With the national unemployment rate at a low 4%, it has become a candidate’s market.

Keeping this in mind, when searching for talent in the manufacturing industry, companies must prepare to meet candidate pay expectations to recruit and retain their workforce.

Here are a few common manufacturing positions and their corresponding national salary averages based on current Glassdoor reports.

• Manufacturing Associates include entry-level and semi-skilled machine operators on first-line production. The national salary average for these employees is $39,796 – approximately $19 per hour!
• Skilled Machinists include lathers, CNC Machinists, and similar positions that require extensive training or certifications. The national salary average for these employees is $42,188.
• Maintenance Technicians are certified or have working knowledge/ experience in diagnostics and repair of production and distribution equipment. The national salary average for these employees is $43,110.
• Production Supervisors include first-line or department supervisory roles such as shift leads, first-line supervisors. The national salary average for these employees is $59,343.