Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA

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 333 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 Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.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)$189,410
Chief Operating Officer (COO)$189,410
Senior Director of Operations$189,410
Manufacturing Engineering Manager$138,550
Process Engineering Manager$138,550
Controls / Automation Manager$138,550
VP of Engineering$138,550
Director of R&D$138,550
Director of Manufacturing Engineering$138,550
NPI Manager$138,550
Capital Projects Manager$138,550
Lead Manufacturing Engineer$138,550
Senior Industrial Engineer$138,550
Senior Packaging Engineer$138,550
Director of Automation$138,550
Automation Manager$138,550
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$138,550
R&D Manager$138,550
R&D Engineer$138,550
Engineering Manager (Product)$138,550
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$138,550
Lead Product Development Engineer$138,550
Plant Manager$133,240
Plant Director / Site Director$133,240
Assistant Plant Manager$133,240

Bars show the top 25 of 333 ranked. The table below lists all 333. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
Rank	Role	BLS occupation	25th	Median	75th	Employment	LQ
1	CEO / President (Manufacturing)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,250	$189,410	$273,740	100	0.63
2	Chief Operating Officer (COO)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,250	$189,410	$273,740	100	0.63
3	Senior Director of Operations	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,250	$189,410	$273,740	100	0.63
4	Manufacturing Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
5	Process Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
6	Controls / Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
7	VP of Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
8	Director of R&D	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
9	Director of Manufacturing Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
10	NPI Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
11	Capital Projects Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
12	Lead Manufacturing Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
13	Senior Industrial Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
14	Senior Packaging Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
15	Director of Automation	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
16	Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
17	Chief Technology Officer (CTO)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
18	R&D Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
19	R&D Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
20	Engineering Manager (Product)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
21	Senior Mechanical Design Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
22	Lead Product Development Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$134,380	$138,550	$169,240	250	1.45
23	Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
24	Plant Director / Site Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
25	Assistant Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
26	Operations Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
27	Manufacturing Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
28	Production Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
29	Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
30	Plant Startup / Launch Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
31	Sanitation Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
32	VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
33	Director of Quality	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
34	Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
35	QC Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
36	Supplier Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
37	Quality Systems Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
38	FSQA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
39	FSQA Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
40	Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
41	QA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
42	Production Superintendent	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
43	Area Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
44	Value Stream Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
45	Department Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
46	Sanitation Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
47	Bilingual Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
48	Second Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
49	Third Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
50	QC Lab Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
51	Validation / CQV Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
52	CAPA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
53	Metrology / Calibration Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
54	Lead Quality Engineer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
55	Quality Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$107,300	$133,240	$172,160	380	2.01
56	VP of Sales (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
57	Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
58	Director of Sales	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
59	National Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
60	Key Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
61	National Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
62	Business Development Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
63	Territory Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
64	Channel / Distributor Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
65	Product Manager (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
66	Field Service Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
67	Senior Applications Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
68	Lead Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
69	Traveling Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$86,530	$132,950	$197,100	270	0.55
70	Plant HR Manager	Human Resources Managers (11-3121)	$99,380	$132,680	$167,240	150	0.87
71	CFO (Manufacturing)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
72	Corporate Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
73	Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
74	VP of Finance	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
75	Division Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
76	Assistant Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
77	FP&A Manager (Operations)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
78	Senior Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
79	Senior Cost Accountant	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$100,900	$132,280	$176,910	500	0.77
80	Purchasing Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$108,100	$130,490	$175,170	80	1.29
81	Strategic Sourcing Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$108,100	$130,490	$175,170	80	1.29
82	Procurement Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$108,100	$130,490	$175,170	80	1.29
83	Director of Procurement	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$108,100	$130,490	$175,170	80	1.29
84	Commodity Manager	Purchasing Managers (11-3061)	$108,100	$130,490	$175,170	80	1.29
85	PLC Programmer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$84,690	$115,310	$131,180	430	0.33
86	MES Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$84,690	$115,310	$131,180	430	0.33
87	SCADA / HMI Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$84,690	$115,310	$131,180	430	0.33
88	Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$84,690	$115,310	$131,180	430	0.33
89	Firmware / Embedded Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$84,690	$115,310	$131,180	430	0.33
90	Facilities Manager	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$78,240	$106,020	$138,390	70	0.61
91	Facilities Engineer	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$78,240	$106,020	$138,390	70	0.61
92	Utilities / Energy Manager	Facilities Managers (11-3013)	$78,240	$106,020	$138,390	70	0.61
93	Automation Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
94	Robotics Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
95	Machine Vision Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
96	Product Development Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
97	Applications Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
98	Applications Engineering Manager	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$73,440	$103,330	$132,460	80	0.69
99	Regulatory Affairs Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
100	EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
101	EHS Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
102	Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
103	Environmental Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
104	Process Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
105	S&OP Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
106	Trade Compliance Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
107	Service / Aftermarket Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
108	Environmental Engineer	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
109	Sustainability Manager / Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
110	Senior EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
111	EHS Coordinator	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
112	Director of Planning	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$67,290	$99,200	$131,420	390	0.81
113	Manufacturing Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
114	Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
115	Industrial Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
116	Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
117	Battery Cell Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
118	Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
119	Supplier Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
120	Customer Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
121	Design Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
122	Validation Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
123	Reliability Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
124	Reliability Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
125	Continuous Improvement Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
126	Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
127	Lean Six Sigma Black Belt	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
128	Director of Operational Excellence	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
129	Supplier Development Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
130	Lean Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
131	Senior Manufacturing Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
132	Senior Process Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
133	Mold / Die Design Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
134	Test Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
135	Senior Quality Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
136	Quality Engineering Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
137	Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
138	Maintenance Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
139	EHS Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
140	VP of Operational Excellence	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
141	Director of Continuous Improvement	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
142	Lean Specialist / Coordinator	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
143	Master Black Belt	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
144	Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
145	Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
146	Supplier Development Manager	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
147	Material Flow / Logistics Engineer	Industrial Engineers (17-2112)	$79,820	$98,000	$105,960	280	1.01
148	VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
149	VP of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
150	Regional VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
151	General Manager (Manufacturing)	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
152	Director of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
153	EVP / SVP Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
154	Division / Business Unit General Manager	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
155	Director of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$64,920	$97,450	$145,100	2,030	0.76
156	Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
157	Electrical Engineer (Plant)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
158	Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
159	Electrical Design Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
160	Senior Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
161	Lead Controls Technician	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
162	Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
163	Lead Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
164	Controls Supervisor	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$91,520	$95,920	$126,550	160	1.02
165	VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
166	Supply Chain Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
167	Materials Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
168	Logistics Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
169	Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
170	Chief Supply Chain Officer	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
171	Category Manager (Direct Materials)	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
172	Inventory Control Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
173	Senior Production Planner	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
174	Senior Buyer	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
175	Director of Logistics	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
176	Transportation Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
177	Warehouse Supervisor	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
178	Shipping & Receiving Manager	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)	$66,990	$95,090	$126,760	130	0.78
179	Packaging Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
180	Tooling Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
181	Welding Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
182	Plant Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
183	Mechanical Design Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
184	Packaging Development Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
185	Plant Engineering Manager	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
186	Mechanical Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
187	Product Design Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
188	Product Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
189	Systems Engineer	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
190	CAD Designer / Drafter	Mechanical Engineers (17-2141)	$83,950	$94,560	$128,350	240	1.04
191	Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$66,500	$87,290	$104,590	550	0.68
192	Program Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$66,500	$87,290	$104,590	550	0.68
193	Safety Specialist / Coordinator	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$67,590	$83,740	$96,550	160	1.49
194	Industrial Hygienist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$67,590	$83,740	$96,550	160	1.49
195	Environmental Permitting Specialist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$67,590	$83,740	$96,550	160	1.49
196	NDT Technician	Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029)	$81,950	$81,950	$81,950	70	1.5
197	Production Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
198	Line Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
199	Shift Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
200	Packaging Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
201	Production Team Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
202	CNC Machining Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
203	Welding Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
204	Packaging Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$59,790	$76,820	$105,440	880	1.7
205	Cost Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$60,290	$75,940	$98,470	780	0.7
206	Cost Accounting Manager	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$60,290	$75,940	$98,470	780	0.7
207	Senior Cost Analyst	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$60,290	$75,940	$98,470	780	0.7
208	Inventory Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$60,290	$75,940	$98,470	780	0.7
209	Maintenance Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
210	Director of Maintenance	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
211	Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
212	Maintenance & Engineering Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
213	Asset Management / CMMS Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
214	Tool Room Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
215	Lead Maintenance Technician	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
216	Senior Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
217	Lead Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$58,480	$74,390	$94,500	550	1.16
218	Millwright	Millwrights (49-9044)	$48,740	$66,560	$71,030	50	1.66
219	Buyer / Senior Buyer	Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)	$48,740	$66,390	$83,120	430	1.13
220	PLC / Controls Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$52,800	$65,930	$77,480	250	4.99
221	Robotics Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$52,800	$65,930	$77,480	250	4.99
222	Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$52,800	$65,930	$77,480	250	4.99
223	Semiconductor Equipment Technician	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)	$52,800	$65,930	$77,480	250	4.99
224	Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$50,610	$63,860	$82,460	270	0.85
225	Document Control Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$50,610	$63,860	$82,460	270	0.85
226	Regulatory Compliance Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$50,610	$63,860	$82,460	270	0.85
227	Field Service Engineer	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
228	Industrial Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
229	Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
230	Line Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
231	Maintenance Mechanic	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
232	Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
233	Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
234	Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
235	Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
236	Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
237	Maintenance Technician A	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
238	Maintenance Technician B	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
239	Maintenance Technician C	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
240	Traveling Millwright	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
241	Filler Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
242	Packaging Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
243	End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
244	Lead Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$54,020	$62,300	$77,640	1,100	3.24
245	Industrial Electrician	Electricians (47-2111)	$48,650	$60,070	$72,160	760	1.31
246	Logistics Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$47,600	$58,260	$71,030	490	1.03
247	Shipping Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$47,600	$58,260	$71,030	490	1.03
248	CNC Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
249	5-Axis CNC Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
250	Swiss CNC Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
251	CNC Machine Operator	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
252	Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
253	Manual Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
254	EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
255	CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
256	Lead Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
257	Machinist A	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
258	Machinist B	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
259	Machinist C	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
260	Senior CNC Machinist	Machinists (51-4041)	$45,190	$57,890	$64,260	450	2.04
261	Production Welder (MIG)	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
262	TIG Welder	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
263	Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
264	Welder-Fabricator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
265	Fitter / Layout Fitter	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
266	Sheet Metal Fabricator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
267	Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
268	Heat Treat Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
269	Plating / Anodizing Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
270	Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
271	Foundry Molder / Melt Operator	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
272	Lead Welder	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)	$45,230	$55,690	$65,280	450	1.39
273	Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)	$43,660	$48,950	$60,920	290	0.91
274	Tool and Die Maker	Tool and Die Makers (51-4111)	$44,030	$48,730	$59,910	70	1.52
275	Mold Maker	Tool and Die Makers (51-4111)	$44,030	$48,730	$59,910	70	1.52
276	CNC Setup Machinist	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)	$42,780	$48,620	$57,360	80	0.59
277	Maintenance Planner / Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
278	Production Planner / Master Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
279	Inventory Control Specialist	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
280	Demand Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
281	Supply Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
282	Production Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$42,100	$48,360	$63,200	500	1.68
283	Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
284	Quality Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
285	CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
286	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
287	Food Safety / QA Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
288	First Article Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
289	Receiving / Source Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
290	Metrology Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
291	Microbiology Lab Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
292	Environmental Monitoring Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
293	Lead Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
294	Senior CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$38,500	$47,160	$57,880	650	1.42
295	Press Brake Operator	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)	$39,240	$43,920	$47,300	280	2.15
296	Die Setter (Stamping)	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)	$39,240	$43,920	$47,300	280	2.15
297	Flexographic Press Operator	Printing Press Operators (51-5112)	$35,200	$42,740	$48,860	140	1.22
298	Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
299	Setup Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
300	Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
301	Battery Cell Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
302	CIP Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
303	Skilled Machine Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
304	Utility / Relief Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
305	Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
306	Senior Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
307	Lead Production Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
308	Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
309	Batch Maker / Compounder	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
310	Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
311	Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
312	Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
313	Retort / Thermal Process Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
314	Brewer / Cellar Operator	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
315	Senior Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
316	Lead Process Technician	Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)	$36,040	$40,840	$47,880	590	3.05
317	Certified Forklift Operator	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)	$36,270	$40,720	$45,830	590	1
318	Shipping & Receiving Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
319	Hazmat Shipping Specialist	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
320	Warehouse Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
321	Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
322	Production / Material Expediter	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
323	Kitting Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
324	Inventory Control Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$35,030	$39,890	$48,360	630	1.01
325	Composite Technician	Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators (51-2051)	$35,570	$39,290	$39,290	30	2.55
326	Injection Molding Technician	Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)	$33,840	$36,670	$43,890	180	1.52
327	Food Process Operator	Food Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099)	$36,290	$36,290	$38,220	30	0.7
328	Electronics Assembler / Solderer	Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)	$33,740	$35,630	$46,100	210	1.13
329	Wire Harness & Cable Assembler	Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)	$33,740	$35,630	$46,100	210	1.13
330	SMT Technician	Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)	$33,740	$35,630	$46,100	210	1.13
331	Control Panel Builder	Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)	$33,740	$35,630	$46,100	210	1.13
332	Sanitation Technician	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$29,880	$31,070	$37,070	1,540	0.91
333	Sanitation Lead	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$29,880	$31,070	$37,070	1,540	0.91

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 Programmer, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Bioprocess Technician, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Calibration 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, 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 Tennessee

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

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

In the Kingsport-Bristol metro, manufacturing CEO roles report a median of $189,410, falling below the national median of $213,990 for this occupation. The local P25 to P75 band width is $140,490. For manufacturing occupations in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

While national communications equipment manufacturing data shows a median of $409,320, the local broad-occupation measure demonstrates the typical gap between specific-industry national benchmarks and cross-industry local medians.

Manufacturing Engineering Managers in this metro earn a median of $138,550, compared to the $171,270 national broad-occupation median. The local middle-band width is $34,860, ranging from $134,380 to $169,240. For manufacturing occupations in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Aerospace industry national data records a $192,800 median. Because this category groups all engineering and architectural management roles together, these figures do not account for variations in specific product focus or the specialized management requirements unique to aerospace or automotive facilities.

Plant Manager roles in the area report a median of $133,240, higher than the national broader-occupation median of $126,060. The middle-band width is $64,860. For manufacturing occupations in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. National petroleum and coal products industry medians for this management role are $155,730. The broader occupational classification groups production managers regardless of the industry segment, making these figures an aggregate representation of the local management market across all sectors.

Electronics Assemblers and Sanitation Technicians show medians of $35,630 and $31,070, respectively. For manufacturing occupations in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. National medians are $45,850 for electronics and $36,840 for janitorial roles. Automotive manufacturing for electronics is $62,920, and iron and steel for sanitation is $52,820. These data points rely on broader SOC definitions that do not capture specific plant seniority, specialized shifts, or individual technical performance credentials.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

For manufacturing occupations in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The difference highlights the broad janitorial classification rather than plant-specific sanitation work.

Why is the local engineering manager median below the national aerospace benchmark?

The $138,550 local median covers the broad engineering management SOC. The $192,800 aerospace industry national row is a sector-specific benchmark provided for comparative context.

What is the status of the sanitation technician median?

Does the plant manager median reflect petroleum industry pay?

No, the $133,240 is for the broader production management occupation, whereas $155,730 is the national median specifically for the petroleum and coal products sector.