Occupations51-9198.00

Helpers--Production Workers

Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill.

Median annual pay
$38,220

BLS, 2024

Employment
168,500

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
-8.9%

2024–34

Annual openings
23,600

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
  2. 02Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
  3. 03Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.
  4. 04Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
  5. 05Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.
  6. 06Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
  7. 07Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines.
  8. 08Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
  9. 09Transfer finished products, raw materials, tools, or equipment between storage and work areas of plants and warehouses, by hand or using hand trucks or powered lift trucks.
  10. 10Pack and store materials and products.
  11. 11Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment.
  12. 12Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMathematicsActive LearningLearning StrategiesWritingScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 168,500 in 2024 to 153,500 in 2034, a -8.9% change.

BLS projects an average of 23,600 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.