Careers in manufacturing
- Offer solid pay and benefits
- Longevity
- Diversity of tasks
- Lots of movement, usually not sitting all day
- Building amazing products
- Being a part of the American Made revolution
- Two-year certifications or short-term degrees
- Less debt after college
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Resource Guide - click to view
This Resource Guide provides the best in Washington’s Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing industry for career exploration. Order a copy, or view the eBook.
Career Exploration
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Average Industry Salaries for Top Jobs
Manufacturing Technician $30,000 – 58,000
CNC Machinist $28,000 – $58,000
Avionics Engineer $65,000 – $131,000
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician $31,000 – $74,000
Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanic $34,000 – $75,000
Composite Technician $25,000 – $70,000
Aerospace Design / Design Engineer $58,000 – $132,000
Salary estimates provided by payscale.com. All estimates have been rounded to nearest base amount (i.e. if pay is $65,789, the example shows $65,000).
Careers in Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing in Washington State
Washington State is one of the top aerospace manufacturers in the world. Thousands of jobs are offered each year to those skilled in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Many jobs that are posted go unfilled, leaving a gap in positions for many manufacturing companies.
The jobs exist for those with the right training
If you are ready to try a dynamic, well-paying career, aerospace and advanced manufacturing may be for you.
Washington has thousands of manufacturing companies building everything from aircraft lavatories to wing assemblies and full planes. In addition, there are many supporting manufacturers that provide pieces to the larger manufactures – everything from tiny screws used in precision machining to molded composite seats.
Community College Training
Washington has 34 Community and Technical Colleges. Each school offers a variety of programs to support the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry. There are colleges within or near every major town and many have specialties.
Search for statewide programs.
Those who attend local community colleges and take career or technical programs, like the ones you’ll find on the State Board for Community and Technical Education website will likely find jobs faster and with less college debt.
