MANUFACTURING
INCLUDING AEROSPACE AT A GLANCE
Manufacturing has been an important industry in Seattle-King County for over a century. A wide variety of food, medical, and high-tech products for use across the world are made here. New technologies are changing the industry, but an increase in retirements due to an aging workforce creates new career opportunities in the region.
OPPORTUNITY IN MANUFACTURING
NOW
2,520
businesses in Seattle-King County
103,518
jobs in Seattle-King County
$112,746
average annual earnings
2028
39%
retirement from manufacturing jobs
39%
Inspector & Tester
38%
Aircraft Assembler
36%
CNC Machinist
24%
Industrial Engineer
MANUFACTURING PROPERTIES
WORK AREAS
Apparel
Medical devices
Shipbuilding
Food
Aerospace
Communication
TOOLS
OF THE TRADE
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
CAREER MAP
This map includes some of the most in-demand manufacturing jobs in Seattle-King County, which has a specialized focus on aerospace, including airplane manufacturing and supplier networks. Industry branches range from design to quality control, and although education can accelerate engineering pathways, hands-on experience is essentials for most occupations.
ADVANCED DEGREE OR SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE
ASSOCIATE'S OR BACHELOR'S OR MODERATE EXPERIENCE
LESS THAN ASSOCIATE'S OR SOME EXPERIENCE
Apprenticeships available!
-
Earn a wage immediately
-
Learn new skills, get higher pay
-
On-the-job mentorship learning model
-
Obtain a nationally recognized professional certification
-
Earn college credits towards certificates & degrees
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
TRANSFER SKILLS TO
Transportation
Machine Operator
$15 - $26
Aircraft Assembler
$22 - $37
Inspector & Tester
$18 - $36
Metal & Plastic Worker
$17 - $30
Quality Assurance Inspector
$18 - $36
Precision Metal Fabricator
$14 - $20
Welder, Cutter, Solderer & Brazer
$17 - $28
Tool & Die Maker
$23 - $41
CNC Machinist
$19 - $40
Supervisor of Production & Operating Workers
$23 - $46
CNC Programmer
$30 - $55
PRODUCTION & QUALITY CONTROL
Manufacturing & Production Manager
$44 - $53
Aircraft Mechanic
$21 - $41
Industrial Maintenance Technician
$21 - $36
Supervisor of Mechanics & Repairs
$22 - $43
Quality Assurance Manager
$49 - $60
DESIGN & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Manufacturing Engineer
$14 - $24
Aerospace Engineer
$42 - $71
Planning & Expediting Clerk
$16 - $28
Electrical Engineer
$37 - $64
Engineering Manager
$55 - $88
- Operator
- Helper
- Deburrer
- Production Operator
- Inventory Clerk
$18 - $36
START
ENTRY-LEVEL
(MAY REQUIRE CERTIFICATION)
Industrial Engineering Technician
$20 - $37
Industrial Engineer
$38 - $61
Mechanical Engineer
$30 - $57
Maritime
Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2018), Emsi
