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Manufacturing Cost Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Manufacturing Cost Engineer is responsible for analyzing, benchmarking, and improving manufacturing costs across multiple production linesat TRUMPF Inc.'s main manufacturing location in ...

Production Cost Analyst

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$59.38 - $68.75/hr

... manufacturing operations. This engagement is ideal for someone who is detail oriented and can ... clear cost analysis findings, summaries, and recommendations for leadership. • Incorporate ...

Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Burlington, NC · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances; work with production to identify root causes ... Prior experience in manufacturing accounting or cost analysis strongly preferred. * Experience in ...

Position Summary The Plant Cost Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting manufacturing and operational costs to support effective decision-making at the plant level. This role ...

Position Summary The Plant Cost Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting manufacturing and operational costs to support effective decisionmaking at the plant level. This role ...

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Manufacturing Cost Analyst information

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$70.5K

$86.3K

$106.5K

How much do manufacturing cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing cost analyst in the United States is $86,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manufacturing Cost Analyst do?

A Manufacturing Cost Analyst is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the costs associated with manufacturing processes. They analyze production expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and help improve operational efficiency. Their work involves preparing cost reports, tracking budgets, and collaborating with various departments to ensure accurate financial data. By understanding the cost drivers, they assist management in making informed decisions that can enhance profitability.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Cost Analyst vs Cost Accountant?

AspectManufacturing Cost AnalystCost Accountant
Primary FocusAnalyzing manufacturing costs, identifying cost-saving opportunitiesRecording, classifying, and reporting all costs for financial statements
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilitiesAccounting departments, corporate offices
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or AccountingBachelor's in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA often preferred
Industry UsageManufacturing, production companiesAll industries with financial reporting needs

While both roles involve cost analysis, the Manufacturing Cost Analyst primarily focuses on manufacturing costs and process improvements within production environments. In contrast, the Cost Accountant handles comprehensive cost recording and financial reporting across various departments. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Cost Analyst, and why are they important?

A Manufacturing Cost Analyst needs a strong background in accounting, finance, and cost analysis, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Proficiency in ERP systems (like SAP), Excel, and data analysis tools, as well as certifications such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant), are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help analysts provide actionable insights and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for accurately tracking production costs, optimizing budgets, and supporting strategic decision-making in manufacturing environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by Manufacturing Cost Analysts, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Cost Analysts often encounter challenges such as accurately tracking production costs, managing data from multiple sources, and communicating findings to non-financial stakeholders. To address these, it's important to develop strong collaboration skills with production, engineering, and finance teams, as well as proficiency in ERP and cost accounting software. Staying proactive about process improvements and regularly reviewing costing methods can help ensure accuracy and drive cost-saving initiatives.
More about Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs
What states have the most Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs? For Manufacturing Cost Analyst jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Cost Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,295 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Cost Analyst (Manufacturing)

National Carwash Solutions

Grimes, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

National Carwash Solutions has grown over the past 50 years to become North America’s largest equipment, service, and cleaning solutions provider in the car wash industry. Our world-class brands are backed by the largest service network in the country. Come join us for an extraordinary career in a high-growing, team-oriented company! 

Position Summary 

The Cost Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and improving manufacturing costs across multiple production facilities. This role partners closely with plant operations, supply chain, and finance leadership to ensure accurate, consistent product costing and actionable financial insights across sites. The position plays a critical role in driving cost transparency, operational efficiency, and margin improvement in a complex, multiplant manufacturing environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Cost Accounting & Analysis 

  • Develop, maintain, and govern standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead across multiple manufacturing locations. 
  • Perform detailed cost and variance analysis by plant, product line, and cost center; identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities. 
  • Analyze and explain interplant cost differences, efficiencies, and capacity utilization. 
  • Support month-end and year-end close activities related to inventory, manufacturing costs, and COGS for all facilities. 

Operational & Strategic Support 

  • Partner with plant managers, operations leadership, and engineering teams at multiple sites to drive cost reduction, productivity, and process improvements. 
  • Support make/buy decisions, interplant sourcing strategies, and footprint optimization analyses. 
  • Develop cost models for new products, transfers between plants, and manufacturing process changes. 
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning at both the plant and consolidated manufacturing level. 
  • Monitor inventory valuation, excess and obsolete inventory, and reserve recommendations across all locations. 

Reporting, Systems & Governance 

  • Create standardized cost reporting, KPIs, and dashboards to enable consistent performance measurement across plants. 
  • Ensure costing methodologies, policies, and procedures are consistently applied across all facilities. 
  • Maintain data integrity within ERP systems and support system implementations, upgrades, or plant integrations. 
  • Document and enforce internal controls and cost accounting practices in compliance with GAAP and company policies. 

Leadership & CrossFunctional Collaboration 

  • Serve as a manufacturing cost accounting subject matter expert for multiplant operations. 
  • Act as the primary finance liaison for assigned plants while supporting enterprise-wide manufacturing initiatives. 
  • Mentor and review work of junior analysts or plant-level finance staff, as applicable. 
  • Collaborate with FP&A, supply chain, procurement, operations, and executive leadership. 
Qualifications 

Education 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required 
  • MBA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred 

Experience 

  • 3–5+ years of progressive cost accounting or financial analysis experience in a manufacturing environment 
  • Demonstrated experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants or complex operations 
  • Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, and manufacturing KPIs 
  • ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Dynamics, or similar) 

Skills & Competencies 

  • Advanced Excel skills; BI/reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) preferred 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities 
  • Ability to communicate financial results clearly to plant and non-finance leadership 
  • Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites in a fast-paced environment 

Working Conditions 

  • Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments
  • Periodic travel to manufacturing sites expected
  • Sitting at a computer for long periods of time

    Grow your career supported by an energized and passionate team, professional development, training, flexibility and opportunities for advancement. We offer competitive wages and benefits including comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, matching 401(k), paid time off and more. 
    National Carwash Solutions is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status.