Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Helpers--Production Workers
SOC: 51-9198 O*NET: 51-9198.00
Median Salary
$38,220
per year
Job Growth
📉 -8.9%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
23.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
What does a Helpers--Production Workers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$30,060
10th percentile
Early Career
$34,390
25th percentile
Median
$38,220
50th percentile
Experienced
$44,980
75th percentile
Top Earners
$52,120
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$30,060
25th
$34,390
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$38,220
Mean: $40,080
75th
$44,980
90th
$52,120
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $22,060 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $34,390 and $44,980
- •Salary spread is 27.7% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 167,490 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:168,500
Top Industries
Manufacturing71.4%
Food Manufacturing20.3%
Animal Slaughtering and Processing12.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-8.9%
Annual Openings:23,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)168,500
Current
2034 (Projected)153,500
-8.9%
-15,000
Employment Change
-8.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Helpers--Production Workers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Texas
26,660 jobs$36,3001.77x
California
18,450 jobs$43,6700.94x
Alabama
8,170 jobs$34,5203.60x
Pennsylvania
6,660 jobs$39,3501.02x
Arkansas
6,280 jobs$35,5804.49x
Florida
5,880 jobs$36,6600.55x
Illinois
5,380 jobs$40,1800.82x
North Carolina
5,370 jobs$37,5401.01x
Tennessee
5,290 jobs$37,3401.49x
Missouri
5,120 jobs$39,3601.62x
New York
4,590 jobs$41,4900.44x
Wisconsin
4,300 jobs$43,6901.35x
Georgia
4,300 jobs$35,9400.82x
Mississippi
3,970 jobs$31,9003.15x
Washington
3,900 jobs$43,7201.01x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What knowledge is required?
✓
Mechanical
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Helpers--Production Workers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (2)General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution100% perform100%
2
Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Mark or tag identification on parts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Clean and lubricate equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Record information, such as the number of products tested, meter readings, or dates and times of product production.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Helpers--Production Workers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Helpers--Production Workers professionals typically have a RCE Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Helpers--Production Workers
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.12
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.01
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.74
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.63
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.63
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.58
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.1
Dependability
4.0
Cooperation
3.7
Stress Tolerance
3.6
Self-Control
3.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
Concern for Others
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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