2015 IW Salary Survey respondents are a vocal bunch. Read a small sampling of their comments about pay, career and how to improve manufacturing.
Very Optimistic
The manufacturing [industry] is stronger than it has been for years, I am very optimistic for the next 3 years at least. – corporate/executive manager in the industrial machinery industry with 21 to 25 years of experience, living in the South Atlantic region and earning $150,000
Must be Mobile
I’ve moved 3 times in 3 years since graduating college while working for large global manufacturers. It seems that this trend will continue, and any person entering manufacturing today must be prepared to work on a global scale and that means staying highly mobile. Each move has generated more income and more responsibility, so the incentive to move is definitely there.— manufacturing/production manager in the electronics/high-tech/telecom equipment industry with 3 to 5 years of experience, living in the South Atlantic region and earning $75,000
Terrible Disservice
The education department in this country did a terrible disservice to manufacturing when they mandated that students should strive for a college education and didn’t highlight the importance and job satisfaction that comes with careers in manufacturing and the so-called blue collar workforce. It is obvious today that our country is in dire need of men and women to complete this portion of our labor force. – corporate/executive manager in the metals industry with 6 to 10 years of experience, living in the Middle Atlantic region and earning $135,000
Overqualified
I am over qualified for the position I’m in and woefully underpaid. Just recently has the job market for STEM jobs started to open up. – plant/facilities manager in the metals industry with 26-plus years of experience, living in the Middle Atlantic region and earning $70,000
Bright Future
I could earn more, but company keeps investing in modern equipment, making the future bright. – vice president of operations in the metals industry with 26 years of experience, living in the North Central region and earning $102,000
Lots of Work
My salary is a little low for my experience level, but I am working for a small site that had budget restrictions. My biggest professional challenge is getting all the work done that is needed—safety programs, training, recordkeeping, etc. – environmental, health or safety manager working in the chemicals industry with 16 to 20 years of experience, living in the North Central region and earning $70,000
Family and Friends Keep Me Here
If I was working just for my salary I would have left a long time ago. Location to family and friends are the key things that keep me here. As long as what I make pays my bills, I don’t need for a lot. – environmental, health or safety manager in the metals industry with 26 years of experience, living in the North Central region and earning $48,000
Good Salary, but Worried
Salary is above average for industry, which has me a bit worried if a decision is made to downsize or cut costs. Need to explore other industries/companies where my skills/interests are highly valued and there is opportunity for career advancement. – lean/continuous improvement manager in the plastics and rubber products industry with 21 Atlantic region and earning $128,400
Underpaid
Underpaid and overworked.—supply chain/logistics manager in the industrial machinery industry with 16 to 20 years of experience, living in the New England region and earning $50,000
Enjoy Working Hard
I really enjoy working in manufacturing leadership. The challenge to develop a strong team and deliver solid results keeps me working hard every day. —director of manufacturing/production in the chemicals industry with 26-plus years of experience, living in the South Atlantic region and earning $167,000
High Stress in Aerospace
Required to work 70 to 80 hours per week in a high stress environment. To work in aerospace you need to be willing to give up your personnel life. Company in growth is struggling to find qualified skilled work force. —manufacturing/production manager in the aerospace and defense industry with 26-plus years of experience, living in the Pacific region and earning $85,000
Stuck
Feel stuck in my position. Salary + bonus is currently acceptable, but with little to no room for advancement, this will be an issue. —manufacturing/production manager in the plastics and rubber products industry with 16 to 20 years of experience, living in the South Central region and earning $134,000
Company Health is Most Important
I am an owner, so company health is more important than my personal income.—corporate/executive manager in the metals industry with 26-plus years of experience, living in the South Atlantic region and earning $45,000
