How much does a factory helper make?

In the US, pay can differ with experience and useful machine or quality-checking skills, the factory’s industry or employer, and local demand and living costs. Night shifts or overtime may add pay at some workplaces, depending on the employer.

Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment. Apprentice workers are classified in the appropriate production occupations (51-0000).

What's a typical day like?

They bring parts and tools to the line, load or unload machines, and keep the work area clean. They watch equipment, count and inspect finished items, and tell the operator if something looks wrong.

In the US, a high-school diploma or GED is common but not always needed; employers train helpers on the job, usually without a license, exam, or apprenticeship. Federal law bars most factory work before 16 and some hazardous machine jobs before 18.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

At some factories, a helper may mix ingredients according to a formula—not just carry parts or clean!