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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Wausau, WI

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 287 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$202,460
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$202,460
  3. Senior Director of Operations$202,460
  4. CFO (Manufacturing)$131,320
  5. Corporate Controller$131,320
  6. Plant Controller$131,320
  7. VP of Finance$131,320
  8. Division Controller$131,320
  9. Assistant Plant Controller$131,320
  10. FP&A Manager (Operations)$131,320
  11. Senior Plant Controller$131,320
  12. Senior Cost Accountant$131,320
  13. Plant HR Manager$131,240
  14. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$126,530
  15. Process Engineering Manager$126,530
  16. Controls / Automation Manager$126,530
  17. VP of Engineering$126,530
  18. Director of R&D$126,530
  19. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$126,530
  20. NPI Manager$126,530
  21. Capital Projects Manager$126,530
  22. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$126,530
  23. Senior Industrial Engineer$126,530
  24. Senior Packaging Engineer$126,530
  25. Director of Automation$126,530

Bars show the top 25 of 287 ranked. The table below lists all 287. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Wausau, WI, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$143,800$202,460$302,6901201.3
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$143,800$202,460$302,6901201.3
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$143,800$202,460$302,6901201.3
4CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
5Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
6Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
7VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
8Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
9Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
10FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
11Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
12Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$97,770$131,320$167,2103000.8
13Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$102,050$131,240$156,560700.7
14Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
15Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
16Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
17VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
18Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
19Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
20NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
21Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
22Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
23Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
24Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
25Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
26Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
27Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
28R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
29R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
30Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
31Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
32Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$104,430$126,530$142,7501001.02
33VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
34Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
35Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
36National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
37Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
38National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
39Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
40Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
41Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
42Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
43Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
44Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
45Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
46Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$92,170$123,230$160,8101900.68
47Purchasing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$95,110$121,610$130,880401.01
48Strategic Sourcing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$95,110$121,610$130,880401.01
49Procurement ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$95,110$121,610$130,880401.01
50Director of ProcurementPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$95,110$121,610$130,880401.01
51Commodity ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$95,110$121,610$130,880401.01
52VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
53VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
54Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
55General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
56Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
57EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
58Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
59Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$75,250$107,550$159,5408100.52
60Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$89,640$102,420$137,640400.61
61Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$89,640$102,420$137,640400.61
62Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$89,640$102,420$137,640400.61
63PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$80,380$98,650$126,6601900.25
64MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$80,380$98,650$126,6601900.25
65SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$80,380$98,650$126,6601900.25
66Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$80,380$98,650$126,6601900.25
67Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$80,380$98,650$126,6601900.25
68Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
69EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
70EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
71Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
72Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
73Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
74S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
75Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
76Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
77Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
78Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
79Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
80EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
81Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,110$98,060$128,9002400.87
82Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
83Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
84Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
85Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
86Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
87Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
88Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
89Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
90Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
91Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
92Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
93Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
94Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
95Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
96Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
97Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
98Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
99Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
100Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
101Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
102Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
103Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
104Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
105Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
106Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
107Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
108EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
109VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
110Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
111Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
112Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
113Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
114Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
115Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
116Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$76,420$92,120$106,3303101.9
117Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$74,540$88,940$111,8603900.81
118Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$74,540$88,940$111,8603900.81
119Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
120Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
121Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
122Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
123Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
124Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
125Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
126Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
127Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$77,750$85,210$107,410600.69
128Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$73,600$85,010$98,270600.94
129Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$73,600$85,010$98,270600.94
130Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$73,600$85,010$98,270600.94
131MillwrightMillwrights (49-9044)$70,820$83,480$89,440502.71
132VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
133Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
134Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
135Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
136Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
137Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
138Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
139Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
140Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
141Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
142Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
143Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
144Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
145Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$65,860$82,500$104,6601101.11
146Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
147Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
148Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
149Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
150Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
151Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
152Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
153Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
154Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,200$79,870$102,0203901.4
155Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
156Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
157Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
158Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
159Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
160Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
161Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
162Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
163Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
164Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
165Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
166CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$73,960$79,340$98,2402401.84
167Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$50,190$78,680$86,4604801.42
168Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,790$77,680$98,7905300.81
169Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,790$77,680$98,7905300.81
170Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,790$77,680$98,7905300.81
171Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,790$77,680$98,7905300.81
172Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
173Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
174Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
175Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
176Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
177CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
178Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
179Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$60,670$73,790$84,2001,0003.32
180Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$57,680$73,320$92,770800.43
181Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$57,680$73,320$92,770800.43
182Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$57,680$73,320$92,770800.43
183Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$58,170$68,490$82,6602301.03
184Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
185Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
186Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
187Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
188Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
189Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
190Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
191Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
192Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
193Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
194Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
195Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
196Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
197Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
198Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
199Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
200End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
201Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$51,700$64,040$73,5705602.84
202Tool and Die MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$58,030$63,570$73,480602.26
203Mold MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$58,030$63,570$73,480602.26
204Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,350$60,460$72,3502600.92
205Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$48,350$60,460$72,3502600.92
206CNC ProgrammerComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162)$52,000$59,160$65,720403.41
207Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$47,550$59,110$73,1801400.75
208CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$48,310$57,330$62,4401902.48
209Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
210Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
211Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
212Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
213Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
214Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,530$56,050$64,6102701.57
215Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
216TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
217Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
218Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
219Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
220Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
221Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
222Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
223Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
224Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
225Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
226Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$50,270$55,780$58,6509305
227CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
2285-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
229Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
230CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
231Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
232Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
233EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
234CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
235Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
236Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
237Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
238Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
239Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$45,560$53,680$60,3003602.8
240Robotic Welding TechnicianWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)$48,460$52,670$55,950302.44
241Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$45,130$50,650$60,1301201.8
242Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
243Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
244CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
245Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
246Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
247First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
248Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
249Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
250Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
251Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
252Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
253Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$44,120$50,250$58,8306302.35
254Extrusion TechnicianExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4021)$45,550$48,660$57,000602.24
255Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
256Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
257Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
258Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
259Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
260Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
261Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$40,360$47,850$53,1905401.47
262Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$43,850$46,470$52,0203504.56
263Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$43,850$46,470$52,0203504.56
264Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
265Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
266Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
267Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
268CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
269Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
270Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
271Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
272Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
273Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
274Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
275Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
276Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
277Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
278Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
279Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
280Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
281Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
282Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$40,130$46,180$52,2801201.08
283GMP Manufacturing TechnicianChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$42,410$46,120$56,180400.72
284Aseptic Fill OperatorChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$42,410$46,120$56,180400.72
285Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$37,960$44,040$48,2003000.87
286Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$31,600$36,800$43,9209700.98
287Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$31,600$36,800$43,9209700.98

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Plant Manager, Plant Director / Site Director, Assistant Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift), Plant Startup / Launch Manager, Sanitation Manager, Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Vision Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer, Director of Quality, Quality Manager, QC Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, Quality Systems Manager, FSQA Manager, FSQA Director, Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner, Sales Engineer, Applications Engineer, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Chemical Operator, Bioprocess Technician, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, QA Manager, Production Superintendent, Area Manager, Value Stream Manager, Department Manager, Sanitation Supervisor, Bilingual Production Supervisor, Second Shift Production Supervisor, Third Shift Production Supervisor, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, QC Lab Manager, Validation / CQV Manager, CAPA Manager, Metrology / Calibration Manager, QC Microbiology Manager, Lead Quality Engineer, Quality Supervisor, Inside Sales Engineer, Applications Engineering Manager, 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.

State figures for Wisconsin

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Wausau, WI. 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 Wausau, WI, area, the CEO / President (Manufacturing) position is represented by 120 individuals within the SOC 11-1011 Chief Executives category. The May 2025 median salary for this role is $202,460, reflecting a significant decline from the previous $236,650 median. For manufacturing occupations in Wausau, WI, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation.

They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them. For manufacturing occupations in Wausau, WI, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded.

The national data for this occupation counts 204,350 employees with a median salary of $213,990. The local median in Wausau is slightly lower than the national figure. For manufacturing occupations in Wausau, WI, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them. For specialized manufacturing context, the national industry median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing is $409,320, illustrating that industrial leadership in specific high-value manufacturing niches often commands salaries far exceeding the broad-category averages.

Comparing regional peers provides context on executive-level leadership pay. For manufacturing occupations in Wausau, WI, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them. These nearby metros reveal varying degrees of executive-level pay, with some regions showing higher median values than Wausau. The location quotient for this role in Wausau is 1.3, which indicates a higher concentration of executive roles compared to the national average.

The decline in the median salary from the previous reference period highlights the potential for volatility in broad-category reporting. Because this occupation covers every sector, firms should treat the provided data as an initial benchmark rather than a direct reflection of manufacturing industry-specific leadership pay. Manufacturers in Wausau must consider that this high-level classification includes diverse leadership profiles. Given the local location quotient of 1.3, there is a relatively healthy density of these roles locally, but recruitment strategies should still integrate industry-specific data to account for the unique demands of plant leadership.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

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

What can I conclude from the two release estimates?

The drop from $236,650 to $202,460 reflects changes in the pool of respondents within this broad occupational category. Broad SOC reporting can be sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of different organizational leaders each year.

How does the local executive median compare to the national industry median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing?

The local broad executive median is $202,460, which is significantly lower than the national industry-specific median of $409,320. Specialized manufacturing sectors typically offer much higher leadership compensation than general occupational averages.

What does a 1.3 location quotient suggest for Wausau?

A location quotient of 1.3 indicates that executive-level roles are 30% more concentrated in the Wausau area than the national average. This confirms the area has a high proportional density of these management roles.

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

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