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Manufacturing Cost Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inventory Control & Cost Analyst Join a growth minded, family owned manufacturer, focus on building benchmark and custom Industrial Electronical Mechanical Water Treatment, Food Processing, and Food ...

Cost Analyst

Chillicothe, OH · On-site

$70 - $80K/hr

Cost Analyst Client is seeking a Cost Analyst to assist with cost accounting, inventory analysis ... Established manufacturing organization with a long-standing presence in its industry

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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.

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Senior Plant Cost Analyst
Location: Scottsboro, Alabama
Schedule: Full-time | On-site Monday-Friday
Position Overview
The Senior Plant Cost Analyst plays a key operational and strategic role supporting a manufacturing facility as part of the operations leadership team. This position directly influences plant performance by driving financial visibility, enabling data-driven decision-making, and improving operational profitability.
The role is responsible for leading financial processes that strengthen cost structure, support capital investment analysis, improve operational discipline, and identify performance improvement opportunities across the plant.
This opportunity is ideal for a finance professional who enjoys working closely with operations, improving processes, and making a visible impact on business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Drive Operational Performance
  • Partner with plant leadership to provide accurate, timely, and actionable financial insights.
  • Conduct operational performance analysis to identify cost drivers, inefficiencies, and variance trends.
  • Develop and enhance plant financial KPIs to improve accountability and operational alignment.
Financial Management & Execution
  • Lead capital expenditure and expense tracking to ensure projects meet financial goals and timelines.
  • Analyze and forecast facility spending while supporting disciplined cost management initiatives.
  • Manage monthly forecasting processes and annual operating plans.
  • Oversee month-end and year-end close activities, including reconciliations and variance analysis.
Cost Accounting & Profitability Improvement
  • Support development and optimization of Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and costing standards.
  • Partner with operations teams to identify cost-reduction opportunities, productivity gains, and working capital improvements.
  • Support procurement initiatives that impact overall cost structure and profitability.
Process & Systems Improvement
  • Design and improve financial processes that support scalable manufacturing operations.
  • Collaborate with IT and operational teams to troubleshoot ERP/system issues and support SAP integration efforts.
  • Streamline financial data workflows and reporting processes.
Growth & Expansion
  • Provide support to additional manufacturing facilities as responsibilities expand across the platform.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting required.
  • 7+ years of accounting or finance experience with at least 2 years in manufacturing cost accounting.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities.
  • Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
  • Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
  • Experience with forecasting, budgeting, and financial close processes.
  • Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing plant environments.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Stable work history and ability to interact with multiple levels of the organization.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10 days annually).
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary: $85,000 - $110,000
  • Full benefits package
  • Full-time position
  • Interview travel reimbursement available