Production Associate Career Path

Production Associate Career Path

Are you looking for a great entry level position in the manufacturing industry? If you are still looking for information, you’ve come to the right spot. Find out how to become a production associate, what the salary looks like, the skills and requirements, and much more by reading below.  

Here at NCW, we’re always looking for someone to get the job done, but we’re here to help you along the way.  

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production associate job openings in the U.S. based on job postings
0 %
projected job growth from 2018-2028

Dallas, TX

city with the highest demand for production associates

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Here are a few production associate skill requirements, let’s see if you check all the boxes:

Flexible work style

Being flexible and having the ability to work in a team environment while still being able to complete work independently.

Safety is a top priority

Must adhere to safety standards and prioritize safety daily.

Efficiency

Follow directions and work efficiently within the production schedules.
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Welder Job Overview

We think you have what it takes to be a Production Associate… do you?

Production associates are a vital piece of the manufacturing equation. In this role, you will assist senior colleagues by ensuring materials are available and ready for use according to the production schedule. 

Key requirements to be a great production associate:

Keep an eye out for changes – every job posting is different, and every employer has their own preferences for production associates. Roles and responsibilities in every production associate job description likely include:   

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Attention to detail

Paying attention to details while inspecting products for quality and keeping written records and reports accurate.

Previous manufacturing experience

not always required, but often preferred by employers as a plus. Mention this when applying!

Clean and neat workspace

Keeping a clean and neat workspace to ensure efficiency and safety on the job.

Equipment & tool maintenance

In this role you may be required to schedule repairs and maintain equipment and tools.

Unsure of next steps to become a Sales Engineer? We’ve got you:

Getting Started
A Few Years In
Ramping Up
The Future

Production Associate Career Path

Starting out is simple since there are few requirements to become a production associate. Most companies require the worker to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Beyond this requirement, job-specific training is done onsite.

Production Associate Skills

Outside of expected soft skills, employees will receive on-the-job training that may include process overviews, learning specific role tasks and assignments, written and oral exams, and shadowing colleagues to see everything in action.

Gathering Certifications

some production associate roles may require certifications depending on the facility in which you work. For example, food production facilities may require you to come in with a HACCP- Hazard analysis certification. Usually required certifications are funded and organized by the employer.

Progressing Your Career

Professional organizations offer development and networking opportunities with other professionals in your field. Joining an organization shows you are committed to your profession and actively committed to your career development. A few sales engineering organizations are listed below: National Sales Network (NSN), North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE), & National Society of Sales Engineers (NSSE)

Here are some trends we’ve noticed in the manufacturing industry:

It’s important to keep up to date with trends relating to production associates and the manufacturing industry to best understand the outlook for your potential career. So, we did the digging and fact checking for you.   

01

Production Associate Trends

E-commerce and online shopping sales in the U.S. are expected to continue increasing. The steady increase will only demand more manufacturing workers. Learn more about production associate trends here to see what potential career paths are out there for you!

02

Trends in Manufacturing Industry

In an outlook report published by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), there will be 2.1 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by the year 2030. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right talent for skilled manufacturing positions especially when training programs take months or years to complete and further licensing or certifications is required.  

03

Related jobs

Look out for these related titles:  

  • Warehouse Associate  
  • Machine Operator  
  • Production Worker 
  • Production Team Lead 
  • Production Assembler 
  • Production Manager 
  • Production Supervisor 

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So, how much can you earn?

Let's Talk Production Associate Salary

A production associate’s salary can range between $39,150-$50,260 based on factors like certifications, years of experience, and additional skills according to Salary.com. We know that’s a big range, and we know how daunting it can feel starting out. 

Here’s the break down:   

U.S. average production associate salary is $44,140 

Bottom 10% of workers will make an annual salary of $34,607 

Top 90% of workers will make an annual salary of $55,832 

These eight cities are the highest paying for production associates based on data from Indeed.com: 

  1. New York, New York- $56,121 
  2. Fremont, California- $52,629 
  3. Sparks, Nevada- $46,104 
  4. Reno, Neveda- $45,591  
  5. Greer, South Carolina- $44,759 
  6. Spartanburg, South Carolina- $44,056 
  7. Maryville, Tennessee- $40,461 
  8. Indianapolis, Indiana- $39,701 

Want to see how much you could earn in a production associate role? Reach out today to speak with a recruiter!

Unsure of next steps to become an Production Associate?

We're Here to Help!

NCW Warehouse Worker

Let us show you why NCW should be a part of your journey to becoming a manufacturing hire:

We specialize in helping production associate professionals find their dream role. Do you have experience in manufacturing, production, or warehouse work? Even if you don’t, but you want to get started, we are here to help you find your next job as a production associate. Have another specialty? Don’t worry, we do more than hire for production associate jobs, so let us know how we can help you.   

Our recruiters have years of experience working with top talent, just like you. Our goal is to get to know you, understand your aspirations, chat through your experience, and connect you with a position that aligns with your wants and needs.   

Connect to Opportunitiy

Our team puts your resume directly in front of hiring managers' eyes.

Expanded Network

NCW expands your network to uncover opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

By Your Side

Our recruiters prep you for the interview process and guide you through every step of the way.
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