Salary guide, May 2025
Manufacturing pay in Merced, CA
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 292 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 Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.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)$181,660
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)$181,660
- Senior Director of Operations$181,660
- Plant HR Manager$153,210
- CFO (Manufacturing)$134,170
- Corporate Controller$134,170
- Plant Controller$134,170
- VP of Finance$134,170
- Division Controller$134,170
- Assistant Plant Controller$134,170
- FP&A Manager (Operations)$134,170
- Senior Plant Controller$134,170
- Senior Cost Accountant$134,170
- PLC Programmer$132,120
- MES Engineer$132,120
- SCADA / HMI Engineer$132,120
- Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer$132,120
- Firmware / Embedded Engineer$132,120
- Regulatory Affairs Manager$128,190
- EHS Manager$128,190
- EHS Director$128,190
- Safety Manager$128,190
- Environmental Manager$128,190
- Process Safety Manager$128,190
- S&OP Manager$128,190
Bars show the top 25 of 292 ranked. The table below lists all 292. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.
| Rank | Role | BLS occupation | 25th | Median | 75th | Employment | LQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEO / President (Manufacturing) | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $126,500 | $181,660 | $276,320 | 100 | 0.92 |
| 2 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $126,500 | $181,660 | $276,320 | 100 | 0.92 |
| 3 | Senior Director of Operations | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $126,500 | $181,660 | $276,320 | 100 | 0.92 |
| 4 | Plant HR Manager | Human Resources Managers (11-3121) | $120,640 | $153,210 | $191,650 | 70 | 0.58 |
| 5 | CFO (Manufacturing) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 6 | Corporate Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 7 | Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 8 | VP of Finance | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 9 | Division Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 10 | Assistant Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 11 | FP&A Manager (Operations) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 12 | Senior Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 13 | Senior Cost Accountant | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $104,360 | $134,170 | $190,280 | 210 | 0.5 |
| 14 | PLC Programmer | Software Developers (15-1252) | $102,220 | $132,120 | $164,990 | 80 | 0.1 |
| 15 | MES Engineer | Software Developers (15-1252) | $102,220 | $132,120 | $164,990 | 80 | 0.1 |
| 16 | SCADA / HMI Engineer | Software Developers (15-1252) | $102,220 | $132,120 | $164,990 | 80 | 0.1 |
| 17 | Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer | Software Developers (15-1252) | $102,220 | $132,120 | $164,990 | 80 | 0.1 |
| 18 | Firmware / Embedded Engineer | Software Developers (15-1252) | $102,220 | $132,120 | $164,990 | 80 | 0.1 |
| 19 | Regulatory Affairs Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 20 | EHS Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 21 | EHS Director | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 22 | Safety Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 23 | Environmental Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 24 | Process Safety Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 25 | S&OP Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 26 | Trade Compliance Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 27 | Service / Aftermarket Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 28 | Environmental Engineer | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 29 | Sustainability Manager / Director | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 30 | Senior EHS Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 31 | EHS Coordinator | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 32 | Director of Planning | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $103,890 | $128,190 | $173,020 | 150 | 0.46 |
| 33 | Plant Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 34 | Plant Director / Site Director | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 35 | Assistant Plant Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 36 | Operations Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 37 | Manufacturing Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 38 | Production Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 39 | Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift) | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 40 | Plant Startup / Launch Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 41 | Sanitation Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 42 | VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 43 | Director of Quality | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 44 | Quality Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 45 | QC Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 46 | Supplier Quality Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 47 | Quality Systems Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 48 | FSQA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 49 | FSQA Director | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 50 | Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 51 | QA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 52 | Production Superintendent | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 53 | Area Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 54 | Value Stream Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 55 | Department Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 56 | Sanitation Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 57 | Bilingual Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 58 | Second Shift Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 59 | Third Shift Production Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 60 | QC Lab Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 61 | Validation / CQV Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 62 | CAPA Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 63 | Metrology / Calibration Manager | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 64 | Lead Quality Engineer | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 65 | Quality Supervisor | Industrial Production Managers (11-3051) | $99,010 | $123,590 | $145,630 | 130 | 1.04 |
| 66 | Facilities Manager | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $90,830 | $121,730 | $140,660 | 80 | 0.95 |
| 67 | Facilities Engineer | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $90,830 | $121,730 | $140,660 | 80 | 0.95 |
| 68 | Utilities / Energy Manager | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $90,830 | $121,730 | $140,660 | 80 | 0.95 |
| 69 | VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 70 | Supply Chain Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 71 | Materials Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 72 | Logistics Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 73 | Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 74 | Chief Supply Chain Officer | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 75 | Category Manager (Direct Materials) | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 76 | Inventory Control Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 77 | Senior Production Planner | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 78 | Senior Buyer | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 79 | Director of Logistics | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 80 | Transportation Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 81 | Warehouse Supervisor | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 82 | Shipping & Receiving Manager | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071) | $80,840 | $108,040 | $134,690 | 70 | 0.66 |
| 83 | Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager | Project Management Specialists (13-1082) | $83,190 | $103,850 | $128,150 | 190 | 0.34 |
| 84 | Program Manager | Project Management Specialists (13-1082) | $83,190 | $103,850 | $128,150 | 190 | 0.34 |
| 85 | VP of Sales (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 86 | Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 87 | Director of Sales | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 88 | National Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 89 | Key Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 90 | National Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 91 | Business Development Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 92 | Territory Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 93 | Channel / Distributor Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 94 | Product Manager (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 95 | Field Service Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 96 | Senior Applications Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 97 | Lead Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 98 | Traveling Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $67,640 | $98,670 | $153,760 | 280 | 0.85 |
| 99 | Food Scientist | Food Scientists and Technologists (19-1012) | $78,760 | $96,430 | $119,670 | 40 | 5.57 |
| 100 | Product Development Scientist | Food Scientists and Technologists (19-1012) | $78,760 | $96,430 | $119,670 | 40 | 5.57 |
| 101 | VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 102 | VP of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 103 | Regional VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 104 | General Manager (Manufacturing) | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 105 | Director of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 106 | EVP / SVP Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 107 | Division / Business Unit General Manager | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 108 | Director of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $67,120 | $94,990 | $143,420 | 1,020 | 0.57 |
| 109 | Safety Specialist / Coordinator | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $77,080 | $94,470 | $113,270 | 50 | 0.7 |
| 110 | Industrial Hygienist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $77,080 | $94,470 | $113,270 | 50 | 0.7 |
| 111 | Environmental Permitting Specialist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $77,080 | $94,470 | $113,270 | 50 | 0.7 |
| 112 | Maintenance Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 113 | Director of Maintenance | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 114 | Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 115 | Maintenance & Engineering Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 116 | Asset Management / CMMS Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 117 | Tool Room Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 118 | Lead Maintenance Technician | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 119 | Senior Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 120 | Lead Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $74,940 | $93,920 | $109,350 | 290 | 0.91 |
| 121 | Manufacturing Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 122 | Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 123 | Industrial Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 124 | Yield Engineer (Semiconductor) | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 125 | Battery Cell Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 126 | Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 127 | Supplier Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 128 | Customer Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 129 | Design Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 130 | Validation Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 131 | Reliability Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 132 | Reliability Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 133 | Continuous Improvement Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 134 | Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 135 | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 136 | Director of Operational Excellence | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 137 | Supplier Development Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 138 | Lean Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 139 | Senior Manufacturing Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 140 | Senior Process Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 141 | Mold / Die Design Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 142 | Test Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 143 | Senior Quality Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 144 | Quality Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 145 | Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 146 | Maintenance Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 147 | EHS Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 148 | VP of Operational Excellence | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 149 | Director of Continuous Improvement | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 150 | Lean Specialist / Coordinator | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 151 | Master Black Belt | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 152 | Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 153 | Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 154 | Supplier Development Manager | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 155 | Material Flow / Logistics Engineer | Industrial Engineers (17-2112) | $76,080 | $91,490 | $123,270 | 40 | 0.22 |
| 156 | Automation Engineer | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 157 | Robotics Engineer | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 158 | Machine Vision Engineer | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 159 | Product Development Engineer | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 160 | Applications Engineer | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 161 | Applications Engineering Manager | Engineers, All Other (17-2199) | $83,170 | $90,450 | $123,120 | 30 | 0.44 |
| 162 | Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $62,400 | $84,020 | $102,110 | 150 | 0.72 |
| 163 | Document Control Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $62,400 | $84,020 | $102,110 | 150 | 0.72 |
| 164 | Regulatory Compliance Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $62,400 | $84,020 | $102,110 | 150 | 0.72 |
| 165 | Cost Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $64,700 | $80,420 | $104,630 | 360 | 0.49 |
| 166 | Cost Accounting Manager | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $64,700 | $80,420 | $104,630 | 360 | 0.49 |
| 167 | Senior Cost Analyst | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $64,700 | $80,420 | $104,630 | 360 | 0.49 |
| 168 | Inventory Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $64,700 | $80,420 | $104,630 | 360 | 0.49 |
| 169 | Packaging Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 170 | Tooling Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 171 | Welding Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 172 | Plant Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 173 | Mechanical Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 174 | Packaging Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 175 | Plant Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 176 | Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 177 | Product Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 178 | Product Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 179 | Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 180 | CAD Designer / Drafter | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $64,060 | $79,600 | $105,880 | 40 | 0.29 |
| 181 | Production Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 182 | Line Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 183 | Shift Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 184 | Packaging Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 185 | Production Team Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 186 | CNC Machining Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 187 | Welding Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 188 | Packaging Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $59,270 | $78,490 | $95,150 | 400 | 1.16 |
| 189 | Buyer / Senior Buyer | Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020) | $59,290 | $76,820 | $101,480 | 130 | 0.53 |
| 190 | Industrial Electrician | Electricians (47-2111) | $55,890 | $76,120 | $99,670 | 180 | 0.47 |
| 191 | PLC / Controls Technician | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094) | $57,510 | $74,270 | $86,030 | 40 | 1.18 |
| 192 | Robotics Technician | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094) | $57,510 | $74,270 | $86,030 | 40 | 1.18 |
| 193 | Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094) | $57,510 | $74,270 | $86,030 | 40 | 1.18 |
| 194 | Semiconductor Equipment Technician | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094) | $57,510 | $74,270 | $86,030 | 40 | 1.18 |
| 195 | Field Service Engineer | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 196 | Industrial Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 197 | Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 198 | Line Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 199 | Maintenance Mechanic | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 200 | Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 201 | Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 202 | Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 203 | Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 204 | Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 205 | Maintenance Technician A | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 206 | Maintenance Technician B | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 207 | Maintenance Technician C | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 208 | Traveling Millwright | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 209 | Filler Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 210 | Packaging Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 211 | End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 212 | Lead Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $59,300 | $71,990 | $80,150 | 310 | 1.38 |
| 213 | Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021) | $55,980 | $64,040 | $79,740 | 190 | 0.93 |
| 214 | Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 215 | Setup Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 216 | Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 217 | Battery Cell Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 218 | CIP Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 219 | Skilled Machine Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 220 | Utility / Relief Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 221 | Production Trainer (OJT Trainer) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 222 | Senior Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 223 | Lead Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 224 | Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 225 | Batch Maker / Compounder | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 226 | Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 227 | Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 228 | Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 229 | Retort / Thermal Process Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 230 | Brewer / Cellar Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 231 | Senior Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 232 | Lead Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $40,970 | $63,550 | $64,290 | 160 | 1.26 |
| 233 | Maintenance Planner / Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 234 | Production Planner / Master Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 235 | Inventory Control Specialist | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 236 | Demand Planner | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 237 | Supply Planner | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 238 | Production Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $49,810 | $57,760 | $75,360 | 200 | 1.01 |
| 239 | Logistics Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $44,260 | $57,400 | $76,260 | 350 | 1.1 |
| 240 | Shipping Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $44,260 | $57,400 | $76,260 | 350 | 1.1 |
| 241 | Flexographic Press Operator | Printing Press Operators (51-5112) | $39,160 | $50,640 | $50,640 | 90 | 1.23 |
| 242 | Production Welder (MIG) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 243 | TIG Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 244 | Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 245 | Welder-Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 246 | Fitter / Layout Fitter | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 247 | Sheet Metal Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 248 | Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 249 | Heat Treat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 250 | Plating / Anodizing Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 251 | Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 252 | Foundry Molder / Melt Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 253 | Lead Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $45,410 | $50,340 | $58,340 | 310 | 1.43 |
| 254 | Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 255 | Quality Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 256 | CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 257 | Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 258 | Food Safety / QA Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 259 | First Article Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 260 | Receiving / Source Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 261 | Metrology Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 262 | Microbiology Lab Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 263 | Environmental Monitoring Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 264 | Lead Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 265 | Senior CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $44,350 | $49,940 | $66,630 | 220 | 0.73 |
| 266 | CNC Setup Machinist | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161) | $49,200 | $49,200 | $49,650 | 40 | 0.41 |
| 267 | CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 268 | 5-Axis CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 269 | Swiss CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 270 | CNC Machine Operator | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 271 | Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 272 | Manual Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 273 | EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker) | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 274 | CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 275 | Lead Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 276 | Machinist A | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 277 | Machinist B | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 278 | Machinist C | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 279 | Senior CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $39,420 | $47,130 | $56,330 | 40 | 0.27 |
| 280 | Shipping & Receiving Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 281 | Hazmat Shipping Specialist | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 282 | Warehouse Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 283 | Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding) | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 284 | Production / Material Expediter | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 285 | Kitting Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 286 | Inventory Control Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $39,500 | $46,980 | $56,540 | 370 | 0.88 |
| 287 | Sanitation Technician | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $36,820 | $45,920 | $50,330 | 1,240 | 1.1 |
| 288 | Sanitation Lead | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $36,820 | $45,920 | $50,330 | 1,240 | 1.1 |
| 289 | Press Brake Operator | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031) | $36,750 | $45,130 | $56,410 | 40 | 0.44 |
| 290 | Die Setter (Stamping) | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031) | $36,750 | $45,130 | $56,410 | 40 | 0.44 |
| 291 | Certified Forklift Operator | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051) | $37,750 | $44,520 | $54,200 | 720 | 1.82 |
| 292 | Food Process Operator | Food Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099) | $36,730 | $42,430 | $55,590 | 60 | 1.69 |
What should you know about not published by BLS?
Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Process Engineering Manager, Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineer (Plant), Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer, Controls / Automation Manager, VP of Engineering, Director of R&D, Electrical Design Engineer, Formulation Chemist, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Sales Engineer, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Bioprocess Technician, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Procurement Manager, Director of Manufacturing Engineering, NPI 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, Lead Controls Technician, Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A), Lead Controls Engineer, Controls Supervisor, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), R&D Manager, R&D Engineer, Engineering Manager (Product), Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Lead Product Development Engineer, QC Microbiology Manager, Director of Procurement, Commodity 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.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Merced, CA. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.
Reading this wage estimate
What does this data mean for your opening?
The industrial profile of the Merced, CA metro hub is captured through five distinct roles that highlight local labor market variations. Manufacturing Headhunters identifies these positions as essential to the regional manufacturing base. The CEO / President (Manufacturing) role reports a median of $181,660, which is below the national median of $213,990. This role experienced a negative medianChange of $15,870.
The middle band width for this position is $149,820, reflecting a wide variance in executive pay that is typical for these roles when evaluated at the metro scale.
The CFO (Manufacturing) position shows a median of $134,170, which is lower than the national median of $166,570. Its middle band width stands at $85,920. In comparison, the Plant HR Manager role exhibits a median of $153,210, a figure slightly higher than the national median of $149,280. The HR manager role has a middle band width of $71,010. These figures, while helpful for baseline benchmarking, do not capture employer-provided benefits, which often form a significant part of the compensation package in the manufacturing sector.
For production-focused roles, the Certified Forklift Operator reports a median of $44,520, which is marginally lower than the national median of $46,420. Additionally, the food process operator reports a median of $42,430, higher than the national median of $39,680. The location quotient of 1.69 for this role underscores the regional importance of the food processing industry. Comparing these figures to the nearby Modesto or San Jose metros allows for a broader view of regional competitiveness, though hiring managers should focus on specific role mappings rather than just broad wage levels. Manufacturing Headhunters notes that BLS occupation data is limited in its scope, as it combines data from many employers regardless of their specific manufacturing niche or product type.
Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?
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What is the reason for the negative median change in some roles?
The median change reflects year-over-year adjustments in reported earnings for an occupation. These shifts can be caused by changes in reporting, composition of the workforce, or overall economic factors within the metro area.
How does the national CFO median differ from the Merced reported median?
The national median represents a broad, aggregated survey of financial managers across all U.S. industries. The Merced reported median is specifically for the metro, which may have different market pressures or specific employer dynamics.
Why are benefits not included in these wage calculations?
The BLS OEWS survey is designed to capture gross hourly or annual earnings rather than the total cost of employment. Benefits are excluded, requiring recruiters to factor these in separately for total compensation analysis.
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