Career Spotlight: Manufacturing

Is manufacturing a good career? Most definitely.

In Lake County, Illinois, it generates more than $48 billion in economic output each year, reports Lake County Partners. It also employs 1 in 7 private-sector workers.

People who have the right skills and education are in high demand for these jobs. That’s because employers need workers.

In January 2024, U.S. manufacturers had 622,000 open jobs, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). In the next 10 years, 4 million employees will be needed.

Find your manufacturing program at CLC

Do manufacturing jobs pay well?

Yes, you can make good money in this field. In 2021, the average annual wage for a high-skilled factory job was $79,409, states the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. This was 11.7% higher than other jobs in the state on average. And most workers were eligible for health insurance benefits, says NAM.

In addition, manufacturing is not the dirty job of old. In Lake County, companies mostly make pharmaceutical, plastic and medical products, reports Lake County Partners. 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 it a job just for men. In Lake County, 41% of employees are women.

This work 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. 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 and qualify for the highest-paying factory jobs, you need special skills. In fact, more than a third of these jobs need more than a high school education, states the Illinois Manufacturers' Association.

College of Lake County (CLC) helps you prepare for a career in this field. It offers many degrees and career certificates for in-demand 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. 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 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