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Production

Production Occupations

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The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about production occupations:

Production workers in this group operate machines and other equipment to assemble goods or distribute energy.

Overall employment in production occupations is projected to decline 2 percent from 2021 to 2031, resulting in a decrease of about 163,600 jobs over the decade. Despite declining employment, opportunities are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 989,900 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from replacement needs.

The median annual wage for this group was $37,710 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

(Source: bls.gov)

Production Jobs

Below you will find a list of production positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.

OccupationJob SummaryEntry-Level Education2021 Median Pay
Assemblers and FabricatorsAssemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them.High school diploma or equivalent$37,170
BakersBakers mix ingredients according to recipes in order to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods.No formal educational credential$29,750
ButchersButchers cut, trim, and package meat for retail sale.No formal educational credential$36,050
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance TechniciansDental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices.High school diploma or equivalent$39,090
Food and Tobacco Processing WorkersFood processing equipment workers operate machinery that mixes, cooks, or processes ingredients for manufacturing food products.High school diploma or equivalent$35,430
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal WorkersJewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, construct, adjust, repair, appraise and sell jewelry.High school diploma or equivalent$46,640
Machinists and Tool and Die MakersMachinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.High school diploma or equivalent$47,940
Metal and Plastic Machine WorkersMetal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.High school diploma or equivalent$38,040
Painting and Coating WorkersPainting and coating workers paint and coat a wide range of products, often with the use of machines.High school diploma or equivalent$38,670
Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and DispatchersPower plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.High school diploma or equivalent$94,790
Quality Control InspectorsQuality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.High school diploma or equivalent$38,580
Stationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsStationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment.High school diploma or equivalent$63,500
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System OperatorsWater and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.High school diploma or equivalent$47,880
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and BrazersWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.High school diploma or equivalent$47,010
WoodworkersWoodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates.High school diploma or equivalent$36,710

(Source: bls.gov)

Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers

Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!

  1. Accomplishments
  2. Adaptability
  3. Admission
  4. Behavioral
  5. Career Change
  6. Career Goals
  7. Communication
  8. Competency
  9. Conflict Resolution
  10. Creative Thinking
  11. Cultural Fit
  12. Customer Service
  13. Direct
  14. Experience
  15. Government
  16. Graduate
  17. Growth Potential
  18. Honesty & Integrity
  19. Illegal
  20. Inappropriate
  21. Job Satisfaction
  22. Leadership
  23. Management
  24. Entry-Level & No experience
  25. Performance-Based
  26. Personal
  27. Prioritization & Time Management
  28. Problem-solving
  29. Salary
  30. Situational & Scenario-based
  31. Stress Management
  32. Teamwork
  33. Telephone Interview
  34. Tough
  35. Uncomfortable
  36. Work Ethic

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