How much does a factory worker make?

In the U.S., experience, useful skills or credentials, and harder or more responsible tasks can raise a production worker’s pay. The factory’s industry and location matter too, and some employers add premiums for night shifts or overtime.

All production workers not listed separately. Excludes “Packers and Packagers, Hand” (53-7064).

What's a typical day like?

A factory shift might involve running a machine that makes part of a product, then checking the pieces for quality. Some workers also package finished goods for shipping, and exact tasks depend on the plant.

A usual route in the U.S. is to finish high school or its equivalent, then apply to a plant; related experience is usually not required. New hires learn the plant’s process through moderate-term on-the-job training.

This job title is a catch-all: in the U.S., it groups production workers whose specific jobs aren’t listed separately.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.