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Production

Helpers--Production Workers

Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Helpers--Production Workers
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Median pay

$38,220
Median annual pay for Helpers--Production Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-8.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

23,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

168,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Helpers--Production Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-15,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Control Precision
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Static Strength
  5. 5Trunk Strength
  6. 6Arm-Hand Steadiness

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Time Pressure
  6. 6Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Representative tasks

  • Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
  • Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
  • Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.
  • Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
  • Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.
  • Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
  • Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines.
  • Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.

Software and tools

Adobe Acrobat · hot technologyAdobe InDesign · hot technologyAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyOperational databases

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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