What this job is
Production operators and assemblers are the backbone of any factory, running lines and building products. It is the most accessible way into manufacturing — and the best plants pair it with training that leads to higher-paid technician and lead roles.
Will AI replace it?
Repetitive production-line work is a prime target for robotics and AI over a decade. We rate it 4/10 for AI-resilience.
Where it's hiring now
- Production Team Member — Conagra, Fayetteville, AR ($17–$21/hr)
- Production Operator — HMGMA, Bryan County, GA ($19–$23/hr)
- Production Team Member — Tyson Caseyville, Caseyville, IL ($17–$20/hr)
- Assembly Production Operator — GE Appliances, Louisville, KY ($18.76–$24/hr)
- Production Team Member — Chobani / La Colombe, Norton Shores, MI ($18–$23/hr)
- Production Team Member — Toyota Battery NC, Liberty, NC ($22–$28/hr)
- Fiber / Cable Production Operator — Corning, Hickory, NC ($20–$27/hr)
- Production Operator (Syringe) — BD, Columbus, NE ($19–$25/hr)
- Switchgear Assembler — Eaton, Bellevue, NE ($19–$25/hr)
- Assembler / Production Associate — Oxbo, Bergen, NY ($19–$26/hr)
- Production Operator — Schreiber Foods, Shippensburg, PA ($19–$24/hr)
- Battery Production Associate — BMW Woodruff, Woodruff, SC ($20–$27/hr)
- Manufacturing / Assembly Technician — Apple, Houston, TX ($22–$32/hr)
- Production Assembler — Generac, Sussex, WI ($19–$25/hr)
Common questions
How much does a production operator / assembler make?
At the plants tracked here, pay runs about . Actual pay varies by employer, location, and experience; the figures shown are regional and industry benchmarks.
Do I need a degree to become a production operator / assembler?
Most postings list: HS Diploma / GED. Relevant certifications and training (HMGMA paid training — 4–6 wks at GNTC) often matter as much as formal education.
Will AI or robots replace production operator / assembler jobs?
We score this role 4/10 for AI-resilience (10 = very unlikely to be automated). Repetitive production-line work is a prime target for robotics and AI over a decade.
Where can I find production operator / assembler jobs right now?
14 of the new and expanding U.S. plants on Forge are hiring for this role. See the list on this page; each links to the company's application page.