Manufacturing Engineers
O*NET 17-2112.03 · SOC 17-2112
Manufacturing Engineer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $102k a year with +12.4% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 23,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design and optimize manufacturing processes for new product lines.
- →Select tooling and fixtures to support efficient production operations.
- →Troubleshoot production equipment failures to minimize downtime.
- →Develop work instructions and process documentation for shop floor staff.
- →Collaborate with design engineers to ensure products are manufacturable.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Manufacturing Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Manufacturing Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Manufacturing Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Manufacturing Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Manufacturing Engineers is projected to grow 12.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Manufacturing Engineer make?
The median Manufacturing Engineer earns $102k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Manufacturing Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Manufacturing Engineer at 37 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Manufacturing Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 23,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Manufacturing Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Manufacturing Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Manufacturing Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Manufacturing Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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