Salary guide, May 2025
Manufacturing pay in Gadsden, 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 201 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.
- CFO (Manufacturing)$122,470
- Corporate Controller$122,470
- Plant Controller$122,470
- VP of Finance$122,470
- Division Controller$122,470
- Assistant Plant Controller$122,470
- FP&A Manager (Operations)$122,470
- Senior Plant Controller$122,470
- Senior Cost Accountant$122,470
- Plant Manager$115,430
- Plant Director / Site Director$115,430
- Assistant Plant Manager$115,430
- Operations Manager$115,430
- Manufacturing Manager$115,430
- Production Manager$115,430
- Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)$115,430
- Plant Startup / Launch Manager$115,430
- Sanitation Manager$115,430
- VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer$115,430
- Director of Quality$115,430
- Quality Manager$115,430
- QC Manager$115,430
- Supplier Quality Manager$115,430
- Quality Systems Manager$115,430
- FSQA Manager$115,430
Bars show the top 25 of 201 ranked. The table below lists all 201. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.
| Rank | Role | BLS occupation | 25th | Median | 75th | Employment | LQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CFO (Manufacturing) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 2 | Corporate Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 3 | Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 4 | VP of Finance | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 5 | Division Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 6 | Assistant Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 7 | FP&A Manager (Operations) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 8 | Senior Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 9 | Senior Cost Accountant | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $95,420 | $122,470 | $153,700 | 70 | 0.41 |
| 10 | Plant Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 11 | Plant Director / Site Director | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 12 | Assistant Plant Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 13 | Operations Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 14 | Manufacturing Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 15 | Production Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 16 | Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift) | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 17 | Plant Startup / Launch Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 18 | Sanitation Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 19 | VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 20 | Director of Quality | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 21 | Quality Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 22 | QC Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 23 | Supplier Quality Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 24 | Quality Systems Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 25 | FSQA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 26 | FSQA Director | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 27 | Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 28 | QA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 29 | Production Superintendent | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 30 | Area Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 31 | Value Stream Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 32 | Department Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 33 | Sanitation Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 34 | Bilingual Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 35 | Second Shift Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 36 | Third Shift Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 37 | QC Lab Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 38 | Validation / CQV Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 39 | CAPA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 40 | Metrology / Calibration Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 41 | Lead Quality Engineer | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 42 | Quality Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $88,000 | $115,430 | $141,430 | 40 | 0.8 |
| 43 | VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 44 | VP of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 45 | Regional VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 46 | General Manager (Manufacturing) | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 47 | Director of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 48 | EVP / SVP Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 49 | Division / Business Unit General Manager | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 50 | Director of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $60,520 | $91,470 | $137,190 | 400 | 0.54 |
| 51 | VP of Sales (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 52 | Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 53 | Director of Sales | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 54 | National Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 55 | Key Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 56 | National Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 57 | Business Development Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 58 | Territory Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 59 | Channel / Distributor Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 60 | Product Manager (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 61 | Field Service Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 62 | Senior Applications Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 63 | Lead Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 64 | Traveling Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $80,950 | $80,950 | $109,560 | 60 | 0.46 |
| 65 | Safety Specialist / Coordinator | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,570 | $76,270 | $94,070 | 40 | 1.21 |
| 66 | Industrial Hygienist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,570 | $76,270 | $94,070 | 40 | 1.21 |
| 67 | Environmental Permitting Specialist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,570 | $76,270 | $94,070 | 40 | 1.21 |
| 68 | Manufacturing Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 69 | Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 70 | Industrial Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 71 | Yield Engineer (Semiconductor) | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 72 | Battery Cell Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 73 | Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 74 | Supplier Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 75 | Customer Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 76 | Design Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 77 | Validation Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 78 | Reliability Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 79 | Reliability Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 80 | Continuous Improvement Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 81 | Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 82 | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 83 | Director of Operational Excellence | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 84 | Supplier Development Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 85 | Lean Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 86 | Senior Manufacturing Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 87 | Senior Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 88 | Mold / Die Design Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 89 | Test Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 90 | Senior Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 91 | Quality Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 92 | Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 93 | Maintenance Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 94 | EHS Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 95 | VP of Operational Excellence | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 96 | Director of Continuous Improvement | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 97 | Lean Specialist / Coordinator | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 98 | Master Black Belt | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 99 | Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 100 | Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 101 | Supplier Development Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 102 | Material Flow / Logistics Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $59,280 | $72,880 | $83,280 | 50 | 0.68 |
| 103 | Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $50,990 | $69,990 | $80,230 | 60 | 0.69 |
| 104 | Document Control Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $50,990 | $69,990 | $80,230 | 60 | 0.69 |
| 105 | Regulatory Compliance Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $50,990 | $69,990 | $80,230 | 60 | 0.69 |
| 106 | Cost Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $53,190 | $63,250 | $76,980 | 280 | 0.9 |
| 107 | Cost Accounting Manager | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $53,190 | $63,250 | $76,980 | 280 | 0.9 |
| 108 | Senior Cost Analyst | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $53,190 | $63,250 | $76,980 | 280 | 0.9 |
| 109 | Inventory Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $53,190 | $63,250 | $76,980 | 280 | 0.9 |
| 110 | Maintenance Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 111 | Director of Maintenance | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 112 | Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 113 | Maintenance & Engineering Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 114 | Asset Management / CMMS Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 115 | Tool Room Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 116 | Lead Maintenance Technician | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 117 | Senior Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 118 | Lead Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $50,040 | $62,150 | $83,680 | 170 | 1.25 |
| 119 | Production Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 120 | Line Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 121 | Shift Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 122 | Packaging Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 123 | Production Team Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 124 | CNC Machining Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 125 | Welding Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 126 | Packaging Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,470 | $61,460 | $76,040 | 310 | 2.16 |
| 127 | Field Service Engineer | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 128 | Industrial Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 129 | Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 130 | Line Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 131 | Maintenance Mechanic | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 132 | Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 133 | Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 134 | Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 135 | Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 136 | Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 137 | Maintenance Technician A | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 138 | Maintenance Technician B | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 139 | Maintenance Technician C | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 140 | Traveling Millwright | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 141 | Filler Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 142 | Packaging Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 143 | End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 144 | Lead Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,860 | $59,330 | $63,780 | 170 | 1.79 |
| 145 | Logistics Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $41,720 | $57,340 | $68,620 | 180 | 1.37 |
| 146 | Shipping Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $41,720 | $57,340 | $68,620 | 180 | 1.37 |
| 147 | Buyer / Senior Buyer | Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020) | $40,040 | $49,920 | $69,700 | 70 | 0.64 |
| 148 | Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021) | $39,220 | $49,300 | $60,020 | 120 | 1.34 |
| 149 | CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 150 | 5-Axis CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 151 | Swiss CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 152 | CNC Machine Operator | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 153 | Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 154 | Manual Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 155 | EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker) | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 156 | CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 157 | Lead Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 158 | Machinist A | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 159 | Machinist B | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 160 | Machinist C | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 161 | Senior CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $38,180 | $48,370 | $57,890 | 80 | 1.36 |
| 162 | Industrial Electrician | Electricians (47-2111) | $36,240 | $44,490 | $47,420 | 140 | 0.89 |
| 163 | Production Welder (MIG) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 164 | TIG Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 165 | Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 166 | Welder-Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 167 | Fitter / Layout Fitter | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 168 | Sheet Metal Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 169 | Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 170 | Heat Treat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 171 | Plating / Anodizing Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 172 | Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 173 | Foundry Molder / Melt Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 174 | Lead Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $37,750 | $42,240 | $48,490 | 190 | 2.18 |
| 175 | CNC Setup Machinist | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161) | $38,470 | $39,730 | $46,770 | 60 | 1.77 |
| 176 | Press Brake Operator | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031) | $35,880 | $38,420 | $38,490 | 240 | 6.7 |
| 177 | Die Setter (Stamping) | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031) | $35,880 | $38,420 | $38,490 | 240 | 6.7 |
| 178 | Injection Molding Technician | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072) | $33,710 | $38,420 | $38,420 | 120 | 3.63 |
| 179 | Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 180 | Quality Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 181 | CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 182 | Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 183 | Food Safety / QA Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 184 | First Article Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 185 | Receiving / Source Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 186 | Metrology Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 187 | Microbiology Lab Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 188 | Environmental Monitoring Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 189 | Lead Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 190 | Senior CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $31,340 | $36,700 | $38,390 | 230 | 1.77 |
| 191 | Certified Forklift Operator | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051) | $36,250 | $36,500 | $37,510 | 250 | 1.48 |
| 192 | Shipping & Receiving Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 193 | Hazmat Shipping Specialist | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 194 | Warehouse Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 195 | Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding) | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 196 | Production / Material Expediter | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 197 | Kitting Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 198 | Inventory Control Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $28,600 | $35,730 | $40,430 | 110 | 0.6 |
| 199 | Food Process Operator | Food Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099) | $35,140 | $35,140 | $37,860 | 40 | 2.99 |
| 200 | Sanitation Technician | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $26,340 | $28,730 | $33,120 | 320 | 0.68 |
| 201 | Sanitation Lead | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $26,340 | $28,730 | $33,120 | 320 | 0.68 |
What should you know about not published by BLS?
CEO / President (Manufacturing), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Process Engineering Manager, Packaging Engineer, Tooling Engineer, Welding Engineer, Plant Engineer, Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager, Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Vision Engineer, MES Engineer, Electrical Engineer (Plant), Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer, Controls / Automation Manager, VP of Engineering, Director of R&D, Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, Program Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Maintenance Planner / Scheduler, Facilities Manager, EHS Manager, EHS Director, Safety Manager, Environmental Manager, Process Safety Manager, VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Manager, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Materials Manager, Production Planner / Master Scheduler, S&OP Manager, Logistics Manager, Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager, Trade Compliance Manager, Sales Engineer, Applications Engineer, Service / Aftermarket Manager, 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, 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, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Battery Cell Production Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, CIP Technician, Inventory Control Specialist, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Procurement Manager, Plant HR Manager, Senior Director of Operations, Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Packaging Development Engineer, NPI Manager, Plant Engineering Manager, Capital Projects Manager, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Industrial Engineer, Senior Packaging Engineer, Director of Automation, Automation Manager, Senior Controls Engineer, SCADA / HMI Engineer, Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer, Lead Controls Technician, Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A), Lead Controls Engineer, Controls Supervisor, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), R&D Manager, R&D Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Product Engineer, Firmware / Embedded Engineer, Systems Engineer, CAD Designer / Drafter, Product Development Scientist, Engineering Manager (Product), Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Lead Product Development Engineer, QC Microbiology Manager, Facilities Engineer, Utilities / Energy Manager, Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Manager / Director, Senior EHS Manager, EHS Coordinator, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Category Manager (Direct Materials), Director of Planning, Demand Planner, Supply Planner, Production Scheduler, 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.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Gadsden, AL. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.
What does this data mean for your opening?
The Gadsden manufacturing labor market reports specific salary markers for leadership and support roles. The CFO (Manufacturing) median is $122,470, below the $166,570 national level, with a local band width of $58,280. The Plant Manager median is $115,430, below the $126,060 national median, with a band width of $53,430.
The VP of Operations shows a local median of $91,470, significantly under the $105,770 national median, with a band width of $76,670. Food Process Operators have a local median of $35,140, beneath the $39,680 national figure, with a band width of $2,720. Sanitation Technicians report a local median of $28,730, also below the $36,840 national median, with a band width of $6,780. Manufacturing Headhunters utilizes this data to assist in the evaluation of regional talent competitiveness, noting these figures reflect annual base salaries and ignore perks.
Regional benchmarks from Anniston-Oxford and Rome provide necessary context; the Plant Manager median in Anniston-Oxford is $131,420 compared to $131,680 in Rome. The location quotient for Food Process Operators is 2.99, underscoring a high density of this role in the Gadsden market. All reported units are annual. Significant median changes, such as the $14,550 growth for the Plant Manager role since May 2024, highlight changing competitive dynamics. The BLS occupation classifications used are broad, and specific plant duties may deviate from the national definition. Industry-specific national wage cuts, such as Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing, are provided as supplementary context. These medians exclude non-wage elements like bonuses or deferred compensation, and they represent general market benchmarks rather than individual offer data. As of the May 2025 release, these figures help characterize local salary bands, recognizing that recruiter and manufacturer strategies must account for individual experience and the specific operational requirements of each facility.
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
Are local Plant Manager wages lower than those in neighboring areas?
Yes, the local Plant Manager median of $115,430 is lower than the $131,420 median in Anniston-Oxford and $131,680 in Rome. The position has seen a significant median change of $14,550.
How significant is the Food Process Operator density in Gadsden?
With a location quotient of 2.99, the concentration of Food Process Operators in Gadsden is roughly triple that of the national average, indicating its importance to the local industrial economy.
Does the VP of Operations median track closely with the national median?
No, the local median of $91,470 is significantly lower than the national median of $105,770. This reflects a regional variance in salary for this specific general and operations management role.
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