What Does a Factory Worker Do?

Factory workers are the people who make your favorite products. They’re responsible for taking raw materials and turning them into finished goods that you can buy at the store or online.

Factory workers may be involved in any number of different tasks, from operating heavy machinery to assembling parts to packaging up finished products for shipment. Their work is physically demanding and often dangerous; they must follow strict safety protocols to avoid injury on the job.

Factory Worker Job Duties

Factory workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Operating machinery to assemble products such as furniture or car parts
• Performing maintenance tasks such as cleaning machinery or equipment to ensure continued operation of the factory
• Reading blueprints and other technical drawings to ensure that products are assembled correctly
• Exchanging parts between machines or repairing machines when they break down
• Operating forklifts to move materials within warehouses or across docks to load or unload ships
• Following safety regulations and procedures to minimize risk of injury to self and others
• Inspecting incoming raw materials to ensure they meet quality standards before they are used in production
• Operating computerized machinery to cut materials such as metal or plastic into desired shapes
• Assembling products using hand tools and power tools such as drills and saws

Factory Worker Salary & Outlook

The salary of a factory worker can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of experience, the type of company they work for, and the region in which they live.

• Median Annual Salary: $27,500 ($13.22/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)

The employment of factory workers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Factory workers will be needed to produce products for a growing population and economy. However, productivity improvements will limit the need for some workers, as machines and computers allow fewer workers to do more work.

Related: Factory Worker Interview Questions and Answers

Factory Worker Job Requirements

Factory workers may need to meet the following requirements:

Education: Most entry-level warehouse jobs require only a high school diploma or GED. However, some warehouses may require a minimum of a two-year associate’s degree in logistics, supply chain management or a related field.

Training & Experience: Factory workers typically receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or fellow employees. The training may include how to use specific machinery, how to clean certain areas and how to handle certain chemicals. The training may also include how to operate certain machinery and how to complete certain tasks.

Factory workers may also receive training in safety procedures and how to handle emergency situations.

Certifications & Licenses: Factory workers do not require any certifications to acquire their positions. However, some certifications can help factory workers increase their earning capacity and make them more competitive when applying to positions within the industry.

Factory Worker Skills

Factory workers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: When working in a factory, it’s important to have good attention to detail. This is because you may be working on a production line with many different products, and you may need to notice any issues with the products and report them to your supervisor. It’s also important to have good attention to detail when labeling products or filling orders.

Communication skills: Communication skills are also important in a factory job. You may be required to communicate with other workers and supervisors to complete tasks and answer questions. You may also be required to communicate with customers over the phone or in person.

Computer literacy: Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and software programs. Many factory workers use computers to record data, track inventory and complete other tasks. Having computer literacy can help you learn new software programs and complete tasks more efficiently.

Mechanical aptitude: As a factory worker, you may be required to operate machinery or tools. Having a strong aptitude for mechanical skills can help you learn to use new equipment quickly and efficiently. This can help you complete your tasks on time and help you advance in your career.

Physical stamina: Physical stamina refers to the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. As a factory worker, you may be required to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects. Having good physical stamina can help you perform your job duties effectively and reduce the risk of injury.

Factory Worker Work Environment

Factory workers typically work in large, noisy, and often dirty industrial settings. They may be required to stand for long periods of time and to perform repetitive tasks. Some factory workers may be exposed to hazardous materials. Factory workers typically work the day shift, but they may also work nights and weekends. Overtime is often required. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous. Factory workers are usually paid by the hour and receive few benefits.

Factory Worker Trends

Here are three trends influencing how factory workers work. Factory workers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Automation

The growth of automation is a trend that is quickly changing the manufacturing industry. As robots and other forms of automation become more common, factory workers will need to learn new skills in order to stay competitive.

One way that factory workers can adapt to this trend is by becoming experts in automation. This means learning how to install, maintain, and repair robots and other automated systems. In addition, factory workers should also focus on developing their problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, which are essential for working with complex machinery.

More Work Will Be Done in Global Supply Chains

As global supply chains continue to expand, more work will be done in them. This means that factory workers will need to be able to work effectively in teams across different locations.

In order to be successful in this environment, factory workers will need to be able to communicate effectively with team members from different cultures. They will also need to be able to work well under pressure, as deadlines will often be tight.

Automation Is Replacing Manual Labor

As automation becomes more widespread, manual labor jobs are being replaced by machines. This is leading to a shortage of factory workers, who are needed to operate these machines.

Factory workers who want to remain competitive in the job market will need to learn how to operate these machines. In addition, they will need to be able to work in a team environment, as many factories are now using teamwork to improve efficiency.

How to Become a Factory Worker

A factory worker career can be a great way to start your working life. It’s a chance to learn about different types of manufacturing processes, and it can give you experience in a range of industries. You may even be able to move up the ladder and become a supervisor or manager.

The best way to get started is by finding a company that has an open door policy for training new employees. This will give you the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business and gain valuable experience. You should also make sure that you have the right attitude and are willing to work hard.

Advancement Prospects

Many factory workers start their careers in entry-level positions. With experience and on-the-job training, they may advance to positions of greater responsibility, such as lead worker, supervisor, or production manager. Some factory workers, particularly those with experience in the maintenance or repair of factory equipment, may become maintenance or repair workers.

Factory workers who want to advance their careers may benefit from completing a vocational training program in their chosen field. Many community colleges offer these programs, which typically last 1 or 2 years. Some factory workers may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or another field related to their work. A bachelor’s degree may be necessary for some management positions.

Factory Worker Job Description Example

We are looking for a factory worker to join our team and help us with the production of our products. The ideal candidate will have some experience working in a factory or production environment and will be able to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time. He or she will be responsible for helping to set up the production line, operating the machinery, and packing the finished products. The factory worker will also be responsible for keeping the work area clean and tidy and for following all safety regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Read and follow work instructions carefully to ensure that products are assembled correctly
• Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently to avoid injuries, damage, and downtime
• Report any safety hazards, defects, or maintenance needs to a supervisor immediately
• Work cooperatively with other team members to meet production goals
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to facilitate efficient assembly and prevent accidents
• Follow all company policies and procedures
• Comply with all safety regulations
• Perform quality control checks on products as directed
• Notify a supervisor of any defective materials or products
• Assist in the training of new employees as needed
• Help to maintain inventory levels
• Perform general housekeeping duties as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as a factory worker
• Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time
• Excellent attention to detail and multitasking skills
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Strong work ethic and team player attitude

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with machinery and power tools
• Forklift certification
• Safety training
• First aid certification