Blog
Salaries

Dirty Hands, Clean Money: Manufacturing Salaries in Tennessee

June 11, 2024
5 minute read
Dirty Hands, Clean Money: Manufacturing Salaries in Tennessee

Unlocking the Earning Potential: Manufacturing Salaries in Tennessee

Tennessee, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a hub for the manufacturing industry. With its strategic location and strong infrastructure, the state offers numerous opportunities for those seeking careers in manufacturing. Let's dive into the salary landscape of the manufacturing sector in Tennessee and explore how you can maximize your earning potential in this thriving industry.

Entry-Level Positions: A Strong Start in Tennessee

Starting a career in manufacturing in Tennessee can be financially rewarding. Entry-level positions provide a solid foundation with competitive salaries, making it an attractive option for those entering the workforce.

Typical Hourly Salaries in Tennessee:

  • Machine Operator: $20 - $30 per hour
  • Assembler: $18 - $25 per hour

Mid-Level Careers: Growing Your Earnings

As you gain experience and enhance your skills, mid-level positions in Tennessee's manufacturing sector offer significant pay increases. Roles such as CNC machinists, maintenance technicians, and welding supervisors come with higher salaries and greater responsibilities.

Typical Hourly Salaries in Tennessee:

  • CNC Machinist: $25 - $40 per hour
  • Maintenance Technician: $27 - $39 per hour
  • Welding Supervisor: $25.00 - $40 per hour

Senior and Specialized Roles: Top-Tier Earnings

For those who reach senior and specialized positions in Tennessee's manufacturing industry, the financial rewards are substantial. These roles include plant managers, manufacturing engineers, and robotics technicians, offering impressive salaries and leadership opportunities.

Typical Hourly Salaries in Tennessee:

  • Plant Manager: $50+ per hour
  • Manufacturing Engineer: $35+ per hour
  • Robotics Technician: $35 - $45 per hour

Additional Benefits: Enhancing Your Compensation

In addition to competitive salaries, manufacturing jobs in Tennessee often come with comprehensive benefits packages. These benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for overtime pay. Many companies also invest in employee development, offering training programs and tuition reimbursement to help you advance your career.

Factors Influencing Salaries in Tennessee

Several factors can influence manufacturing salaries in Tennessee, including:

1. Experience and Skill Level:

  • More experience and advanced skills typically lead to higher pay.
  • Specialized certifications can significantly boost your earning potential.

2. Geographic Location:

  • Salaries can vary depending on the cost of living and demand for manufacturing jobs in different areas of Tennessee.
  • Urban areas like Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis often offer higher salaries compared to rural regions.

3. Industry Sector:

  • Certain sectors within manufacturing, such as automotive and aerospace, tend to pay higher wages due to the specialized skills required.

Maximizing Your Earning Potential in Tennessee

To maximize your earning potential in Tennessee's manufacturing industry, consider the following strategies:

1. Continuous Learning and Certification:

  • Invest in ongoing education and earn relevant certifications to enhance your skills and qualifications.

2. Gain Diverse Experience:

  • Seek out opportunities to work on different types of projects and with various technologies to broaden your expertise.

3. Network and Seek Mentorship:

  • Build a professional network within the industry and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues to gain insights and opportunities for advancement.

4. Negotiate Your Salary:

  • When offered a job or a promotion, don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary. Use industry data to support your case and demonstrate your value to the company.

Final Thoughts

The manufacturing sector in Tennessee offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to build a lucrative and stable career. By understanding the salary landscape and actively seeking ways to enhance your skills and experience, you can significantly boost your earning potential. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a senior role, Tennessee's manufacturing industry provides a clear path to financial success and career satisfaction.