Top 15 Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components (Updated 2023)

Work with industrial machinery and its components may be incredibly rewarding and fascinating. The need for this profession has grown during the last ten years.

Industrial machinery and components manufacturers produce a wide range of goods, from engines and turbines to hand tools and pumps. These businesses typically require a high level of technical expertise, and workers in this sector often have considerable experience and training. As a result, jobs in this sector tend to be well-paid, and many workers enjoy high levels of job security.

Here are 15 of the best-paying jobs in the industrial machinery/components manufacturing sector:

Electrical engineer: $97,780
Mechanical engineer: $88, 430
Industrial engineer: $87,040
Maintenance supervisor: $85,830
Manufacturing manager: $84,810
Production manager: $80,270
Operations manager: $79,880
Supply chain manager: $79,790
Project manager: $78,770
Quality control manager: $76,380
Industrial safety and health manager: $75,860
Environmental health and safety specialist: $73,090
Plant manager: $72,750
Engineering manager: $72,540
Facilities manager: $71,940

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1. Electrical engineer: $97,780

The industrial machinery and components industry is a critical sector of the economy. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing industrial machinery, equipment, and component parts.

The products of this industry are essential to almost all other manufacturing industries. They are used in the production of a wide variety of goods, including automobiles, aircraft, farm equipment, construction machinery, metalworking machinery, woodworking machinery, textile machinery, and papermaking machinery. Many of these products are also used in the nonmanufacturing sectors of the economy, such as power generation and distribution, mining, and oil and gas extraction.

This industry is critical to the U.S. economy because it provides an essential link between manufacturing and other sectors of the economy. The products of this industry are used extensively in the construction, transportation, and utilities industries.

In 2018, there were approximately 868 establishments in the United States with paid employees in the industrial machinery/components industry. These establishments employed about 160,900 workers. The average annual payroll per employee was $97,780 in 2018.

What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

An electrical engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacture of electrical equipment such as generators, motors and radar and navigation systems. They work in a wide range of industries including power generation, transmission and distribution; building services; process control; communications; railways; medical equipment; defence; robotics; lighting; domestic appliances; aviation; motor vehicles and computing hardware development.

Duties An electrical engineer’s duties vary greatly according to their field of expertise and employers but typically involve some or all of the following:

Meeting clients or managers to discuss project requirements
Analyzing data from tests carried out on prototypes or completed products
Carrying out research into suitable solutions for a particular project Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce models or drawings
Writing reports on findings from research projects
Presenting findings to clients or senior managers
Supervising technicians or junior engineers during installation or repair work
Liaising with colleagues from other engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering on joint projects

2. Mechanical engineer: $88, 430

A mechanical engineer is responsible for the design, development, and production of mechanical devices. This can include everything from small components to large systems. In order to be successful in this career, one must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well in a team setting.

Duties of a Mechanical Engineer

The specific duties of a mechanical engineer will vary depending on the company and the project they are working on. However, there are some common duties that all mechanical engineers will perform. These include:

Designing mechanical devices using computer-aided design (CAD) software
Testing prototypes of devices to ensure they meet the required specifications
Collaborating with other engineers and professionals to create final designs overseeing the manufacturing process of products
Evaluating the performance of products and making necessary improvements

Skills Needed to Be a Mechanical Engineer

In addition to having strong problem-solving skills, there are other skills that are necessary for success as a mechanical engineer. These include:

Analytical Skills: Mechanical engineers must be able to analyze data and make sound decisions based on their findings. They must also be able to identify trends and forecast future needs.
Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for mechanical engineers as they often have to work with other professionals in order to complete projects. They must also be able to communicate their ideas clearly in order to get buy-in from others.
Organizational Skills: With so many moving parts in any given project, it is important for mechanical engineers to be organized. This includes being able to keep track of deadlines, budget, and materials needed.

3. Industrial engineer: $87,040

One of the most important tasks of an industrial engineer is to analyze systems to identify areas of improvement. This could involve anything from studying how a manufacturing plant runs to understanding how patients flow through a hospital. By understanding how a system works, industrial engineers can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that can be improved.

Designing Solutions

Once an industrial engineer has identified areas of improvement, they will then design solutions to address those issues. This could involve anything from redesigning a factory floor layout to developing a new patient intake process. The goal is always to find ways to make the system more efficient and effective.

Implementing Solutions

After designing a solution, it’s up to the industrial engineer to make sure that solution is implemented effectively. This could involve training employees on new processes or coordinating with different departments to ensure everyone is on board with the changes. The goal is always to ensure that the designed solution is actually improving the system as intended.

4. Maintenance supervisor: $85,830

The duties of a maintenance supervisor can be divided into three main categories: preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.

Preventative Maintenance: As a maintenance supervisor, one of your primary duties will be to develop and implement a preventative maintenance plan. This plan should include regular inspections of all machines and equipment, as well as routine cleaning and lubrication. By catching problems early, you can save your company time and money in the long run.

Troubleshooting: When a machine breaks down, it will be your responsibility to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. This may involve consulting with the machine’s operator, conducting your own investigation, or ordering diagnostic tests from the manufacturer. Once you have diagnosed the problem, you will need to determine whether it can be fixed on-site or if the machine will need to be sent out for repairs.

Repairs: In some cases, you will be responsible for making the repairs yourself. However, if the problem is complex or requires special tools or parts, you may need to coordinate with outside vendors to get the job done. Regardless of who makes the repairs, it will be your responsibility to ensure that they are carried out properly and that the machine is returned to service in a timely manner.

5. Manufacturing manager: $84,810

The duties of a manufacturing manager in the industrial machinery or components sector include planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of workers in the manufacturing process. They may also be responsible for quality control and maintenance of equipment. Other duties may include safety and health compliance and budgeting.

Education

Most manufacturing managers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or another related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or experience in management.

Skills

Manufacturing managers should have strong leadership skills as they will be responsible for leading and motivating workers. They should also be able to effectively communicate with other members of management and workers.

Problem-solving skills are important as manufacturing managers will need to find solutions to problems that arise during the manufacturing process. Organizational skills are also necessary as manufacturing managers will need to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines.

6. Production manager: $80,270

As a production manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the production process in an industrial setting. This includes everything from planning and scheduling to coordinating and supervising workers. You will also be responsible for ensuring that quality standards are met and that products are produced in a timely and efficient manner.

In order to be successful in this role, you will need to have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well under pressure. You must also be able to multitask and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also essential, as you will be working closely with other members of the production team.

7. Operations manager: $79,880

Operations managers in industrial machinery/components are responsible for ensuring that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and efficiently. They develop production schedules, oversee the use of resources, monitor quality control, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Additionally, operations managers may be responsible for training and supervising employees, as well as developing and implementing policies and procedures.

Education and Training Requirements

Most operations manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. However, some jobs may only require a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Additionally, many operations managers have several years of experience working in management or a related field before being promoted to a managerial position.

Operations managers must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think critically to identify issues and find solutions quickly. They must also be able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization. Additionally, operations managers need to be detail-oriented and organized so that they can keep track of various moving parts and ensure that everything is running smoothly.

8. Supply chain manager: $79,790

A supply chain manager’s duties can vary depending on the size and scope of the organization they work for. However, there are some common duties and responsibilities that are typically associated with the role, such as:

Developing and implementing supply chain strategies
Identifying and resolving bottlenecks and issues
Negotiating contracts with suppliers
Managing and motivating team members
Developing relationships with key stakeholders

In addition to these duties, a supply chain manager also needs to have a strong understanding of data analysis and be able to use various software programs to track inventory levels, monitor supplier performance, and more.

Is This the Right Career for You?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in supply chain management, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, this is a highly competitive field, so you’ll need to have a strong educational background, preferably in business or logistics.

Additionally, supply chain management is a fast-paced field, so you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions. Finally, because you’ll be dealing with people all over the world, it’s helpful if you’re proficient in another language.

9. Project manager: $78,770

A project manager in the industrial machinery/components industry is responsible for overseeing the development and production of machinery and components. This includes managing teams of engineers and technicians, developing schedules and budgets, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

In order to be successful in this role, it is important to have strong problem-solving and communication skills. You must also be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

10. Quality control manager: $76,380

The average quality control manager in the industrial machinery and components industry earns $76,380 per year, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a quality control manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that the products your company manufactures meet all quality standards.

This will involve developing and implementing quality control procedures, conducting regular inspections of finished products, and training other workers on proper quality control procedures. In addition, you may also be responsible for investigating customer complaints and coordinating efforts to correct any defects. To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills.

11. Industrial safety and health manager: $75,860

An industrial safety and health manager is responsible for ensuring that a company’s workplace meets all safety and health regulations. They develop and implement safety policies, conduct safety audits, and investigate accidents. They also work with other departments to ensure that hazards are properly controlled. In addition, they often serve as a resource for employees, providing training on safety procedures and accident prevention.

Industrial safety and health managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health or a related field. Some companies may prefer candidates with experience in a particular industry, such as manufacturing or construction. Industrial safety and health managers must be able to effectively communicate with workers of all levels and have strong problem-solving skills. They must also be able to stay calm in stressful situations.

12. Environmental health and safety specialist: $73,090

Environmental health and safety specialists are responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with environmental regulations. They may conduct audits, inspect facilities, and develop environmental management systems. They also develop and implement health and safety programs, train employees on proper safety procedures, and investigate accidents.

In addition, they keep abreast of new environmental regulations and advise businesses on how to comply with them. Environmental health and safety specialists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Some positions may require certification from a professional organization such as the National Environmental Health Association or the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

13. Plant manager: $72,750

A plant manager in the industrial machinery/components industry is responsible for overseeing the production of goods at a manufacturing plant. They ensure that products are made efficiently and on time, while also meeting quality standards.

Plant managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and experience working in management or production. In this role, they may oversee a team of supervisors who oversee individual production lines.

The plant manager is responsible for ensuring that the plant runs smoothly and efficiently, and that products meet quality standards. They may also be responsible for troubleshooting production problems and developing new ways to improve efficiency. In addition, plant managers typically develop budgets and track costs, as well as monitor compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

14. Engineering manager: $72,540

Engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of engineers and other technical personnel. They work in a variety of industries, including architectural and engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and the federal government. In large organizations, engineering managers typically specialize in a particular type of engineering, such as electrical or mechanical engineering. In smaller organizations, they may be responsible for all types of engineering activities.

Engineering managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and several years of experience as an engineer. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or a professional engineer’s license. Engineering managers typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. However, they may occasionally work evenings or weekends to attend meetings or oversee projects.

Engineering managers typically work in office settings, but they may also visit construction sites or other locations to observe operations or problems firsthand.

15. Facilities manager: $71,940

As a facilities manager, you would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a company’s buildings and grounds. This would include ensuring that the property is clean and safe, overseeing repairs and renovations, and handling the logistics of event planning and space utilization.

You would also be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures related to security, fire safety, and disaster preparedness. In addition, you would be responsible for managing a team of custodial, maintenance, and security staff. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. A bachelor’s degree in facilities management or a related field is typically required for this position.

Josh Hutcheson

E-Learning Specialist in Online Programs & Courses Linkedin