Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Columbus, GA-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 311 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

CEO / President (Manufacturing)$169,630
Chief Operating Officer (COO)$169,630
Senior Director of Operations$169,630
Manufacturing Engineering Manager$162,450
Process Engineering Manager$162,450
Controls / Automation Manager$162,450
VP of Engineering$162,450
Director of R&D$162,450
Director of Manufacturing Engineering$162,450
NPI Manager$162,450
Capital Projects Manager$162,450
Lead Manufacturing Engineer$162,450
Senior Industrial Engineer$162,450
Senior Packaging Engineer$162,450
Director of Automation$162,450
Automation Manager$162,450
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$162,450
R&D Manager$162,450
R&D Engineer$162,450
Engineering Manager (Product)$162,450
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$162,450
Lead Product Development Engineer$162,450
CFO (Manufacturing)$141,460
Corporate Controller$141,460
Plant Controller$141,460

Bars show the top 25 of 311 ranked. The table below lists all 311. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Columbus, GA-AL, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
Rank	Role	BLS occupation	25th	Median	75th	Employment	LQ
1	CEO / President (Manufacturing)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$85,570	$169,630	$345,300	70	0.47
2	Chief Operating Officer (COO)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$85,570	$169,630	$345,300	70	0.47
3	Senior Director of Operations	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$85,570	$169,630	$345,300	70	0.47
4	Manufacturing Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
5	Process Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
6	Controls / Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
7	VP of Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
8	Director of R&D	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
9	Director of Manufacturing Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
10	NPI Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
11	Capital Projects Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
12	Lead Manufacturing Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
13	Senior Industrial Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
14	Senior Packaging Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
15	Director of Automation	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
16	Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
17	Chief Technology Officer (CTO)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
18	R&D Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
19	R&D Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
20	Engineering Manager (Product)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
21	Senior Mechanical Design Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
22	Lead Product Development Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$130,450	$162,450	$175,810	90	0.55
23	CFO (Manufacturing)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
24	Corporate Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
25	Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
26	VP of Finance	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
27	Division Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
28	Assistant Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
29	FP&A Manager (Operations)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
30	Senior Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
31	Senior Cost Accountant	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,260	$141,460	$192,810	340	0.55
32	VP of Sales (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
33	Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
34	Director of Sales	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
35	National Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
36	Key Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
37	National Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
38	Business Development Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
39	Territory Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
40	Channel / Distributor Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
41	Product Manager (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
42	Field Service Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
43	Senior Applications Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
44	Lead Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
45	Traveling Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$100,110	$136,340	$180,090	270	0.57
46	Purchasing Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$112,120	$132,510	$156,660	70	1.12
47	Strategic Sourcing Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$112,120	$132,510	$156,660	70	1.12
48	Procurement Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$112,120	$132,510	$156,660	70	1.12
49	Director of Procurement	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$112,120	$132,510	$156,660	70	1.12
50	Commodity Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$112,120	$132,510	$156,660	70	1.12
51	Plant HR Manager	Human Resources Managers (11-3121)	$102,590	$130,870	$172,960	140	0.86
52	Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
53	Plant Director / Site Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
54	Assistant Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
55	Operations Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
56	Manufacturing Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
57	Production Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
58	Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
59	Plant Startup / Launch Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
60	Sanitation Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
61	VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
62	Director of Quality	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
63	Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
64	QC Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
65	Supplier Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
66	Quality Systems Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
67	FSQA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
68	FSQA Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
69	Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
70	QA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
71	Production Superintendent	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
72	Area Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
73	Value Stream Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
74	Department Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
75	Sanitation Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
76	Bilingual Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
77	Second Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
78	Third Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
79	QC Lab Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
80	Validation / CQV Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
81	CAPA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
82	Metrology / Calibration Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
83	Lead Quality Engineer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
84	Quality Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$98,390	$128,520	$160,420	150	0.8
85	Facilities Manager	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$84,960	$125,530	$136,150	70	0.59
86	Facilities Engineer	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$84,960	$125,530	$136,150	70	0.59
87	Utilities / Energy Manager	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$84,960	$125,530	$136,150	70	0.59
88	Automation Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
89	Robotics Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
90	Machine Vision Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
91	Product Development Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
92	Applications Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
93	Applications Engineering Manager	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$78,380	$118,770	$131,680	50	0.42
94	PLC Programmer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$100,130	$116,150	$132,510	1,050	0.83
95	MES Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$100,130	$116,150	$132,510	1,050	0.83
96	SCADA / HMI Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$100,130	$116,150	$132,510	1,050	0.83
97	Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$100,130	$116,150	$132,510	1,050	0.83
98	Firmware / Embedded Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$100,130	$116,150	$132,510	1,050	0.83
99	Regulatory Affairs Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
100	EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
101	EHS Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
102	Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
103	Environmental Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
104	Process Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
105	S&OP Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
106	Trade Compliance Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
107	Service / Aftermarket Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
108	Environmental Engineer	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
109	Sustainability Manager / Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
110	Senior EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
111	EHS Coordinator	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
112	Director of Planning	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$79,110	$114,330	$158,020	590	1.27
113	VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
114	Supply Chain Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
115	Materials Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
116	Logistics Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
117	Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
118	Chief Supply Chain Officer	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
119	Category Manager (Direct Materials)	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
120	Inventory Control Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
121	Senior Production Planner	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
122	Senior Buyer	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
123	Director of Logistics	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
124	Transportation Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
125	Warehouse Supervisor	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
126	Shipping & Receiving Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$87,750	$106,740	$137,300	90	0.56
127	Manufacturing Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
128	Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
129	Industrial Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
130	Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
131	Battery Cell Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
132	Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
133	Supplier Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
134	Customer Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
135	Design Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
136	Validation Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
137	Reliability Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
138	Reliability Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
139	Continuous Improvement Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
140	Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
141	Lean Six Sigma Black Belt	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
142	Director of Operational Excellence	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
143	Supplier Development Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
144	Lean Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
145	Senior Manufacturing Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
146	Senior Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
147	Mold / Die Design Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
148	Test Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
149	Senior Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
150	Quality Engineering Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
151	Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
152	Maintenance Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
153	EHS Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
154	VP of Operational Excellence	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
155	Director of Continuous Improvement	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
156	Lean Specialist / Coordinator	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
157	Master Black Belt	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
158	Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
159	Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
160	Supplier Development Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
161	Material Flow / Logistics Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$82,670	$98,970	$100,970	250	0.9
162	Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
163	Electrical Engineer (Plant)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
164	Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
165	Electrical Design Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
166	Senior Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
167	Lead Controls Technician	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
168	Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
169	Lead Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
170	Controls Supervisor	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$76,640	$98,530	$132,110	60	0.42
171	Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$72,370	$98,470	$124,290	400	0.5
172	Program Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$72,370	$98,470	$124,290	400	0.5
173	Packaging Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
174	Tooling Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
175	Welding Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
176	Plant Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
177	Mechanical Design Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
178	Packaging Development Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
179	Plant Engineering Manager	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
180	Mechanical Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
181	Product Design Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
182	Product Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
183	Systems Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
184	CAD Designer / Drafter	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$78,330	$91,430	$117,380	80	0.36
185	Safety Specialist / Coordinator	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$59,620	$88,610	$106,200	80	0.76
186	Industrial Hygienist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$59,620	$88,610	$106,200	80	0.76
187	Environmental Permitting Specialist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$59,620	$88,610	$106,200	80	0.76
188	VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
189	VP of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
190	Regional VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
191	General Manager (Manufacturing)	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
192	Director of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
193	EVP / SVP Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
194	Division / Business Unit General Manager	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
195	Director of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$56,590	$82,330	$134,870	2,140	0.81
196	Cost Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$57,480	$73,640	$98,380	840	0.78
197	Cost Accounting Manager	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$57,480	$73,640	$98,380	840	0.78
198	Senior Cost Analyst	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$57,480	$73,640	$98,380	840	0.78
199	Inventory Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$57,480	$73,640	$98,380	840	0.78
200	Production Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
201	Line Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
202	Shift Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
203	Packaging Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
204	Production Team Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
205	CNC Machining Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
206	Welding Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
207	Packaging Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$56,090	$72,580	$100,060	650	1.29
208	Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$51,930	$70,200	$102,340	380	1.2
209	Document Control Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$51,930	$70,200	$102,340	380	1.2
210	Regulatory Compliance Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$51,930	$70,200	$102,340	380	1.2
211	Maintenance Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
212	Director of Maintenance	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
213	Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
214	Maintenance & Engineering Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
215	Asset Management / CMMS Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
216	Tool Room Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
217	Lead Maintenance Technician	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
218	Senior Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
219	Lead Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$52,790	$69,490	$84,200	550	1.19
220	Buyer / Senior Buyer	Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)	$50,800	$65,940	$90,740	330	0.91
221	Field Service Engineer	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
222	Industrial Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
223	Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
224	Line Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
225	Maintenance Mechanic	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
226	Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
227	Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
228	Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
229	Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
230	Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
231	Maintenance Technician A	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
232	Maintenance Technician B	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
233	Maintenance Technician C	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
234	Traveling Millwright	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
235	Filler Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
236	Packaging Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
237	End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
238	Lead Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$55,380	$63,960	$101,210	310	0.95
239	PLC / Controls Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$58,740	$63,250	$67,270	70	1.51
240	Robotics Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$58,740	$63,250	$67,270	70	1.51
241	Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$58,740	$63,250	$67,270	70	1.51
242	Semiconductor Equipment Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$58,740	$63,250	$67,270	70	1.51
243	Millwright	Millwrights (49-9044)	$58,640	$59,680	$72,230	40	1.42
244	Logistics Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$44,530	$59,090	$70,820	430	0.92
245	Shipping Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$44,530	$59,090	$70,820	430	0.92
246	Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
247	Quality Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
248	CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
249	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
250	Food Safety / QA Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
251	First Article Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
252	Receiving / Source Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
253	Metrology Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
254	Microbiology Lab Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
255	Environmental Monitoring Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
256	Lead Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
257	Senior CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$41,820	$55,430	$78,820	720	1.6
258	Industrial Electrician	Electricians (47-2111)	$40,750	$50,730	$62,320	480	0.84
259	Maintenance Planner / Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
260	Production Planner / Master Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
261	Inventory Control Specialist	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
262	Demand Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
263	Supply Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
264	Production Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$41,230	$47,690	$56,860	400	1.38
265	CNC Setup Machinist	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)	$38,890	$47,460	$52,710	60	0.46
266	Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)	$37,270	$46,780	$58,670	330	1.08
267	Production Welder (MIG)	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
268	TIG Welder	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
269	Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
270	Welder-Fabricator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
271	Fitter / Layout Fitter	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
272	Sheet Metal Fabricator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
273	Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
274	Heat Treat Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
275	Plating / Anodizing Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
276	Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
277	Foundry Molder / Melt Operator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
278	Lead Welder	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$31,650	$40,100	$47,850	330	1.05
279	Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
280	Setup Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
281	Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
282	Battery Cell Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
283	CIP Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
284	Skilled Machine Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
285	Utility / Relief Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
286	Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
287	Senior Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
288	Lead Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
289	Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
290	Batch Maker / Compounder	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
291	Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
292	Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
293	Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
294	Retort / Thermal Process Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
295	Brewer / Cellar Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
296	Senior Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
297	Lead Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$32,540	$40,080	$54,000	350	1.87
298	Food Process Operator	Food Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099)	$33,770	$39,190	$42,370	50	0.96
299	Shipping & Receiving Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
300	Hazmat Shipping Specialist	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
301	Warehouse Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
302	Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
303	Production / Material Expediter	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
304	Kitting Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
305	Inventory Control Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$34,440	$38,870	$46,340	400	0.65
306	Certified Forklift Operator	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)	$35,620	$37,450	$41,620	480	0.82
307	Press Brake Operator	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)	$34,590	$35,390	$38,850	50	0.41
308	Die Setter (Stamping)	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)	$34,590	$35,390	$38,850	50	0.41
309	Flexographic Press Operator	Printing Press Operators (51-5112)	$28,740	$30,640	$37,040	70	0.62
310	Sanitation Technician	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$27,020	$30,320	$34,490	1,450	0.88
311	Sanitation Lead	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$27,020	$30,320	$34,490	1,450	0.88

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, Sales Engineer, CNC Machinist, CNC Programmer, 5-Axis CNC Machinist, Swiss CNC Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Bioprocess Technician, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, QC Microbiology Manager, Inside Sales Engineer, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, CNC Machine Operator, Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist, Manual Machinist, EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker), CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder, Lead Machinist, Machinist A, Machinist B, Machinist C, Senior CNC Machinist, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator.

State figures for Georgia

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Columbus, GA-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?

The national median for this role is $213,990. Locally, the middle-band width is $259,730, which exceeds the national middle-band width of $226,660. 47, the executive pool in this market is small. For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-AL, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation.

Manufacturing Headhunters analyzes the executive compensation profile for Columbus, GA-AL. For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The P25 to P75 range is $85,570 to $345,300, a very wide gap that underscores the variability of executive compensation in this region. These figures represent the broad SOC 11-1011 group.

The national median for this role is $213,990. Locally, the middle-band width is $259,730, which exceeds the national middle-band width of $226,660. With only 70 reported employees and a location quotient of 0.47, the executive pool in this market is small. For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-AL, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded.

Hiring managers must recognize the gap between these regional figures and industry-specific benchmarks. The national median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing is $409,320. Because BLS provides occupational data without industry segmentation locally, the provided regional median may undervalue the technical expertise required by manufacturing firms. Recruitment strategies should bridge this gap with transparent discussions of total compensation potential.

For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. For firms recruiting for top-level roles, the P75 salary of $345,300 should be viewed as the competitive target. For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-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.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Data methodology

What is the P25 salary for this executive role?

The P25 annual salary for Chief Executives in the Columbus, GA-AL area is $85,570. This reflects the lower end of the middle range.

How does the local P75 salary compare to the national industry median?

The local P75 salary is $345,300, whereas the national industry median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing is $409,320. These comparisons are used to gauge recruitment competitiveness.

What explains the large median change?

For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, GA-AL, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.