Top Manufacturing Careers to Watch in 2025

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported approximately 12.9 million manufacturing jobs in November 2024. The previous month had 463,000 job openings.

Manufacturing careers are becoming popular in 2025. The jobs offer competitive income, benefits, and professional growth.

These are the top manufacturing careers to watch in 2025.

Control Panel Technician

A control panel technician installs, maintains, and repairs control panels and electrical systems in industrial or commercial settings. They troubleshoot issues, perform diagnostics, and ensure control panel functions to increase machine and equipment operation efficiency.

The top skills of a control panel technician include:

  • Math
  • Electrical schematics
  • Automation systems
  • Control systems
  • Production equipment
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Programmable logic controller (PLC)
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Human-machine interface (HMI)
  • Technical support
  • Customer service

Quality Control Lab Technician

A quality control lab technician tests and inspects raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. The technician records and analyzes data and resolves issues.

The top skills of a quality control lab technician include:

  • Food safety
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  • Corrective action
  • R
  • Laboratory procedures
  • Lab equipment
  • PH meter
  • Quality standards
  • Quality checks
  • Test results
  • Data entry

Materials Technician

A materials technician tests and analyzes materials such as metals, plastics, or composites to evaluate their properties and suitability for specific applications. The technician conducts experiments, performs quality control inspections, and compiles data to support material selection, product development, and manufacturing processes.

The top skills of a materials technician include:

  • Math
  • Management systems
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Inventory management
  • Construction materials
  • Asphalt
  • Purchase orders
  • Laboratory equipment
  • Cycle analysis
  • Level analysis
  • Data entry
  • Customer service

TIG Welder

A TIG welder uses tungsten inert gas (TIG) to join metal components. They skillfully produce clean, aesthetically pleasing craftsmanship.

The top skills of a TIG welder include:

  • Safety equipment
  • Calipers
  • Grinders
  • Jigs
  • Cranes
  • Mild steel
  • Carbon steel
  • Titanium
  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • Gas metal arc welding (GTAW)

CNC Machinist

A CNC machinist uses computer numerical control (CNC) machinery to create parts, tools, and other components from raw materials. They might specialize in milling machines, multi-spindle machines, water jet cutters, lathes, turning machines, or lasers. This professional uses advanced technology and computer skills to program the equipment and adjust machinery.

The top skills of a CNC machinist include:

  • IT
  • Math
  • Material preparation
  • Material clamping
  • Jigs
  • Fixtures
  • Cutter selection
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving

Advance Your Manufacturing Career

Connectology’s expertise helps us match candidates to in-demand manufacturing positions. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.

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