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25 of the Highest Paying Manufacturing Manager Jobs in 2023

The best Manufacturing Manager jobs can pay up to $179,500 per year.

The job duties of a manufacturing manager include working to oversee the production process for a company in a manufacturing facility. Your responsibilities may involve managing the use of equipment and employee operations. You may be in charge of a single department or oversee the entire operation in a production plant. You are typically responsible for setting up the equipment, managing the workflow for a production project, and ensuring efficiency during the process. You are also responsible for supervising staff and delegating to production floor managers when necessary.

The qualifications that you need to start a career as a manufacturing manager include management skills, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and a college degree. Most employers expect manufacturing managers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related subject. You may also need knowledge or experience working the specific area of production. For example, a manufacturing manager who wants to work in a consumer goods plant should have experience in such a setting via an internship or work experience.

High Paying Manufacturing Manager Jobs

  • Director of Manufacturing Operations

    The majority of Director of Manufacturing Operations salaries across the United States currently range between $130,000 (25th percentile) and $179,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Director of Manufacturing Operations job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

  • Manufacturing Plant Manager

    Manufacturing plant managers oversee the daily operations of a manufacturing production facility. As a manufacturing plant manager, you manage a team of supervisors as well as the workers on the production line. Your duties include planning production schedules, identifying productivity goals, and monitoring processes to ensure efficiency in the manufacturing process. To achieve your department goals, you collaborate with your line supervisors, the sales and operations departments, and other managers or executives.

  • Manufacturing Finance Manager

    The majority of Manufacturing Finance Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $95,000 (25th percentile) and $132,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Manufacturing Finance Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Plant Operations Manager

    The majority of Plant Operations Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $132,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Plant Operations Manager job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.

  • Manufacturing Operations Manager

    As a manufacturing operations manager, your job is to oversee the production of products at a manufacturing facility. In this role, you manage the repair schedule for machinery and ensure that all employees follow safety guidelines. You also keep tabs on inventory levels to ensure production can continue with few or no interruptions. This is primarily a management position, but because you may need to train new hires, familiarity with all manufacturing equipment and processes at your facility is helpful for this role. Manufacturing operations managers often help set work schedules, review financial statements, coordinate with other managerial staff, and provide strategic input for executives.

  • Plant General Manager

    The majority of Plant General Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $128,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Plant General Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Senior Mechanical Project Manager

    The majority of Senior Mechanical Project Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $96,500 (25th percentile) and $124,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Mechanical Project Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

  • Mechanical Superintendent

    The majority of Mechanical Superintendent salaries across the United States currently range between $76,000 (25th percentile) and $121,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Mechanical Superintendent job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

  • Chemical Plant Manager

    The majority of Chemical Plant Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $65,000 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Chemical Plant Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Plant Production Manager

    The majority of Plant Production Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $110,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Plant Production Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Factory Manager

    A factory manager supervises the daily production operations at a factory, plant, or other manufacturing or industrial facility. As a factory manager, your primary responsibility is to delegate tasks to employees so that each project runs smoothly. Specific job duties include hiring and training employees, ensuring the team maintains the production schedule efficiently, working closely with upper management to report on each project, and managing budgets and goals. Performing quality checks on finished products and equipment is also a major part of your job. Ultimately, you are the person responsible for safety and health regulations pertaining to the workplace and employees.

  • Assistant Plant Manager

    The majority of Assistant Plant Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $53,500 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Assistant Plant Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Senior Production Manager

    The majority of Senior Production Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $96,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Production Manager job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

  • Production Control Manager

    A production control manager oversees day-to-day production activities and works to boost sales, efficiency, and labor productivity. As a production control manager, your duties involve managing production staff, coordinating machine repairs and maintenance, ensuring the project budget is met, and developing safety programs. Positions are most common with manufacturing and supply chain companies. A career as a production control manager typically requires at least an associate degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field, along with extensive experience in a factory setting. Some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree and prior management experience. Additional qualifications include strong interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as knowledge of the industry.

  • Fabrication Manager

    The job of a fabrication manager is to monitor production output, supervise staff, and ensure that products meet customer specifications and quality expectations. Responsibilities include managing inventory, ordering materials, increasing the efficiency of operations and scheduling production. They ensure the shop stays on schedule and within budget. A fabrication manager should understand and enforce safety, quality control, and production expectations. Other duties involve developing or improving the training program, hiring new employees, and overseeing day-to-day operations.

  • Industrial Production Manager

    As an industrial production manager, your responsibilities are to oversee the daily operations of a manufacturing plant. Your duties include developing and managing quality assurance procedures, educating workers on proper safety procedures, ensuring their adherence, analyzing production, and making improvements to meet goals. You are also responsible for conducting basic inspections on machinery and contacting repair personnel when necessary. You also meet with managers of other departments to update them on production processes and communicate about tasks that relate to production and the primary business and its goals. Since this is a management role, you need several years of experience to qualify.

  • Finishing Department Supervisor

    Salary range: $80,000-$80,000 per year

    A finishing department is a team at a woodworking, manufacturer, or paint shop that handles the final touches of the production of a product, such as the sanding, staining, glazing, or painting. As a finishing department supervisor, you oversee this department. Your responsibilities are to ensure the efficiency and safety of your personnel, maintain the quality of the product you are completing, and ensure your department meets production goals for the company. Your day-to-day duties as a finishing department supervisor are to set up the employees’ schedule, perform training for new employees or assign specific staff to perform the training, and generally manage the department.

  • Production Supervisor

    As a production supervisor, your job is to oversee the process of creating a product for your organization. This could include acting as a producer for a TV show or film, manufacturing physical goods, or overseeing a project to manufacture a unique machine or device that your company needs. Regardless of the form that production takes, production supervisors ensure coordination between all relevant groups and ensure they complete the final product on-time and within its set budget. The other details of this job vary by position, but they typically include providing work direction, communicating overall priorities, determining whether or not additional training or staff are necessary, and resolving any issues that occur during production.

  • Asphalt Plant Operator

    An asphalt plant operator manages equipment that sends hot mix asphalt materials through a mixing drum and into a storage silo until it is time to be loaded into trucks. As an asphalt plant operator, you collaborate with the quality control department to inspect each batch of product to ensure a quality mix is produced. Your job duties also include assisting the plant foreman with material ordering, inventory management, plant maintenance, and record keeping. Asphalt plant operators maintain safety policies and all necessary paperwork, and need to communicate with road crews, truck drivers, dispatchers, and other coworkers. Some positions may require you to train and supervise asphalt workers and other general laborers.

  • Coating Manager

    A coating manager oversees painting and powder coating operations. As a coating manager, your responsibilities include planning and scheduling work, staffing and budgeting jobs, as well as directing process development, quality assurance, and cost control measures. Other duties include assessing employee performance, conducting routine maintenance of equipment, and ensuring workplace safety. Coating managers work in a variety of industries, including infrastructure, painting, and production, and jobs include powder coating manager, paint coating manager, top coating manager, and industrial coating manager. Typical qualifications for the career include at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and several years of experience as a coater. Helpful skills include excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as strong leadership ability and attention to detail.

  • Working Foreman

    A working foreman is a person who oversees daily operations for a construction project in a manufacturing facility or other production business. Your job duties include staffing, developing schedules, making daily inspections of the facility, and handling any complaints or customer service issues. You work under a supervisor to carry out all policies and regulations. Qualifications for this career include a high school diploma or GED certificate and significant construction experience. You also need strong leadership and organizational skills. Some working foremen earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a similar field.

  • Assistant Production Manager

    An assistant production manager works in manufacturing to improve productivity and meet production quotas. You can also find this job in other fields, such as retail and healthcare. Your responsibilities in this career include streamlining the manufacturing process to optimize performance and identify bottlenecks in the production. You also supervise workers and the operation of equipment. Your duties may also involve employee safety requirements for manufacturing positions. As the assistant product manager, you play a pivotal role in maintaining the budget and schedule of the production of products. Depending on the size of the operation, you may oversee the entire process from the order to fulfillment, or you may focus on a specific part of it.

  • Concrete Batch Plant Operator

    A concrete batch plant operator oversees the machinery used in the mixing of concrete and other materials, such as aggregates and slag, typically used in construction projects. The operator’s duties include calibrating machines; setting the mixing rates, unit weights, volumes, and yields to customer or factory specifications; monitoring the mixing process; and performing quality assurance tests during and after the batching operations. Other responsibilities for a concrete batch plant operator include ensuring the order is prepared for transport in a ready-mix truck and delivered on time and documenting daily production reports

  • Plant Operator

    A plant operator oversees the day-to-day operations of an industrial plant. As a plant operator, you operate different types of machinery and equipment from a control room. You might specialize in a specific type of machinery and work on one part of the process, or you might be a generalist who works on different machines in all parts of the process. Plant operators work in many industries such as the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, utilities and power plants.

  • Bulk Plant Operator

    As a bulk plant operator, you work in an industrial environment to supervise plant processes, ensure adequate inventory of materials, oversee maintenance of machines and parts, manage employees and staff, confirm organizational adherence to safety and regulatory protocols, coordinate work activities, and fill in for employees as necessary. Responsibilities can also include those of a purchasing coordinator, so you may communicate with suppliers, negotiate costs and delivery schedules, and perform other administrative duties. You can find bulk plant operator jobs in the oil and gas industries, food supply and production companies, industrial organizations, and more.