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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Auburn-Opelika, AL

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 288 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$144,800
  2. Process Engineering Manager$144,800
  3. Controls / Automation Manager$144,800
  4. VP of Engineering$144,800
  5. Director of R&D$144,800
  6. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$144,800
  7. NPI Manager$144,800
  8. Capital Projects Manager$144,800
  9. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$144,800
  10. Senior Industrial Engineer$144,800
  11. Senior Packaging Engineer$144,800
  12. Director of Automation$144,800
  13. Automation Manager$144,800
  14. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$144,800
  15. R&D Manager$144,800
  16. R&D Engineer$144,800
  17. Engineering Manager (Product)$144,800
  18. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$144,800
  19. Lead Product Development Engineer$144,800
  20. CFO (Manufacturing)$129,580
  21. Corporate Controller$129,580
  22. Plant Controller$129,580
  23. VP of Finance$129,580
  24. Division Controller$129,580
  25. Assistant Plant Controller$129,580

Bars show the top 25 of 288 ranked. The table below lists all 288. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Auburn-Opelika, AL, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
2Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
3Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
4VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
5Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
6Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
7NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
8Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
9Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
10Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
11Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
12Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
13Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
14Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
15R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
16R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
17Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
18Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
19Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$114,720$144,800$221,330700.63
20CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
21Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
22Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
23VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
24Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
25Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
26FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
27Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
28Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$103,460$129,580$163,9601800.45
29PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$77,990$120,310$153,2202900.36
30MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$77,990$120,310$153,2202900.36
31SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$77,990$120,310$153,2202900.36
32Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$77,990$120,310$153,2202900.36
33Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$77,990$120,310$153,2202900.36
34VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
35Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
36Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
37National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
38Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
39National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
40Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
41Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
42Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
43Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
44Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
45Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
46Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
47Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,770$116,000$149,140900.29
48Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
49Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
50Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
51Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
52Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
53Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
54Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
55Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
56Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
57VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
58Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
59Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
60QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
61Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
62Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
63FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
64FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
65Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
66QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
67Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
68Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
69Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
70Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
71Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
72Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
73Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
74Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
75QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
76Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
77CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
78Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
79Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
80Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$91,560$110,980$134,3901000.87
81Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
82Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
83Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
84Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
85Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
86Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
87Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
88Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
89Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$88,790$109,100$128,440300.33
90Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$91,990$108,590$137,240700.72
91VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
92Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
93Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
94Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
95Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
96Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
97Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
98Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
99Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
100Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
101Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
102Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
103Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
104Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$88,030$105,180$155,330300.31
105VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
106VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
107Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
108General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
109Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
110EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
111Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
112Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$68,710$103,380$162,1409200.56
113Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
114Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
115Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
116Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
117Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
118Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
119Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
120Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
121Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
122Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
123Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
124CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$82,300$100,230$114,3501000.69
125Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
126Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
127Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
128Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
129Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
130Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
131Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
132Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
133Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
134Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
135Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
136Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
137Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
138Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
139Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
140Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
141Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
142Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
143Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
144Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
145Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
146Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
147Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
148Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
149Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
150Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
151EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
152VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
153Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
154Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
155Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
156Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
157Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
158Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
159Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$68,060$80,250$97,4202001.14
160Formulation ChemistChemists (19-2031)$58,350$79,530$97,830401.08
161Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$63,380$78,190$96,800701.04
162Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$63,380$78,190$96,800701.04
163Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$63,380$78,190$96,800701.04
164Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$66,770$77,690$95,600600.13
165Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$66,770$77,690$95,600600.13
166Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
167EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
168EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
169Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
170Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
171Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
172S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
173Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
174Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
175Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
176Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
177Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
178EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
179Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$43,950$75,100$157,740400.14
180Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,990$72,570$91,7606801
181Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,990$72,570$91,7606801
182Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,990$72,570$91,7606801
183Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$60,990$72,570$91,7606801
184Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
185Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
186Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
187Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
188Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
189CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
190Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
191Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$57,200$68,890$86,3505301.69
192Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
193Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
194Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
195Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
196Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
197Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
198Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
199Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
200Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$58,910$66,610$84,3303501.21
201Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$51,490$64,270$82,680900.48
202Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$51,490$64,270$82,680900.48
203Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$51,490$64,270$82,680900.48
204Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
205Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
206Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
207Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
208Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
209Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
210Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
211Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
212Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
213Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
214Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
215Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
216Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
217Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
218Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
219Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
220End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
221Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$46,040$59,380$65,7705702.77
222Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$46,360$59,010$76,0302000.88
223Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$46,580$57,870$74,1303701.26
224Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$46,580$57,870$74,1303701.26
225Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
226Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
227Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
228Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
229Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
230Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,820$55,000$72,170600.33
231Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$46,360$53,860$62,2402300.64
232Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$38,100$48,170$60,4902601.36
233CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
2345-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
235Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
236CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
237Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
238Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
239EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
240CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
241Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
242Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
243Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
244Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
245Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$43,420$47,840$57,050800.6
246Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$36,990$44,160$63,2706401.76
247Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
248TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
249Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
250Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
251Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
252Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
253Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
254Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
255Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
256Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
257Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
258Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$39,520$42,520$46,9102701.37
259Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
260Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
261Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
262Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
263Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
264Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
265Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$33,440$38,530$44,6002900.75
266Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
267Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
268CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
269Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
270Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
271First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
272Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
273Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
274Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
275Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
276Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
277Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$31,050$37,840$45,8105902.12
278Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$29,180$37,540$38,8903404.83
279QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$37,370$37,460$50,370501.76
280Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$34,320$37,160$41,3301601.98
281Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$34,320$37,160$41,3301601.98
282Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$30,100$34,980$39,660500.71
283Electronics Assembler / SoldererElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,480$30,480$30,4801801.52
284Wire Harness & Cable AssemblerElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,480$30,480$30,4801801.52
285SMT TechnicianElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,480$30,480$30,4801801.52
286Control Panel BuilderElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$30,480$30,480$30,4801801.52
287Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$28,420$30,470$36,9309700.94
288Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$28,420$30,470$36,9309700.94

What should you know about not published by BLS?

CEO / President (Manufacturing), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Vision Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Food Scientist, Facilities Manager, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Sales Engineer, Applications Engineer, CNC Setup Machinist, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Production Technician, Setup Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Process Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Bioprocess Technician, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Battery Cell Production Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, CIP Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Procurement Manager, Senior Director of Operations, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, QC Microbiology Manager, Facilities Engineer, Utilities / Energy Manager, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Inside Sales Engineer, Applications Engineering Manager, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, Skilled Machine Operator, Utility / Relief Operator, Production Trainer (OJT Trainer), Senior Production Technician, Lead Production Technician, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter), Control Room (DCS) Operator, Batch Maker / Compounder, Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender), Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator, Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating), Retort / Thermal Process Operator, Brewer / Cellar Operator, Senior Process Technician, Lead Process Technician.

State figures for Alabama

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Auburn-Opelika, AL. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

In the Auburn-Opelika, AL area, Manufacturing Engineering Managers operate with a median salary of $144,800. This role falls under the broader SOC 11-9041, which tracks Architectural and Engineering Managers nationally. The local median saw a positive change of $11,810 compared to the prior period. Nationally, this occupation reports a median of $171,270 with a middle-band width of $73,140.

While industry-specific data for Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing is tracked nationally at $192,800, local data remains anchored to the broader occupational classification. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them.

For CFOs in manufacturing within this region, the median salary is $129,580, up $6,810 from the previous year. This position is reported under the broader SOC 11-3031. Nationally, the broader classification reports a median of $166,570. The local middle-band width is $60,500. Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing, a key sector, lists a national industry median of $210,870. The local p75 is $163,960. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

PLC Programmers in Auburn-Opelika, often mapped to SOC 15-1252 Software Developers, earn a median of $120,310. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing provides a national industry benchmark of $172,360 for related roles. The local middle-band width is $75,230. Candidates should note that BLS does not differentiate this title from other software development work, meaning local plant-level programming duties might vary significantly in scope.

Electronics Assemblers and Solderers are mapped to SOC 51-2028. Locally, the median is $30,480, unchanged across the interquartile range from p10 to p75. This indicates a highly compressed local wage structure compared to the national median of $45,850. The national middle-band width is $13,290, whereas the local width is $0, highlighting specific limitations in the published data. While Motor Vehicle Manufacturing is a relevant national industry with a median of $62,920, the local labor market for assembly work remains significantly lower.

Sanitation Technicians are measured under SOC 37-2011, reporting a local median of $30,470. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The national occupational median is $36,840, with a middle-band width of $11,820. Iron and Steel Mills national industry data shows a median of $52,820. The local middle-band width is $8,510. Since BLS aggregates this role with general building cleaning, specific plant-level sanitation tasks remain undifferentiated in this report.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

No, the data is mapped to the broader software development occupation, which includes many non-manufacturing roles. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity.

Is the local wage for PLC Programmers reflective of plant-specific tasks?

No, the data is mapped to the broader software development occupation, which includes many non-manufacturing roles. For manufacturing occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them.

What is the reason for the $0 middle-band width for Electronics Assemblers?

The published local data indicates the p25, median, and p75 are all the same value. This suggests the BLS sample size or reporting structure for this specific area is highly limited.

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