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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Columbus, IN

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 280 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 Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.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$180,830
  2. Process Engineering Manager$180,830
  3. Controls / Automation Manager$180,830
  4. VP of Engineering$180,830
  5. Director of R&D$180,830
  6. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$180,830
  7. NPI Manager$180,830
  8. Capital Projects Manager$180,830
  9. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$180,830
  10. Senior Industrial Engineer$180,830
  11. Senior Packaging Engineer$180,830
  12. Director of Automation$180,830
  13. Automation Manager$180,830
  14. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$180,830
  15. R&D Manager$180,830
  16. R&D Engineer$180,830
  17. Engineering Manager (Product)$180,830
  18. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$180,830
  19. Lead Product Development Engineer$180,830
  20. Regulatory Affairs Manager$147,910
  21. EHS Manager$147,910
  22. EHS Director$147,910
  23. Safety Manager$147,910
  24. Environmental Manager$147,910
  25. Process Safety Manager$147,910

Bars show the top 25 of 280 ranked. The table below lists all 280. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Columbus, IN, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
2Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
3Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
4VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
5Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
6Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
7NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
8Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
9Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
10Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
11Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
12Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
13Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
14Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
15R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
16R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
17Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
18Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
19Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$175,550$180,830$211,9503104.44
20Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
21EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
22EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
23Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
24Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
25Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
26S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
27Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
28Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
29Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
30Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
31Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
32EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
33Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$76,860$147,910$185,540400.21
34CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
35Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
36Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
37VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
38Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
39Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
40FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
41Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
42Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$101,100$143,590$197,0701800.66
43Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
44Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
45Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
46Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
47Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
48Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
49Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
50Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
51Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
52VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
53Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
54Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
55QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
56Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
57Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
58FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
59FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
60Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
61QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
62Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
63Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
64Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
65Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
66Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
67Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
68Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
69Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
70QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
71Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
72CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
73Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
74Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
75Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$100,430$130,490$163,8503604.54
76Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
77Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
78Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
79Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
80Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
81Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
82Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
83Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
84Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
85Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
86Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
87CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$98,620$127,700$127,7001,00010.52
88Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$100,840$124,230$136,050600.79
89VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
90Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
91Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
92National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
93Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
94National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
95Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
96Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
97Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
98Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
99Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
100Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
101Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
102Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$86,880$120,730$166,2801300.65
103VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
104VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
105Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
106General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
107Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
108EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
109Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
110Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$77,180$112,760$164,8805900.52
111Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$98,920$110,720$142,720901.87
112Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$98,920$110,720$142,720901.87
113Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$98,920$110,720$142,720901.87
114Injection Molding Process EngineerChemical Engineers (17-2041)$109,190$109,190$121,750406.46
115Extrusion Process EngineerChemical Engineers (17-2041)$109,190$109,190$121,750406.46
116MS&T EngineerChemical Engineers (17-2041)$109,190$109,190$121,750406.46
117Process Development EngineerChemical Engineers (17-2041)$109,190$109,190$121,750406.46
118Tech Transfer EngineerChemical Engineers (17-2041)$109,190$109,190$121,750406.46
119PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,920$104,880$123,6802800.53
120MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,920$104,880$123,6802800.53
121SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,920$104,880$123,6802800.53
122Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,920$104,880$123,6802800.53
123Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$98,920$104,880$123,6802800.53
124Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
125Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
126Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
127Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
128Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
129Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
130Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
131Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
132Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$82,290$99,960$117,610701.11
133Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
134Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
135Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
136Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
137Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
138Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
139Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
140Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
141Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
142Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
143Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
144Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
145Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
146Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
147Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
148Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
149Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
150Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
151Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
152Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
153Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
154Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
155Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
156Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
157Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
158Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
159EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
160VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
161Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
162Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
163Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
164Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
165Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
166Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
167Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$97,480$97,480$126,2209107.76
168Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$68,130$91,510$119,8401400.4
169Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$68,130$91,510$119,8401400.4
170Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$59,750$87,920$111,900601.34
171Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$59,750$87,920$111,900601.34
172Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$59,750$87,920$111,900601.34
173Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$60,450$79,670$79,7702901.19
174Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$78,770$78,770$78,7701501.14
175Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$78,770$78,770$78,7701501.14
176Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$78,770$78,770$78,7701501.14
177Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,940$78,740$101,1403300.71
178Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,940$78,740$101,1403300.71
179Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,940$78,740$101,1403300.71
180Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,940$78,740$101,1403300.71
181Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
182Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
183Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
184Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
185Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
186CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
187Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
188Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$62,310$75,640$94,3406903.2
189Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
190Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
191Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
192Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
193Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
194Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
195Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
196Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
197Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$61,610$74,640$92,4301700.87
198Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$58,160$71,500$95,3801701.09
199Tool and Die MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$57,380$71,180$78,9101809.65
200Mold MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$57,380$71,180$78,9101809.65
201Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
202Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
203Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
204Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
205Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
206Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
207Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
208Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
209Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
210Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
211Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
212Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
213Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
214Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
215Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
216Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
217End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
218Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$57,890$63,770$76,2804903.48
219CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
2205-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
221Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
222CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
223Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
224Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
225EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
226CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
227Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
228Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
229Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
230Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
231Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$60,470$61,230$61,2301,47015.95
232Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
233Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
234Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
235Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
236Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
237Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$48,980$60,180$71,4102101.68
238Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,080$59,570$75,5401700.85
239Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,080$59,570$75,5401700.85
240CNC ProgrammerComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162)$55,440$57,770$77,170404.4
241Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$46,810$54,490$66,080700.55
242Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
243TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
244Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
245Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
246Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
247Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
248Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
249Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
250Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
251Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
252Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
253Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$45,970$49,320$57,2103102.34
254Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
255Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
256CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
257Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
258Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
259First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
260Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
261Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
262Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
263Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
264Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
265Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$43,290$49,030$61,7209004.7
266CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$48,590$48,590$53,04061011.26
267Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$39,580$47,880$52,4602604.67
268Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$39,580$47,880$52,4602604.67
269QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$37,070$45,360$59,290402.21
270Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
271Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
272Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
273Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
274Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
275Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
276Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$39,300$44,780$49,4904701.78
277Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$38,190$43,780$47,6502100.83
278Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$33,830$38,420$41,8203306.85
279Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$31,050$35,360$42,1604200.59
280Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$31,050$35,360$42,1604200.59

What should you know about not published by BLS?

CEO / President (Manufacturing), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Vision Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Manager, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Materials Manager, Logistics Manager, Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager, Sales Engineer, Applications Engineer, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Production Technician, Setup Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Process Technician, Extrusion Technician, Flexographic Press Operator, 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, Product Development Scientist, QC Microbiology Manager, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Category Manager (Direct Materials), Inventory Control Manager, Senior Production Planner, Senior Buyer, Director of Logistics, Transportation Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, Shipping & Receiving 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 Indiana

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

Manufacturing Headhunters evaluates the executive compensation market in Columbus, IN. For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, IN, 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 $175,550 to $211,950.

This role falls under the broad SOC 11-9041 classification, which does not distinguish between individual company industrial processes.

The national median for this occupation is $171,270. Columbus, IN features a local middle-band width of $36,400, much tighter than the national middle-band width of $73,140. With 310 employees reported in this metro area and a high location quotient of 4.44, the region demonstrates an exceptional concentration of manufacturing engineering leadership. This concentration is a vital context for any regional recruiting initiative.

For manufacturing occupations in Columbus, IN, 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. For industries like Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing, the national median is $192,800.

To remain competitive in such a high-concentration area, the P75 salary of $211,950 should be the target for high-level recruits. The relative stability in the median salary, as evidenced by the $2,110 change, suggests a mature market for these specialized engineering roles. Hiring managers should focus on the candidate's mastery of local manufacturing standards and specific production technologies, as these local factors will drive individual compensation beyond the broad averages presented by the BLS.

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 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

How does the local median compare to the national median?

The local median of $180,830 is higher than the national median of $171,270 for this broader occupational group.

Does the local area have a high concentration of this role?

Yes, with a location quotient of 4.44, the area shows an exceptionally high concentration of manufacturing engineering managers compared to other regions.

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 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

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