Manufacturing Salaries 2026: How Much Do Manufacturing Jobs Pay in the U.S.?
Manufacturing salaries in the United States vary enormously depending on the job.
An assembler may earn less than $50,000 a year, while experienced industrial engineers can earn well above $100,000. Skilled maintenance, CNC and tool-and-die positions often fall somewhere in between.
The latest comprehensive federal occupational wage data available in 2026 are based primarily on May 2025 earnings, so those figures are the best official benchmark for comparing manufacturing salaries this year. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Quick Answer
| Manufacturing job | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Industrial engineer | $102,440 |
| CNC programmer | $68,120 |
| Millwright | $65,700 |
| Industrial machinery mechanic | $64,520 |
| Tool and die maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Assemblers and fabricators | $45,450 |
| Production occupations overall | $46,990 |
Figures are based on the latest BLS wage data available in 2026, primarily May 2025 estimates. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Industrial engineers can earn six figures
Industrial engineering is one of the better-paid career paths closely connected with manufacturing.
The median annual wage for industrial engineers was $102,440, or roughly $49.25 per hour. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pay also varies by manufacturing sector.
Industrial engineers working in computer and electronic product manufacturing had median annual wages of approximately $105,370, while those in transportation equipment manufacturing earned around $102,390. Bureau of Labor Statistics
CNC and machining salaries
Machining remains an important skilled trade across aerospace, automotive, machinery and metalworking.
The median pay for machinists was $58,750, while tool and die makers earned a median $64,050. Bureau of Labor Statistics
CNC programming typically pays more.
BLS wage data show computer numerically controlled tool programmers with median annual pay of about $68,120. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Industrial maintenance salaries
The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights as a group was $64,100.
Industrial machinery mechanics individually had median pay of about $64,520, while millwrights earned approximately $65,700. Bureau of Labor Statistics
These roles are increasingly important as plants add automation, robotics and more complex equipment.
How much do welders make?
Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers had median annual pay of $53,750.
However, pay differs significantly by industry.
In manufacturing specifically, the median was about $51,210, while welders working for specialty trade contractors earned more. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experience, certifications, shift schedules and specialized welding processes can also affect compensation.
Assemblers and production workers
Assemblers and fabricators had median annual wages of approximately $45,450.
Workers assembling aircraft structures and related systems earned considerably more, with median pay around $65,380. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Across all production occupations, the median annual wage was $46,990. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why manufacturing salaries vary so much
The term “manufacturing worker” covers hundreds of very different jobs.
Pay can be affected by:
- technical skill;
- certifications;
- automation experience;
- industry;
- geographic location;
- union representation;
- shift schedules;
- overtime;
- responsibility for expensive equipment.
A maintenance technician working in a highly automated semiconductor plant may therefore earn far more than a general production assembler.
Manufacturing hiring remains active
Manufacturing companies continue to hire even where total employment growth is modest.
BLS reported approximately 522,000 manufacturing job openings in August 2026, including about 380,000 in durable goods manufacturing. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The same report recorded roughly 332,000 manufacturing hires during August. Bureau of Labor Statistics
FAQ
What is the average manufacturing salary in 2026?
There is no single useful salary because manufacturing includes very different occupations. Production occupations had median annual pay of about $46,990, while industrial engineers earned more than $100,000. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How much does a CNC machinist make?
Machinists had median annual wages of $58,750, while CNC programmers earned around $68,120. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How much does an industrial maintenance mechanic make?
Industrial machinery mechanics had median annual pay of approximately $64,520. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Are manufacturing jobs in demand?
BLS recorded about 522,000 manufacturing job openings in August 2026, indicating substantial ongoing demand despite relatively modest overall employment growth. Bureau of Labor Statistics