs.com

• Industry-specific job listings
• Manufacturing career resources
• Company directory and profiles
• Skills assessment tools
• Website: https://www.manufacturingjobs.com

iHireManufacturing.com

• Dedicated manufacturing job platform
• Direct employer postings
• Career development resources
• Industry news and trends
• Website: https://www.ihiremanufacturing.com

FlexJobs.com

• Part-time and flexible manufacturing positions
• Remote and hybrid manufacturing roles
• Quality-screened job listings
• Career coaching services
• Website: https://www.flexjobs.com/jobs/manufacturing

Step 4: Direct Applications to Major Manufacturers

Automotive Industry

• General Motors: https://careers.gm.com
• Ford Motor Company: https://corporate.ford.com/careers
• Tesla: https://www.tesla.com/careers
• Toyota North America: https://www.toyota.com/usa/careers

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

• Tyson Foods: https://careers.tyson.com
• Coca-Cola: https://careers.coca-colacompany.com
• PepsiCo: https://www.pepsicojobs.com
• Nestlé USA: https://www.nestle.com/jobs

Technology Manufacturing

• Apple: https://jobs.apple.com
• Intel: https://jobs.intel.com
• Boeing: https://jobs.boeing.com
• 3M Company: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us

Consumer Goods

• Procter & Gamble: https://www.pgcareers.com
• Johnson & Johnson: https://jobs.jnj.com
• Unilever: https://careers.unilever.com
• Walmart Distribution: https://careers.walmart.com

Step 5: Staffing Agencies and Temporary Employment

National Staffing Agencies

1. ManpowerGroup: Temporary-to-permanent opportunities
2. Adecco: Manufacturing and industrial placements
3. Kelly Services: Factory and warehouse positions
4. Randstad: Manufacturing staffing solutions
5. Express Employment Professionals: Local manufacturing connections

Benefits of Staffing Agencies

• Quick job placement opportunities
• Temp-to-hire conversion possibilities
• Multiple employer exposure
• Flexible scheduling options
• Basic training and certification assistance

Step 6: State Employment Services and Resources

State Workforce Development Centers

• Free job search assistance
• Skills training programs
• Unemployment benefit guidance
• Career counseling services
• Local job fair information

American Job Centers

• One-stop career service locations
• Computer and internet access for job searching
• Resume writing assistance
• Interview preparation workshops
• Connections to local manufacturers

Essential Skills and Qualifications for Factory Work

Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings
• Physical capability to perform manual labor
• Basic math and reading comprehension
• Reliable transportation to work location

Technical Skills

• Understanding of safety protocols and procedures
• Basic mechanical aptitude
• Quality control and inspection techniques
• Computer literacy for modern manufacturing systems
• Equipment operation and maintenance knowledge

Soft Skills

• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Team collaboration and communication
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving abilities
• Adaptability to changing processes and technologies

Safety and Training Requirements

OSHA Compliance

All factory workers must understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Many employers require or prefer candidates with OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour certification, which covers workplace safety fundamentals.

Industry-Specific Training

• Food Manufacturing: Food safety and hygiene certifications
• Chemical Production: Hazardous material handling training
• Automotive: Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
• Electronics: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety protocols
• Pharmaceutical: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification

Continuing Education Opportunities

Many manufacturers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing relevant education, including:

• Associate degrees in manufacturing technology
• Technical certifications in specialized equipment
• Leadership and supervisory training programs
• Safety and quality management courses

Benefits and Career Advancement in Factory Work

Common Benefits Packages

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement savings plans (401k with company matching)
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Life and disability insurance
• Overtime pay opportunities
• Shift differential premiums

Career Progression Paths

Lateral Advancement

• Cross-training in different departments
• Specialization in specific manufacturing processes
• Quality assurance and inspection roles
• Safety coordinator positions

Vertical Advancement

• Team leader and supervisor roles
• Department manager positions
• Plant operations management
• Engineering and technical specialist roles

Professional Development

• On-the-job training programs
• Apprenticeship opportunities
• Technical school partnerships
• Management development tracks
• Industry certification support

Understanding Factory Work Environment and Culture

Work Schedules

• First Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (most common)
• Second Shift: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM (shift premium)
• Third Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (highest premium)
• Rotating Shifts: Alternating between different shifts
• Compressed Schedules: 4-day, 10-hour workweeks

Workplace Environment

Modern factories emphasize safety, efficiency, and employee well-being. Many facilities feature:

• Climate-controlled environments
• Ergonomic workstations and equipment
• Advanced safety systems and protocols
• Break rooms and recreational facilities
• Employee recognition programs

Future Outlook for Factory Jobs in America

Industry Growth Projections

Six in 10 managers (63%) at companies of all sizes said they plan to add new permanent positions to their workforce in the first half of this year, indicating strong hiring momentum in manufacturing.

The ongoing reshoring of manufacturing operations, infrastructure investments, and technological modernization continue to create new factory job opportunities across the United States.

Technology Integration

Modern manufacturing increasingly incorporates:

• Automated systems and robotics
• Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring
• Predictive maintenance technologies
• Quality control automation
• Data analytics and reporting systems

These technological advances create opportunities for workers to develop higher-level technical skills and advance into specialized positions with increased compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the current salary ranges for factory workers in the USA?

Factory worker salaries typically range from $16.81 to $17.73 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $38,000 at the 90th percentile. Some sources report average annual salaries of $52,621, particularly for experienced workers or those in specialized roles. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings, with states like Washington and New York offering wages 10-15% above the national average.

2. What qualifications do I need to get a factory job?

Most factory positions require a high school diploma or GED, ability to pass drug screenings and background checks, and physical capability for manual labor. Many positions prefer previous manufacturing experience, but entry-level opportunities are available for candidates with strong work ethic and reliability. Basic math skills, ability to follow safety protocols, and willingness to work various shifts are typically required.

3. Are factory jobs in high demand right now?

Yes, American manufacturers say they are struggling to fill the manufacturing jobs we already have, creating excellent opportunities for job seekers. Nearly 4 million new manufacturing jobs are coming to America as boomers retire, indicating strong long-term demand. Six in 10 managers (63%) plan to add new permanent positions in the first half of 2025, showing continued hiring momentum.

4. What are the best websites to find factory jobs?

The most effective platforms include Indeed.com for comprehensive listings, Glassdoor.com with 417 factory worker jobs currently available, LinkedIn for networking opportunities, and specialized sites like ManufacturingJobs.com and iHireManufacturing.com. Additionally, applying directly to major manufacturers’ career websites often yields the best results, as many companies post positions exclusively on their own platforms.

5. What career advancement opportunities exist in factory work?

Factory work offers multiple advancement paths including team leadership, quality control, safety coordination, and supervisory roles. The highest paying types of factory workers are production specialist, manufacturing associate, and production assistant.