What Helpers--Production Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Helpers--Production Workers this way: "Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators"; "Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards"; "Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions"; "Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists"; "Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Helpers--Production Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 167,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 153,600 in 2035, a decrease of 13,800 jobs (-8.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 20,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,070, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Helpers--Production Workers earn the most
Published data currently covers Texas, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $36,881. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Helpers--Production Workers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-9000) include Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers and Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.
Frequently asked questions about Helpers--Production Workers
How much do Helpers--Production Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,070.
Is Helpers--Production Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 8.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 20,900 openings a year.
What education do Helpers--Production Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.