10 of the Most Popular Types of Production Operations Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Production Operations jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Production Operations Jobs

• Production Manager

  Salary range: $56,000 - $80,500

  A production manager in a manufacturing facility is responsible for ensuring all equipment is in working order, as well as procuring materials and parts necessary to keep the facility functioning. You supervise workers and assistant managers to ensure productivity. Production managers in the film and TV industry perform a different function, where they deal with the financial aspects of a production, as well as logistical details like ensuring travel arrangements for the crew and cast.

• Entry Level Machine Operator

  Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500

  Entry Level Machine Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Factory Worker

  Salary range: $32,000 - $37,500

  The duties and responsibilities of a factory worker vary depending on the purpose of the factory. As a factory worker, you take part in at least one aspect of the manufacturing or production process. The different steps needed to produce a product are collectively called a production line. A factory worker may use machinery or perform manual tasks as part of the line. Some factory workers monitor output, pack or sort finished products, or assess the quality of manufactured goods. You may also be trained to do multiple jobs on the line.

• Manufacturing

  Salary range: $42,000 - $60,000

  Manufacturing jobs involve creating new products and goods. Manufacturers use raw materials or separate components to build something entirely new. Whether it’s chemical, physical, or mechanical, as long as you are creating a product, you are working in manufacturing. The only exception is construction, which is considered separate from manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs include making prepackaged food or beverages, creating computers and electronics, and producing clothing. Bakers, printers, tailors, furniture builders, and woodworkers are all considered manufacturers. Most manufacturers work in a factory, mill, or plant, but you can also find work in labs.

• Production Operator

  Salary range: $33,500 - $40,500

  As a production operator, your main responsibilities are to work on an assembly line and to maintain the machine that performs a specialized task at your workstation. Your job duties involve working with metal, plastic, or other consumer goods materials. You need a solid understanding of industry standards and safety protocols, and the patience to perform repetitive tasks throughout your shifts. One of the qualifications for a career as a production operator is a high school diploma or GED certificate. Your employer will provide on-the-job training. Detail-oriented skills are essential for production operator jobs.

• Machine Operator

  Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500

  Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

• Manufacturing Manager

  Salary range: $77,500 - $118,500

  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.

• Product Operations

  Salary range: $44,500 - $138,000

  Product Operations is a common job search query. Most salaries for Product Operations jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $138,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Product Operations job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Production

  Salary range: $31,000 - $37,000

  Production is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Production jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $37,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Production job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Multi Unit Operations Manager

  Salary range: $69,000 - $69,500

  Multi Unit Operations Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Multi Unit Operations Manager jobs pay between $69,000 (25th percentile) and $69,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Multi Unit Operations Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.