Manufacturing
Career Ladder
Learn About The Manufacturing Career Path
Advance your skills and learn what it takes to move up the Manufacturing Career Ladder!
Each career level contains information about hourly wages, job descriptions, main job duties, examples of job titles, general skills, and links to educational courses and training opportunities. Select one of the levels to learn more.
To explore other career ladders, please visit our Career Ladders page. If you have further questions about local labour market information, email helpdesk@wdb.ca or visit wdb.ca.
* Many other career paths branch out from apprenticeship within the manufacturing industry.
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Varies
Manufacturing Managers
$50.94
Industrial Engineering Technologists & Technicians
$35.67
Supervisors, Manufacturing & Assembly
$29.02
Machine Operators
$22.44
Production Line Workers
$19.63
Apprenticeships can lead to careers in manufacturing. It is also possible to enter this career path directly.
Apprenticeship*
$26.00
*median hourly wage as of October 1, 2024
Apprenticeship
Wages
Low
$23.00
Median
$26.00
High
$32.00
What is Apprenticeship?
- A pathway to a rewarding career in the trades that require a high level of skill, judgement and creativity
- A combination of on-the-job training & in-school learning
- An opportunity to earn an hourly wage while learning from experienced workers
- A 2-5 year process wherein apprentices work for a year, then switch to studying in class for 8-12 weeks
- 144 trades in Ontario that support mechanical, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, building and service industries
Skills
Judgement
Creativity
Examples of Trades with Apprenticeships
General Machinist
Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Draftsperson Tool and Die Design
Tool and Die Maker
Education & Training Resources
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
SKILLED TRADES ONTARIO
FLEMING COLLEGE
ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
SUPPORT ONTARIO YOUTH
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Production Line Workers
Wages
Low
$17.20
Median
$19.63
High
$24.00
Main Job Duties
- Transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually or using powered equipment
- Check and weigh materials and products
- Sort, pack, crate and package materials and products
- Clean work areas and equipment
Skills
Reliability Teamwork
Interpersonal Skills
Punctuality
Job Title Examples
General Labourer
Machine Packager
Production Worker
Education & Training Resources
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Manufacturing
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Machine Operators
Wages
Low
$19.01
Median
$22.44
High
$27.28
Main Job Duties
- Fit and assemble components using hand and power tools
- Clean, polish, file or otherwise finish products
- Check products for quality and other specifications
- May clean and lubricate machinery
Skills
Quality Control Teamwork
Mechanical Aptitude
Time Management
Job Title Examples
Machine Set-Up Operator
Machine Setter
Machine Feeder
Education & Training Resources
On-the-job-training is often provided. Previous experience as a labourer with the same company may be required.
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Industrial Engineering Technologists & Technicians
Wages
Low
$29.72
Median
$35.67
High
$44.17
Main Job Duties
- Develop and conduct production, inventory and quality assurance programs in manufacturing
- Collect and analyze data and samples in support of quality assurance and industrial health and safety programs
- Assist in the design of plant layouts
- Develop manufacturing and processing procedures and variables, set machine or equipment controls, oversee production and inspect processes
Skills
Mechanical Aptitude
Attention To Detail
Flexibility
Work Independently
Job Title Examples
Manufacturing Technician
Quality Assurance Technologist
Machinist
Education & Training Resources
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Find your local employment service provider here or adult education and training provider here and contact them for current training programs such as:
- Occupational-specific training, career planning, job search, resume writing, or government-funded programs
- Upgrading and skills development including grade 12 support, customer service, money math, computers, and apprenticeship preparation
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
RED SEAL PROGRAM
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Supervisors, Manufacturing
& Assembly
Wages
Low
$23.32
Median
$29.02
High
$37.87
Main Job Duties
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality
- Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policy
- Prepare production and other reports
- May set up machines and equipment
Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention To Detail
Time Management Leadership
Conflict Resolution
Job Title Examples
Assembly Supervisor
Manufacturing Foreperson
Manufacturing Supervisor
Education & Training Resources
Several years experience working with the same company may be required.
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
CONTINUING EDUCATION
ONTARIO TOURISM EDUCATION CORPORATION
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Manufacturing Managers
Wages
Low
$39.99
Median
$50.94
High
$68.57
Main Job Duties
- Develop and implement plans to efficiently use materials, labour and equipment to meet production targets
- Plan and manage the operational budget
- Plan and implement changes to machinery and equipment, productions systems and methods of work
- Hire, supervise and train or oversee training of employees in the use of new equipment or production techniques
Skills
Oral Communication
Time Management
Organization Planning
Conflict Resolution
Job Title Examples
Plant Manager
Factory Operations Manager
Production Manager
Education & Training Resources
Several years experience working with the same company may be required. A college diploma as an engineering technologist or technician may be required.
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
CONTINUING EDUCATION
ONTARIO TOURISM EDUCATION CORPORATION
Online job posting numbers are designated via key word search and may not reflect the exact number of search results for this occupation.
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Approximately 20 new manufacturing businesses are launched anually in the WDB Region.
Main Job Duties
- Creating and managing a business plan, ongoing research and planning, hiring staff, creating policies, and forecasting
- Maintaining business accounts, payments processing, taxes and general bookkeeping
- Develop marketing campaigns, manage social media and conduct other marketing activities
- Respond to customer service inquiries, including answering phone calls and emails to build a positive reputation for the business
Skills
Customer Service
Organization Accounting
Time Management
Job Title Examples
Small Business Owner
Franchisee
Education & Training Resources
Grant for students aged 15 to 29 to start a new summer business
Grant for Canadians 18+ to start a new business or grow a business that has been in operations for fewer than five years
Financing, mentorship and community support for local small businesses
Supports entrepreneurs in the formation and growth of tech-driven companies
FLEMING COLLEGE
Post-Secondary Education
TRENT UNIVERSITY
Post-Secondary Education
Sources:
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
Lightcast (2023.3)
Job Bank
Job posting data is from WDB Local Jobs Hub (WDB Region)
These Career Ladders were developed as part of the Pathways to Prosperity Program
and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.