Career Spotlight: Manufacturing

Is manufacturing a good career? Most definitely.

In Lake County, Illinois, manufacturing generates more than $48 billion¹ in economic output each year. It also employs 1 in 7² private-sector workers.

People who have the right skills and education are in high demand for manufacturing jobs. That’s because manufacturing is short of workers.

In January 2024, U.S. manufacturers had 622,000³ open jobs. And in the next 10 years, they’ll likely need 4 million⁴ workers.

Find your manufacturing program at CLC

Do manufacturing jobs pay well?

Yes, you can make good money in manufacturing. In 2021, the average annual wage for a high-skilled manufacturing job in Illinois was $79,409⁵. This was 11.7% higher than other jobs in the state on average. Plus, most workers⁶ in manufacturing were eligible for health insurance benefits.

In addition, manufacturing is not the dirty job of old. In Lake County, most manufacturing⁷ is done for pharmaceutical, plastic and medical products. Manufacturing today relies on advanced technologies like automation, robotics, computers, software, sensors and networks. It also may be done in clean-room environments.

Nor is manufacturing a job just for men. In Lake County, 41%⁸ of manufacturing employees are women.

Like any work, a manufacturing job can be hard at times. But, with the right skills and education, you can get a high-paying job with a good future.

What kind of jobs can I do in manufacturing?

Many different jobs exist in manufacturing. Some of the most in-demand jobs involve:

• Welding and fabrication technology – welder, fabricator, finishing technician, welder fitter, MIG welder, TIG welder, braze operator, machine operator, spot welder.
• Industrial technology – mechanical maintenance technician, electrical maintenance technician, industrial maintenance technician, industrial engineering technician, electrical or electronics technician.
• Precision machining technology – CNC setup technician, CNC programming technician, CNC operating technician, machinist, tool and machine setter for cutting, drilling, milling, forging, extruding and grinding.
• Electrical engineering technology – electrical technologist, electronic equipment assembler, electronic equipment repairer, electromechanical equipment assembler.
• Mechanical engineering technology – electro-mechanical technician, mechatronic technician, inspector, mechanical drafter, industrial machinery mechanic.
• Automation, robotics, mechatronics – mechatronics technician, robotics technician, automation technician, maintenance and repair technician, mechanical systems technician.
• CAD drafting technology – mechanical designer, engineering technician, civil drafter, architectural drafter.
• Supply chain management – logistics analyst, shipping and receiving specialist, data warehousing specialist, sourcing specialist.
• Forklift operator

How do I start a career in manufacturing?

To start a career in manufacturing and qualify for the highest-paying factory jobs, you need special skills. In fact, more than a third⁹ of manufacturing jobs in Illinois need more than a high school education.

College of Lake County (CLC) helps you prepare for a career in manufacturing. It offers many degrees and career certificates for in-demand manufacturing jobs. Some short-term certificates take one semester to complete so you can begin a career fast. You also can stack certificates to build your expertise over time.

Money is available to help you earn a career certificate in manufacturing. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides funding. Adult students taking high school diploma and ESL classes at CLC also get help covering these costs.

Scholarships can help fund your CLC manufacturing education. These include the Metallica Scholars Initiative and the Community Project Advanced Technologies Scholarship. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn.

CLC manufacturing classes are held online and in-person at the Grayslake campus, Lakeshore campus in Waukegan, and the Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee.

Find your manufacturing program at CLC

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Sources:

¹ Lake County Partners. (2022, August 11). NEW IMA Study Highlights Lake County’s Manufacturing Strength. https://www.lakecountypartners.com/new-ima-economic-impact-study-highlights-lake-countys-manufacturing-strength/
² Lake County Partners advanced manufacturing landing page. (n.d.). https://info.lakecountypartners.com/advanced-manufacturing-landing-page
³ National Association of Manufacturers. (2024, March 31). Facts about Manufacturing - NAM. NAM. https://nam.org/manufacturing-in-the-united-states/facts-about-manufacturing-expanded/#workershortage
⁴National Association of Manufacturers. (2024, March 31).
⁵ University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business. (2022). Illinois Manufacturers’ Association: The Economic Impact of Manufacturing on Illinois. Retrieved April 1, 2024, from https://ima-net.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMAEconomicImpactOfManufacturingOnIllinois2022.pdf. Page 10.
⁶ National Association of Manufacturers. (2024b, March 31).
⁷ Lake County Partners. (2022, August 11).
⁸ Lake County Partners advanced manufacturing landing page. (n.d.).
⁹ University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business. (2022). Illinois Manufacturers’ Association: The Economic Impact of Manufacturing on Illinois. Retrieved April 1, 2024. Page 31.